Courtney and Mike, the powerful duo behind Spiritbox, dive into their experiences returning home after a long tour. They share hilarious Tim Hortons anecdotes and reflect on their unique touring life as a married couple. The duo discusses their creative journey since 'Eternal Blue,' the art of modern metal production, and the evolution of sounds in the genre. With honesty, they explore music criticism's emotional toll on artists and emphasize the importance of community support in navigating online backlash, all while preparing for exciting new releases.
Touring extensively has enhanced Courtney and Mike's musical cohesion and confidence, transforming their performances and adaptability on stage.
The duo experiences differing crowd dynamics performing for legacy acts versus modern bands, striving to engage and convert new audiences creatively.
Their marriage adds depth to their touring experience, fostering both closeness and challenges, while balancing professional and personal dynamics in their band life.
Deep dives
Touring Experience and Personal Growth
Courtney and Mike reflect on their extensive touring schedule, which included stops in Australia, Europe, and North America with bands like Shinedown and Papa Roach. The long duration of being on tour brought both exhaustion and valuable experiences, leading to stronger musical cohesion within their band. They noted a significant shift in their confidence, with a newfound ease in performing for large crowds and an ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. Overall, they believe that the rigorous schedule has fortified their bond both as friends and musicians.
The Dynamics of Playing Different Shows
The duo discussed the differences in crowd reactions when performing with established legacy acts versus modern metal bands. While playing to legacy acts offered learning opportunities from their experience, they also felt a greater responsibility when performing for fans of their genre. They enjoy the challenge of engaging with audiences who may not be familiar with their sound, aiming to convert initial confusion into enthusiastic support. Ultimately, they cherish the interactions that emerge from these contrasting performance environments.
Collaborative Marriage: Touring Together
Courtney and Mike shared insights into the unique dynamics of being married and touring together as a band. They appreciate the closeness that comes from sharing the same experiences on the road, as it helps them stay connected. However, they also recognize the challenges of balancing their relationship with the demands of band life, ensuring they don’t let personal disagreements affect their performances. Despite these challenges, they value the opportunity to work together creatively, often finding strength in their partnership.
Evolution of Musical Identity
The discussion touched on the evolution of their music style and genres they draw inspiration from, underscoring their desire to experiment creatively. With the release of their EP 'Fear of Fear', they aim to return to their roots, focusing on the ambient elements that initially inspired them. They emphasized the importance of producing music that is authentic and reflective of their artistic journey, rather than succumbing to external pressures to conform to a certain sound. Their approach includes intentionally creating a cohesive listening experience, expanding beyond typical genre boundaries.
Embracing Fan Reactions and Community
Courtney and Mike expressed their observations on the changing attitudes of fans towards varying musical styles within the modern metal scene. They recognize a growing acceptance among fans for diversity in musical expression, rather than a strict adherence to traditional heavy music. They highlight the importance of being open to different styles and the necessity for bands to evolve without fear of backlash. In fostering a sense of community, they are excited to hear how their fans respond to new material and look forward to building deeper connections through their music.
