Interviews: The Reticent

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band, The Reticent, 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 came out just like that?

The name The Reticent came from the fact that I was writing about things that were often kept hidden and people stayed silent about.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I just started writing, and my writing continually evolved, so the genre of progressive metal was more bestowed on the band than sought out. It makes sense, though, as I want no limits on what I'm creating, as I want some moments to be viciously aggressive while others need to be heartbreakingly tender. Progressive metal seems to be the genre most accepting of these extreme dichotomies.

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

James joined the band in 2017 shortly after I released "On The Eve Of A Goodbye." We had loosely known each other in the local music scene, but our friendship actually formed concurrently with our musical endeavors. Paul, we had known through our mutual friend Josh Ward (RIP) and his band Voraath. I was actually asked to join Voraath last year, but that was cut short when Ward's life was tragically ended. Paul joined us towards the end of 2024.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Chris: Neurosis

James: Dream Theater

Paul: Soilwork

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

All of The Reticent's songs are inspired by events or things with which I must contend. For instance, "The Oubliette" was about watching a family member go through the stages of Alzheimer's, and the new album "Please" is about the disorders and struggles that I have on a daily basis.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last performance was the Progstorm Festival in Montreal, Canada.

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere that you would like us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

The Contortionist, Cynic, BTBAM.

9. Whom not?

I don't know that there is anyone realistically.

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

Yes, I have definitely suffered from stage fright. Still do. The way to beat it, for me, is to just dive into it. Perform in front of others, and whether it is good or bad, you will see that the world did not in fact end. The thing I do is to go into my own head and just play as though there were no one else around. Music is about expression, and you are expressing yourself - don't let the audience change that for you, be your authentic self.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

A litany of artists has influenced me. Neurosis, Beethoven, Emperor, Borknagar, Metallica, Terry Reid, Nobuo Uematsu, etc.

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

A fan once asked for a strand of my hair.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think our fans are thoughtful, emotionally intelligent people. They are people who understand things like grief and mental illness and look for music that has something to say. They are always very kind and gracious whenever I've had the opportunity to talk with them.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it looks awesome!

15. Something to add?

I hope people will check out our new videos and listen to "please" when it releases on Nov. 13th. Other than that, tell the people in your life that you love them - one day it will be for the last time and you won't know it.