In Search Of Solace Interveiw

How did you start the band?

Nick: Jonny and I have been playing music for years and our old band wasn't really going anywhere so we thought "Let's start under a new name/write new music/get new members/have a new attitude and mindset."

Where did the idea of the name "In Search Of Solace" come from?

Nick: It actually came from our old member Adam. I really liked it, the other guys weren't sold at first. It has come to be something we all experience. We are on a constant journey to find things that we love and that make us happy. We have definitely found solace in our music and don't plan on stopping anytime soon!

What was hard about forming the band?

Nick: Finding reliable, devoted, and talented members. Making a game plan of where to record, how to release new music under a new name, etc.

Jonny: Finding the right name that fit us, which I now feel fits perfectly. Nick nailed the rest.

How did you start playing music?

Nick: Well I started playing the clarinet in 5th grade, but that wasn't my passion. My dad was a musician so there was always instruments laying around. I picked up a guitar and a guitar book and did my very best to try to learn some basics. I gave up almost immediately. With drums it came a little easier. My cousin showed me a simple(ish) beat and I started to get it down and then I started reading some sheet music.

Jonny: I started off as a percussionist in 5th grade as well, naturally I had a desire to play the drum set so I begged my parents for one and they thought it was worth giving me a shot. From there I started jamming with my friend Minh and eventually that turned into the band Nick and I were in previous to In Search Of Solace.

What challenges did you face when you started playing music?

Nick: I tried out for jazz band in middle school on drums and ended up not getting the spot haha. (I got it the next year). I had a lot of trouble reading guitar sheet music (and still do).

Jonny: Rudiments on the snare always got me, even to this day, but that’s also why I am no longer the drummer. Derek has them down pretty tight. Other than that just not knowing if what you’re working on or doing with your instrument is the right way of going about learning your instrument. I have since learned that it’s all important.

Where do you get the ideas/inspiration for your songs?

Nick: A lot of the ideas just came from jamming around, liking the riffs, and throwing some drums under it. And trying to make a song out of it.

Jonny: For me the lyrics come from personal struggles, I don’t often express what I am thinking or going through to others unless I feel I have a mutual trust with them. I suppose as any other lyricist would say, it’s my platform to lay it all out there and hopefully make that connection with others who feel the same as I do.

Out of your songs personally which one do you love?

Nick: I really like Northern Lights. But I REALLY like the new stuff COUGHCOUGH

Jonny: Going to have to agree with Nick on the new material but for the first EP I really enjoy how The Truth turned out as far as production. It just sounds the most solid to me.

Which one do you kinda second guess?

Nick: None of them really. I like them all.

Jonny: ehh I sometimes second guess Consciousness, but that’s me being harsh on myself with the vocals along with some words on Hands. I felt I could have performed better.

As a kid, what bands or singers influenced/inspired you?

Nick: Underoath / The Devil Wears Prada / As I Lay Dying / blessthefall / Atreyu / My Chemical Romance / Chiodos / From First To Last / etc.

Jonny: This one is tough for me… some oldies and some new Atreyu/ As I Lay Dying/ Blessthefall/ ACDC/ Def Leppard/ Van Halen to name a few.

What bands Influence/Inspire you now?

Nick: Underoath / Northlane / Architects / Gideon / Issues / all bands named above.

Jonny: My inspiration is from all sorts of genres these days and I’m sure a lot of artists I listen to are unfamiliar so anything from classical to metal to experimental to indie to rap to you name it. It’s interesting to consider them all.

Whats the hardest thing about being a musician?

Nick: This is a hard question because I have so much fun doing what I do. I can only speak for myself on this. But I suppose the business side is something that I don't love. It's necessary and I do it. But it can get frustrating and stressful.

Jonny: I have been trying to expand my musical abilities in the last few years. Learning a new instrument is obviously really difficult, but the hardest part for me is believing I can do it and finding that mindset to achieve my goals.

What advice would you give to fans if they are starting a band?

Nick: First things first. WRITE GOOD MUSIC. Have EVERYTHING ready before you play a show, make social media accounts, etc. By everything I mean: high quality recordings, professional logo, good looking promo pictures, music videos or lyric videos go a long ways. Then make a game plan on how to release all that stuff. These are all things that I learned the hard way and wish I would've done differently. All optional but help you look professional.

Jonny: Play from your heart.

If you could redo a gig which one would it be?

Nick: Opening for Periphery and After The Burial on the main stage at Skyway Theatre.

Jonny: I second that.

Why?

Nick: Both me and our old guitarist had broken strings with no back up guitars, click track wasn't working at first so we had to drop a song. It was a huge crowd and huge opportunity and was a blessing to play but wish we would have been more prepared.

If you had a chance to tour with any band(s) which one(s) would it be?

Nick: Any of those bands name above would be crazy.

Jonny: I feel like touring with Beartooth would be awesome, I think Caleb and I would relate a lot haha. Add in The Word Alive, Gideon, Fit For A King, and Volumes...that would be pretty cool.

What was your first gig like?

Nick: It was packed. We opened up for Attila and Issues. Our songs sucked and it was almost a completely different line up but it was a blast!

How did you feel?

Nick: We had a good crowd reaction and a packed room. It was really nice to play a show again especially under the new name.

Jonny: It definitely felt good to be back at it again.

What thoughts ran through your head?

Nick: "Wow there's a lot of people here. I wonder how it sounds out there." Then I probably zoned out and went crazy.

Jonny: I honestly do not remember. If I were to guess I was probably hoping people would like what we had to perform for them.

If you had a chance to talk to anybody from the past present future or even a fictional character who would it be?

Nick: My dad for sure.

Jonny: I honestly can’t answer clearly to this one. I suppose just anyone who could give some sort of clarification as to what is really going on behind the scenes of the World. What are the real motives of our leaders and are the conspiracies true or just blown out of proportion.

Why?

Nick: He passed before my music career started to take off and I just wish I could still hear his advice and have him see how I'm doing now.

Finally, What advice do you have for fans whom are bullied for being who

they are or for the music they listen too?

Nick: Stay strong and keep your head up. Be proud of who you are and embrace it. Feel free to DM me/us on any of our social media. We always respond.

Jonny: You are who you are and you should love that person. Don’t hold yourself back on account of what others say about you, because they are missing something inside of themselves if they need to tear you down for some form of joy. Stay strong in who you are and show them that you won’t conform to their idea of reality. Make your own and be the best you that you can be for you. And remember you deserve happiness, everyone does.