Interviews: Waves Without Sound

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Rock band Waves Without Sound from Australia. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

The name WAVES WITHOUT SOUND came about pretty organically. I was doing what I think a lot of musicians do - coming up with what I thought were awesome band names, only to Google them and find out they were already taken! At some point, the name WAVES WITHOUT SOUND just came to me, and it stuck. I liked the imagery, especially the connection to the ocean, which is a big part of who I am. There’s also something a bit mysterious about what it could mean. The name had a particular personal meaning for me at the time, but I like that it’s open to interpretation. 

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

I just wanted to create the kind of music I’d want to listen to: heavy, extreme metal sections, soft acoustic or folky parts, complex, progressive, technical stuff. And beyond that, I wanted the freedom to express any emotion or musical idea that came to me. Progressive rock and metal are just the most natural genres for that approach.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

This one doesn’t really apply since WAVES WITHOUT SOUND is a solo project. I played pretty much everything on the album except for drums, which were performed by the incredible Australian session drummer Robin Stone.

4. What is each band member’s favourite band?

This is a hard question; it changes daily! But if I had to pick just one right now, I’d say Opeth. One of my all-time favourite albums is Morningrise, which I know isn’t the most common choice among Opeth fans. But that album meant a lot to me when I was younger, and it still does. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Most of my inspiration comes from trying to express emotional experiences through music. I also get a lot of musical ideas from dreams, which is pretty cool. I’ve had many experiences of dreaming a song and then forcing myself to wake up and record the idea before it disappears. The ocean is another big influence for me. It captures that feeling of vastness, turbulence, and beauty all at once. I’m also a surfer, so I spend a lot of time in the water reflecting on things, including songwriting.

6. Where was your last gig?

WAVES WITHOUT SOUND is a studio project for now, so no gigs are planned yet. But I’d love to play live in the future.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

Honestly, I’d be happy to play anywhere. Playing live is so much fun! That said, Opeth are playing the Sydney Opera House again later this year, and even though it’s a total dream, I’ll say that! Doc 1400292800.1

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

I’ve actually already collaborated with one of my childhood heroes on the second WAVES WITHOUT SOUND album, which is currently in the works. But… it’s a secret for now! I'll also say here that I was incredibly fortunate to get to collaborate with Kevin Shirley on the mixing of this album. He has mixed so many legendary albums over the years, so it was a real honour to have him behind the desk for ESCAPE!

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

Probably just people I’ve tried to collaborate with in the past who burned me. And I’m never collaborating with Vanilla Ice or Justin Bieber! 

10. Have you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

I haven’t really experienced stage fright in the bands I’ve played with in the past. When you’re in the moment, focusing on the music and the atmosphere, it’s amazing! If I had any advice for beginners, I’d say try to ground yourself in the sound and the moment.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

Way too many to name, but some of the big ones would be Opeth, Dream Theatre, Alcest, Savatage, Gentle Giant, Katatonia, Shadow Gallery, Helloween, Spock's Beard, Edge of Sanity, Maudlin of the Well, Fates Warning, Pain of Salvation, Agalloch... and more. Not all of those influences are obvious in WAVES WITHOUT SOUND, but they all feed into the bigger pool of inspiration that shapes how I write.

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Since the project hasn’t gone public yet in a big way, I haven’t had that experience, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time!

13. What do you think of your fans?

If someone connects with what I’ve created, that means everything to me. Music is such a personal thing to write, so if it resonates with someone else, that’s one of the most meaningful parts of the whole process.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great to see a site that actually supports underground and independent music. That matters so much, and I really appreciate it.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I’m really proud of what I’ve done so far with WAVES WITHOUT SOUND. It’s deeply personal music, and I hope people who hear it can find something in it that speaks to their own experience. Thanks for your interest!

WAVES WITHOUT SOUND/ Philip Brown (Vocals, guitars, keys, songwriting)