(Note: the pun was intended). I got the chance to converse with New York hardcore band Perspectives. We talk influences, surprises, and what family means to these guys.
Where did the band name Perspectives come from? Does it have any special meaning to you all?
The name 'Perspectives' is actually a change from our original name 'Perceptions', but still holds about the same meaning. Every individually holds different perspectives of life, and our goal is to unify those through bringing to light everyday problems that many of us face. It doesn't hold special meaning to me [Rein] but like previously stated we all face our own demons but through support we can learn to understand each other and cope.
You guys have had alot of success with 'Hope Runs Deep". Tell me about what that song means to you.
'Hope Runs Deep' is about identifying that during the most difficult parts in your life, being able to choose putting your focus on getting through and the perseverance of that experience.
Despite being overwhelmed by life and everything it’s throwing at you, focusing your energy and your efforts on the things that matter and believing that you will make it through those trials is the difference between being successful over those moments, and being absolutely consumed by them.
You guys have welcomed a newer member into the band! Explain how he became part of Perspectives.
*the band will announce the identity of this mystery member soon!
Originally I heard through the grapevine they were looking for a singer. One of my close friends and fellow band mates mentioned it to be and I liked the direction they wanted to move towards. Initially I offered to feature until they found a permanent solution but quickly became friends with jordan and related heavily to his mission statement.
What scene of music did you grow up with that had a significant enough effect to be a life-long love?
Cody
So funny enough, my early days were spent listening to pop and rap. But then I experienced Guitar Hero and felt the joys of hard rock and metal. Probably the first band to really strike my interest into the scene was Shadows Fall, and the rest is history. [I then began] delving into the realm of metal in all facets.
Greg
There’s such a long list. Most importantly is [the] music I to with my Dad as a kid before he passed away; Van Halen, Def Leppard, Pantera, Slipknot, Korn, Sevendust, etc. It's a bond we had that I'll hold forever.
Jordan
Slipknot, Trivium, and Children of Bodom.
Rein
The Acacia Strain, Cane Hill, Slipknot, Sanction, Atmosphere. [I was ] Raised on Black Sabbath, Iron Butterfly and Jimi Hendrix.
'Mystery Man'
I grew up with country music with a little bit of rock. Eventually I found my way to bands like Three Days Grace and Linkin Park, and from there Slipknot and all that remains. The first rock show I had seen was Staind, and the first metalcore show I saw was blessthefall. During the blessthefall show, there was just such a high level of energy and passion and care for one another along with a few motivational speeches that helped plant the seed for me to keep working on my craft and return that favor.
New York is rapidly producing new hardcore/metalcore bands. What can newcomers do to stand out?
Be genuine, love what your doing, enjoy the small things and don’t over think things. Be genuine to who you are and have fun.
What would you say to those bands as far as advice?
Communication is paramount. As far as new bands coming into the scene, put in the effort get the exposure, take the low end shows promote other bands in your scene and engage with people on a personal level.
So I understand that you guys took a bit of a break for a little bit. Did you work on anything specific or did you just need some time to focus on family and such?
It’s a bit of both. Family is always the most important thing. And some time was definitely needed for our own mental health as well. But we’ve been going strong with this for a few years, and with the addition of three members since our last ep release, we felt it was time we took some time to put this all together the right way and create a solid foundation from which we can build this the way that we need to.
When asked what we can expect from the boys this year, they replied, "everything". We're gonna hold you to that, fellas.
Comments