Interviews: Built For The Future

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Rock band Built For The Future 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 did it just come out like that? 

When we started our new collaboration in 2014, I wanted to find a name that would get Kenny’s attention. He loves the FIXX. So I scoured every song title looking for a cool band name, found two. Sense the Adventure and Built for the Future. Since we had been friends for years, met in the past, and now playing together…guess which one I picked?

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

I grew up listening to prog, and in the 80s got deep into alternative, progressive pop like Tears for Fears, Seal, The Fixx, Ultravox, and U2. I love the magic and freedom of progressive rock and the arrangement and accessibility of progressive/alternative. So it's a natural melding of the two in my view.

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

Yes, Kenny and I met in the 80s. We both had bands and played shows together. Stayed friends, worked on our own solo stuff through the 90’s and early 2000’s. And then one day at a Barnes and Noble book store, I ran into Kenny, and he showed me some stuff he was working on. I took him to my car and played some stuff I was working on. He really liked my production, I really marvelled at his vocals….sooo…we got this idea.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

We both have many, but to give you a short list for me: Beatles, Yes, Rush, Tears for Fears, and Genesis.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

The whole art of it. I love concepts and themes. I love digging into making it cohesive, and the songs fit. I enjoy great song titles that inspire great lyrics. Both Kenny and I write the lyrics, and it's so rewarding. But mostly, once the melodies are established and the song gets to the stage, you can really hear the potential in the demo…such an amazing feeling.

6. Where was your last gig? 

We played several spots in Texas prior to COVID. The last being a rock venue with The Aaron Clift Experiment. We did a Prog festival in Austin, Texas/Voyagerfest. And a few other shows around the area.

7. Where would you like to act? 

You mean play? We are playing PROG ON THE RANCH next year, and we aim to one day play PROGSTOCK. Those are gonna be our targets.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Any bands that have good folks. And good music. And we can become colleagues. I am pals with Phideaux, Tiger Moth/Peter Jones, Fractal Mirror/The Imprefectionist, and 3rDegree. So they are always folks we would love to play with.

9. Whom not? 

Not so good, folks. Oh, and growling singers. Scares me.

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

Not me. Love it up there.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

As much as I love Yes, the music really gets more from Rush musically, Genesis's sense of keyboards, Tears for Fears' arrangements and accessibility, and Pink Floyd, since they master themes and concepts.

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

The weirdest thing anyone has asked me was “What is the weirdest thing anyone has asked me?”

13. What do you think of your fans? 

We are so grateful to everyone who supports us. We have a great reaction to our music around the world. We like to say we are HUGE in the Netherlands! Since we have a handful of great supporters there. But it gives us goosebumps when anyone shows appreciation for the work we have done. We are so happy to have others get it.

14. What do you think of our site?

Very well done. Very cool. BUT looks like you might have some of those singers that scare me! Looks like you lean toward metal by the fonts I see!

15. Something to add?

We are truly grateful for you to take time to inquire about us and to support our album. We are very proud of this one. And we hope as many folks as possible hear it.

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