Chris Garza, the guitarist and founding member of metalcore band Suicide Silence, shares his journey through the competitive Southern California music scene. He discusses the band's evolution, including their unique sound transformation with 'The Black Crown.' Chris emphasizes the importance of authenticity and raw energy in performances, alongside the personal growth shaped by significant losses. He also celebrates the vibrant Inland Empire music culture and reflects on the power of music to connect and transform audiences.
Suicide Silence navigated the competitive SoCal music scene by establishing a unique identity amidst numerous talented bands and evolving creatively.
The emotional impact of losing a band member prompted Suicide Silence to reassess their musical approach and prioritize mental health management.
Their willingness to experiment with new sounds on their self-titled album reflected a commitment to artistic vulnerability and redefining their identity.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Musical Identity
The band discusses their early journey in a competitive music scene, emphasizing the importance of establishing a unique identity amidst numerous talented groups. They reflect on their creative evolution and how they navigated challenges, such as the passing of a key member. Their growth involved experimenting with various styles and collaborating with renowned producers, which contributed to their distinct sound. Adapting to changes while remaining true to their roots has been a crucial aspect of their artistic development.
Overcoming Adversity and Mental Challenges
The mental aspects of being in a band, especially during tough phases, are highlighted as key topics in their discussion. They recount the emotional turmoil following the loss of a band member and how it forced them to reassess their approach to music. This experience instilled a thicker skin and resilience, allowing them to handle negative feedback and industry pressures more effectively. They emphasize the importance of mental health management for both individual band members and the collective group, contributing to their overall success.
Creative Risks and Self-Discovery
The band’s experimental approach to their self-titled album underscores their willingness to take creative risks, even if it meant stepping away from familiar sounds. They aimed to start fresh by introducing new musical elements that differed from their previous works, reflecting their transformation and growth as artists. Despite facing backlash for this bold move, they view it as a necessary step toward redefining theiridentity. The process involved both artistic vulnerability and a commitment to evolving their sound for future audiences.
The Impact of Collaboration with Producers
The band highlights the significant role that various producers played in shaping their sound across different albums. From working with rock producers to those known for metal, each collaboration provided unique insights and techniques that influenced their music. Their time with Ross Robinson, known for his unconventional methods, emphasized the importance of capturing raw emotion during recording. Through these experiences, they learned how to balance technical execution with genuine expression, resulting in recordings that resonate with listeners.
The Journey of Acceptance and Growth
The conversation encapsulates a journey of acceptance regarding the imperfections in their music and the need to stay focused amid external judgments. They stress the importance of maintaining perspective, particularly by understanding that not everyone will resonate with their work. Learning to ignore negativity and focus on personal growth, both in music and life, has become essential for them. Over time, they've recognized that the foundation of their art lies in authentic expression rather than catering solely to outside expectations.
Chris Garza, the guitarist and founding member of Suicide Silence, joins the podcast to discuss being in a band in SoCal, having a foundation, and more.
