Interviews: Same Gods

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore/Rock band, Same Gods, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or it just came out like that?

Jon [Vocals]: The band name comes from the John Prine song “Pretty Good”. I listen to John Prine while I drive - it’s better than any podcast and I still get my stories. He sings, “I heard Allah and Buddha were singing at the Savior’s feast, And up in the sky an Arabian rabbi fed Quaker oats to a priest. Pretty good, not bad, they can’t complain. Cause actually all them gods are just about the same”. RIP JP

2. How do you describe your sound? Why did you want to play this genre?

Steve [Drums]: The sound is dark, melodic, heavy, and nostalgic. It is very much our creative spin on the 90's alt/rock and post hardcore that inspired us to get into playing music as kids. We tried to take a more traditional approach to these songs with respect to that era, recording and mixing on an analog console and relying more on the arrangements themselves than modern production tricks.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Steve: Yes, we have all lived in Syracuse, NY at some point and have been fans of each others' projects for years.

4. What is each band member's favorite band/artist?

Jon: I’ve been on a LCD Soundsystem kick for years

Shane [Bass]: Children of Bodom.

Steve: Impossible to name a singular favorite, but lately I can't get enough of The Japanese House.

Brendon [Guitar]: Yeah, this is a tough one. I guess the one artist/ album that I have gone back to the most over the years, would be "Grace", by Jeff Buckley. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Brendon: This is always a hard thing to put my finger on as inspiration can come in waves and for seemingly different reasons. Most times, I write songs all at once, to try and capture the general feeling of a moment. But honestly, if I just sit and play my guitar long enough, something comes out. One riff tends to inspire the next and it builds from there. Usually by the time I am done writing, it is time to record and prepare an album, so there is always a natural break to allow for another wave of inspiration to come along.

6. Have you played any live gigs / plan to?

Steve: We're currently a studio project, as we have members scattered across the country but would definitely love to perform these tracks live if the opportunity ever presents itself.

7. Have any of you suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Jon: Of course! From time to time everybody gets a little tickle in their stomach - or even a case of throw ups. I remember one time I was playing Fluff Fest in front of thousands of people and I was sure I was going to sh*t my pants - like there was a do or die moment where I had to either go start the set or run backstage. Luckily, after a couple of songs it faded. Best course of action is to get out there, rely on all that time you spent rehearsing and just do your thing. Also, don’t sh*t your pants in front of thousands of people.

Shane: Yes, absolutely. For myself it's always been about putting one foot in front of the other, get up there and do it. The first time it's going to feel weird but the more you're willing to put yourself out there the less weird it feels. 

Brendon: For me, almost every show starts with butterflies and I have forgotten the opening riff of a song once or twice, in that moment of panic. Luckily, I have always leaned on my band members for support. I can't imagine what it is like to be up on stage alone. Once you get into that first song, the fear subsides and it becomes fun.

8. What bands have inspired you the most?

Jon: Vocally, I was really inspired by The National on this record. Matt Berninger’s delivery is laid back and he lets the music come to him. I was definitely consciously channeling him throughout the record.

Shane: For me it’s Children of Bodom, The Mars Volta, Jamiroquai, Glassjaw, and Behemoth.

Brendon: Bands like Testament, The Haunted and Soilwork were what inspired me to start playing the guitar. But I would say bands like Failure, Helmet, Handsome and Soundgarden were the inspirations behind the Same Gods material.

Steve: I always loved the challenge of playing drums with urgency and in odd meters, so bands like Mock Orange, Shai Hulud, Choke, and Lifetime had a huge influence on me when I was younger, and still inform a lot of my creative choices in this project.

9. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Jon: My underwear.

Shane: My hair.

10. What do you think of your fans?

Steve: We're a brand new project and are super appreciative of anyone willing to take the time to check us out, and we're thankful we had the opportunity to make this record. As a band full of lifelong creatives, we're always stoked when something we have had a hand in resonates with people.

11. What do you think of our site?

Steve: It's awesome, especially the features of album art. Thank you so much for having us!

12. Anything else to add?

Steve: Our debut album, “Worried Eyes” is out July 10th, 2020, on all major music platforms. We hope you enjoy it!