Who is Silent Ships and how did it come about?
On the records, Silent Ships is just myself, I write and perform everything you hear on an SS record.
When I perform live I'm privileged to work with an amazing performing cast of 5 other musicians
It came about when I was in HS in the days of MySpace. I wrote a song, went to record it at a friend’s house, posted it up and called the music page Silent Ships. I've been releasing music under that name ever since.
How would you describe your music for the unacquainted?
That's tuff, I wouldn't want to limit it to any genre.
I would say it's got some soul.
What are you up to at the moment?
Just got home from the studio, answering these questions, then going to bed.
How is the recording process for your second album going?
Exciting!! It's an experience beyond words. Tiring at times.. My sessions are normally from 11pm to 5am. So I'm definitely losing some sleep! I'm not complaining though, it's coming out great so far!!! Without a doubt worth the loss of sleep.
What details can you confirm about the album?
It's going to be very different from the first album; both from a composition and sonic standpoint. Also I won't be releasing this one as Silent Ships; Still making albums the same way though.
How has your sound developed since the debut?
It's developed as I've developed. My writing will always reflect where I am at that point in my life. I wrote a lot of the songs on T.I.M.E when I was 18 or 19. Those songs were also written for the instrumentation of a standard 5 piece rock band. I'm exploring a lot more instruments and styles of music with this album.
How was working with Chris Badami on the debut? What type of approach did he take? And how did impact upon you?
It was a fucking amazing experience. We originally planned on just recording an E.P, but then ended up getting the budget to produce a full length. It took me three trips of flying out to his studio in New Jersey to finish that album, and every time I was there he did a lot more than his job. He really went out of his way to make sure I was comfortable enough to be creative. We did a lot of things that went against the books. On "here's to the chance" I didn't feel comfortable in the vocal booth, so he let me track in the control room. Little things like that make the biggest difference; it's all about feeling comfortable and free to create.
Recording my debut studio album with him was a hype since he recorded a lot of the bands I use to listen to growing up. (The Early November, The Starting Line and other Driv- thru records bands.)
My first trip out he told me he knew I would be back and that I was going to continue making records and that I was going to be successful. He said our sessions reminded him of his first times working with Ace Enders and Kenny Vasoli.
Chris has worked with a ton of successful bands and artist such as Gabe of Cobra Starship, I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody's Business, The Dillinger Escape Plan and more. So coming from him it was motivational to say the least. It assured me that this is what I was going to be doing for the rest of my life.
How do you approach writing a song? Do you start with the lyrics? The instrumentation?
It always starts with a feeling, something has to inspire me.. I never just write to write.
After I get that feeling; that spark, I find the nearest instrument and just let it let it set fire. It's never the exact same process but most of the time music first, then a vocal melody. Mumble threw it a bit. Then once I've got the formatting down I'll go back and be a bit more selective with the lyrics I'm using to convey that feeling.
After I have that foundation down. ( Vocals and a root instrument ) I'll demo it out and add other instruments as I see fit.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Finish this album, play as many shows as I can and tour much as possible.
What bands influence you?
Copeland, The Beatles, Circa, and he's not a band but my biggest musical influence hands down is Michael Jackson.
Three fun facts about yourself
1. I'm friendly
2. I love the ninja turtles
3. Drums are my favorite instrument
If Silent Ships was a movie, what would it be?
Uhh... Some crazy questions... making me get all deep...
It would be something like "Edward scissor hands" meets "what dreams may come"
Final words?
Thank you very much for having me and thanks to everyone who has supported my musical endeavors thus far; I appreciate it.
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