Today, we sat down with Illusions of Grandeur to talk their inspiration to write music, type of music they listened to growing up, and much more! Be sure to check out the music of Illusions of Grandeur on Spotify below after the interview!
Interview:
What is your inspiration to write your music? Is it your
surroundings?
The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.
Illusions of Grandeur’s latest album “The Siren” was recorded mainly in their private studio, Valley Road Recoding in Lancaster, PA. Vocal overdubs and additional tracking were done at multiple studios across the United States such as Sunset Sound and Western Audio in Los Angles and Silk studios in New Orleans, LA. Additionally the tracks Falling, and Demons were Co-produced by David Ivory at Ivory Sound Studios. The final mixing and mastering were done at Valley Road Recording.
It was an amazing and varied experience as a majority of the writing took place before the 2020 pandemic and the record was made during the lock down. This time allowed the band to experiment with different wring styles and sounds.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Illusions of Grandeur’s influences come from many genres of course starting with metal; like Korn, In This Moment Metallica, Avatar and Evanescence. Each member draws off their individual influences as well which are varied from The Siren’s love of Classic rock like Janis Joplin and heart to CM’s love of The Smiths, Supertramp Soundgarden into Ted’s love of death metal and more. IOG feels this just adds to the sound and allows the band to explore a lot of themes in their music. We still listen to these artists and many, many more.
What would you describe as your favourite song you have recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?
I would have to say “Upon my Life” would be a favourite, because of the mix of metal and rock also the tempo really shows off the bands playing. IOG’s “Upon My Life” video was shot live at the tail end of The Rise of The Demons tour 2022 at The Vanguard in Hampton, VA. Upon My Life captures a section of the band’s live show. Additionally, the “Take Me Alive” video was shot at the same show.
I would say the most requested song would be “Silent Suicide” from our debut album “The Songs of The Siren”, Crowds love to sing along with that one.
If you weren’t a musician, would you be doing today?
I do not remember a time when music wasn’t a force in my life, even before I played an instrument.
I could not imagine doing anything else, it is who I am.
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create
music?
Playing in a band or making music is a journey. In order to be successful, you have to know what your idea of success is. It’s a rough road either way and being committed and understanding that it takes time and growth, both skills and knowledge while your developing the band and songs is key.
Always understand that this is your journey, even in a band. So, make the most of it and be creative, always.
Illusions of Grandeur’s aspirations would be simple, to continue to make music and release it as well as continue to tour worldwide, no day is promised so we are going to make the most of the time we have!
Music:
