Reconciler, a band from Atlanta, GA, discusses their debut LP, pandemic challenges, and upcoming sophomore album. They share insights on their musical journey, family roots, and the evolution of their sound. The podcast also delves into their unique approach to album cover painting, excitement for European shows, and advice on success in the music industry.
Reconciler's new album 'Art for Our Sake' explores themes of finding beauty in chaos and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Joseph's visual artistry blends classic references with modern influences, reflecting themes of chaos, transformation, and life cycles.
Deep dives
Reconsiler's Musical Journey and Formation
Reconsiler's journey in music starts with Joseph and Darren sharing their individual paths, from Joseph's early life in South Alabama to forming the band in Atlanta, and Darren's transition from Pennsylvania to Atlanta. Their collaboration stemmed from Darren's push to start a band while working together. The band navigated the release of their EP and dealt with the cancellation of a major overseas tour due to the pandemic.
Artistic Exploration and Album Creation
The new album, 'Art for Our Sake,' delves into themes of shifting perspectives towards chaos, finding beauty amid negativity, and seeking a positive outlook on life. Joseph, a visual artist, created paintings that align with the album's exploration of overwhelming stimulation from various screens and digital inputs. The artwork represents a journey towards positivity despite the overwhelming nature of contemporary life.
Visual Art and Musical Collaboration
Joseph's visual artistry, reflected in the album cover and related paintings, merges classic artistic references with modern influences. His works interpret famous artworks with a contemporary twist, reflecting themes of life cycles, chaos, and transformation. The collaborative art-music process embodies the band's journey towards embracing chaos and finding beauty amidst the overwhelming digital age.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Aspiring artists are advised to stay committed, prioritize kindness and collaboration, and fully commit to the creative journey. Darren emphasizes the significance of genuine niceness and positivity in navigating the music industry. Joseph highlights the need for unwavering dedication and willingness to endure the unique challenges artists face, encouraging them to commit fully to their craft and navigate a life outside the norm for artistic fulfillment.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Reconciler over Zoom video!
Reconciler is a band from Atlanta, GA who first amplified in the summer of 2016. Harkening to a sound alternately Southeast and East Bay, they released their debut LP, Set Us Free, in February of 2019 to critical acclaim from punk and Americana outlets alike. The band spent 2019 playing often across the Southeast and East coast and announced their first European shows, slated for June 2020.
Shortly After the first anniversary of Set Us Free, the world shut down and all plans were canceled indefinitely. Reconciler wouldn’t see another stage for 18 months despite releasing a split 7 inch with the legendary Gainesville outfit, Ship Thieves in January of 2021 and offering another new track on the Grace vinyl comp alongside many noteworthy acts including Hot Water Music, Samiam, and Catbite the following October.
Reconciler has been hard at work rebuilding and refining its focus and is beyond ready to return with their sophomore album, Art For Our Sake, via Smartpunk Records. This 13 track LP stands as a testament to the band’s tenacity and work ethic and is certain to offer Reconciler’s strongest output to date.