Interviews About Albums: Caustic Waves - Full Circle (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the UK Melodic Alternative Rock/Post-Hardcore artist Caustic Waves to ask some questions about his upcoming album "Full Circle". 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

The new EP is called 'Full Circle' and is really the end of the first chapter of Caustic Waves. I started recording the 6 songs for the EP way back in March 2020, just as lockdown kicked off. I produced and mixed the EP in my home studio, and it was really an excuse to improve my production/mixing skills. It was a slow process, working away on the songs in the evenings/weekends, in between working full time and family commitments. It took about 18 months until mixing was finished, and I sent it off for mastering. I launched Caustic Waves with the debut single 'Regenerate' in March 2022. I then spent the rest of 2022 building my following through a series of single releases. It's all been leading up to the EP release though, and I'm really excited about having the 6 songs together as I originally intended. I'm particularly excited about the physical release, the Limited Edition CD (available via Bandcamp).

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

It popped into my head when I was still working on the recording, and it felt like a good title to describe my musical journey. The music is very influenced by my favorite alternative rock/metal/post-hardcore bands from the late 90s / early 00s. I started writing my own songs around 2001 when I was 19 and recorded a home DIY album in 2002/03. I then spent the next 15 years or so playing in different bands - I was a guitarist in the alternative metal band Keitel, and then played bass and sang harmonies in the power pop/rock band, The Chinaskis. After years in more of a supporting role in bands, Caustic Waves is really the first time since the DIY home album that I've done a solo project. So, in a sense, I've come to Full Circle back to my teenage years, and am now continuing the sound of the late 90s / early 00s.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Since I'm a one-man band, the EP was entirely composed by myself. I'm very much a DIY artist - I wrote, performed, produced, and mixed the EP. Although I miss having other musicians to bounce ideas off of, I love having complete creative control over every aspect of the music and production.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

To me, 'Regenerate' is probably the stand-out track, which is why I chose it as the debut single. It encompasses what Caustic Waves is about - loud guitars, but with melodic vocals backed by layers of harmonies. It's lyrically quite personal too, with themes of self-improvement and growth.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

There's not really an overall message to the EP, I approached the lyrics for each song individually. There are some common themes though, and I do try to keep a positive message in each song. 'Regenerate' and 'Evolution' has similar themes, about leaving behind negativity and becoming the best version of yourself. Similarly, 'Barriers' and 'Knocking At My Door' are both about controlling relationships and finding freedom.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

On the theme of improving yourself and escaping negativity: From 'Regenerate': "Give me strength so I can change, and I'll make amends for everything". From 'Evolution': "Cut the anchor to stay afloat, or drown in negativity".

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically, I'm very inspired and influenced by bands like Helmet, Kerbdog, and Far. I really like the mix of heavy rhythm guitars with melodic vocal hooks. John Stanier (the original drummer for Helmet) is an important inspiration too - he has a very distinctive groove, and my approach to drums is very influenced by his style. I have to thank my brother-in-law Adrian McGurn for his brilliant harmonies on the final section of 'Idiocracy'. Adrian leads the Irish traditional folk group Solás, and also lived with my family for a few months during the initial lockdown in 2020. Adrian is a teacher and home-schooled my two children during that time, so it felt very appropriate to get his voice on a song about the importance of education. More than anything, I want to thank my wife Karina and my boys Jamie and Charlie for their understanding and support. The recording and release of the EP have been a long journey and they've been incredibly patient with me as I've locked myself away in the studio for many hours to work on the recording, mixing, and promotion.

8. Something to add?

Thanks to anyone that has taken the time to listen to my music, I really appreciate it. If you're a fan of 90s-ish heavy alternative rock, bands like Incubus, Far, Deftones, and Helmet, then please check out the EP. The response has been incredibly positive since I launched Caustic Waves a year ago, and I'm really excited about the release of the 'Full Circle' EP. I'm also really looking forward to the next chapter, and I'll soon be switching gears and getting to work on writing/recording the next set of songs!