In this engaging conversation, Mike Stringer, guitarist of the metal band Spiritbox, shares insights from his band's thrilling journey to success. He reflects on capturing creativity through voice memos and navigating the balance between originality and commercial demands. Stringer discusses the chaos of filming a music video, the emotional weight behind their hit 'Holy Roller,' and the collaborative dynamics of being in a band with his spouse. It's a candid look at the trials and triumphs of creating authentic music in a saturated industry.
Mike Stringer discusses Spiritbox's journey, emphasizing resilience through rejection and balancing music with everyday jobs.
The evolution of songwriting within Spiritbox showcases Mike and Courtney's collaborative dynamic, enhancing their creative chemistry and sound exploration.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic forced Spiritbox to adapt their recording process, highlighting their resilience amidst industry challenges and uncertainty.
Deep dives
The Journey of Spirit Box
The episode details the evolution of Spirit Box, highlighting the band's journey from its inception to their recent successes. The lead guitarist, Mike, discusses the initial challenges faced by the band, including multiple rejections from record labels and the arduous process of creating music while holding down other jobs. The pressure of balancing their passion for music with the demands of daily life is underscored, illustrating the dedication required to create their unique sound. This backstory reveals how resilience and perseverance have shaped Spirit Box's identity and their commitment to making impactful music.
Creative Processes and Collaborations
Mike delves into the collaborative nature of songwriting within Spirit Box, particularly emphasizing the creative dynamic with his partner, vocalist Courtney. The process has evolved from Mike presenting complete songs to now involving Courtney in the early stages of writing, allowing her to contribute melodic ideas from the start. This shift has fostered a rich creative environment as both artists explore new sounds together, enhancing their musical chemistry. The episode illustrates how their personal relationship fuels their artistic collaboration, leading to innovative and diverse compositions.
Navigating the Pandemic
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry is examined, particularly how it delayed the recording and release of their album 'Eternal Blue.' Mike shares the difficulties the band faced with travel restrictions, which forced them to adapt by booking secluded locations for recording. The isolation led to an intense creative process, as they had to navigate both the stress of creating a full album and the pressure of meeting deadlines during uncertain times. This chapter of their journey emphasizes the adaptability required in the music industry, especially amidst global crises.
Releasing 'Eternal Blue'
The anticipation and buildup leading to the release of 'Eternal Blue' are captured, highlighting the integral moments that defined the album's success. Mike reflects on how previous singles like 'Holy Roller' and 'Blessed Be' helped generate excitement and establish a fanbase prior to the album's drop. The discussion reveals the strategic planning behind marketing their music, including thoughtful visuals and engaging content to keep listeners invested. This careful approach ultimately set the stage for their album's positive reception in a competitive music landscape.
The Live Experience
The episode touches on the importance of live performances to Spirit Box's growth and fan connection. Mike emphasizes how playing live adds a new layer to their music and allows them to gauge audience reactions in real time. Despite challenges faced in previous performances, such as limited shows during the pandemic, the band has fostered a dedicated following through their live sets. The invigorating energy from live shows reinforces the band's mission to create music that resonates with both them and their listeners.
Future Directions and Continued Growth
Looking ahead, Mike expresses excitement about the potential for future music and projects, hinting at a commitment to continue evolving their sound. He shares that even after the success of 'Eternal Blue,' the band is keen on exploring new avenues for creativity without being confined to one particular genre. The conversation reflects their long-term vision, highlighting the importance of remaining genuine and passionate about their craft. This forward-thinking mentality signals a readiness to push boundaries and experiment in their future works.
