Interviews: Once Upon A Flatline

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Hardcore band, Once Upon A Flatline, from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Justin Flatline: We have always been very adamant that we chose a cool name for our band- focusing on the idea that we knew we wanted it to have six syllables. We, being Alexis and myself, went back and forth for quite some time before it happened- “Once Upon a Flatline,” nice. When you have a good name, you just know, you know?

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Alexis Valentine: We want to play music we are also fans of! Nothing is sadder than meeting a metal musician that doesn't like metal? It feels almost sell out-y to not play a genre you yourself enjoy. Justin, myself, Dalton, Scrib, and Jaycee are all big post-hardcore fans, and anything concept-driven has always been a favorite of ours.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Justin Flatline: We have all been friends for quite some time, yes. Everyone but Scrib actually all live together. Unfortunately, he has to live the next city over for work, but we still all meet weekly for practice. (masks on)

4. Each band member favourite band?

Alexis Valentine: I think it's safe to say our favorite band as a collective would be Alesana. Their VIP/fan club is actually where Justin and I met Scrib and then decided to form the band from there.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Justin Flatline: I guess it depends. Recently, we've been very moved and almost overwhelmed with such strong emotions based on what we are witnessing in the chaos of the year 2020, and have begun writing some acoustic songs focused on that to pass time in COVID America- however before that, we are always focused on writing around the concept we chose for our releases. Currently, we are finishing releasing the story of The Theatre Lucy, our EP that centers around the ghosts of popular Broadway musicals of the past, and the message of the afterlife they are telling to our listeners. So far we have released songs about Les Miserables, Chicago, and Moulin Rouge. We have probably our most “popular” musical inspiration coming on 10/30.

6. Where was your last gig?

Justin Flatline: It WAS in Niagara Falls at the Rapids Theatre however like most things this year it has been canceled.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Alexis Valentine: The Agora Theatre is mine and Justin's favorite venue. However, it is important that we work towards saving our favorite music venues from bankruptcy during the pandemic. Go to SaveOurStages.com to find out how you can help to save the scene.

8. Whom would you like to tour with?

Justin Flatline: Well definitely Alesana- Alexis is willing to nearly sacrifice our firstborn (hypothetical of course) child to tour with them.

9. Whom not?

Alexis Valentine: We don't really have any enemies or “bad blood” per-say, but any of these artists being canceled for being predatory we will never play with. It's important to believe women and the victims of these allegations. How shameful it is to use your power as a musician to take advantage of young kids like that.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Alexis Valentine: I don't think any of us really have stage fright although playing for an audience will always be nerve-wracking. A beer helps lol

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Alexis Valentine: Inspiration comes from some of our favorite theatrical acts- Queen, Alice Cooper, Bowie, Gaga- all artists who just do what they want and aren't afraid of going big and being “extra.” We also of course take inspiration from our favorite post-hardcore/metal bands like Alesana, Famous Last Words, My Chemical Romance- who inspire us to never stop telling a story, and that you can never ever be “too creative” with your concept.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Alexis Valentine: We get asked which members have an only fans account sometimes. None of us, my dad would kill me- but hey! No shame in that! Keep up the hustle and if you got it, flaunt it.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Justin Flatline: We love our fans! Without being able to tour/play shows we have not seen a decline in amazing people hearing our music and wanting to become part of the Flatline Family. It's always so humbling and incredible meeting anyone who is moved by our music- that's what it's all for!

14. What do you think of our site?

Justin Flatline: It's great and we can't wait to post about it from our socials. Thank you for the interview.

15. Future plans?

Justin Flatline: Well, Alexis and I are getting married this Halloween, with COVID canceling and postponing things indefinitely, we just couldn't wait indefinitely so we are having a small ceremony at the Flatline Haus with our families and bandmates present. After that- take over the world together and living happily ever after sounds good to me.

16. Something to add?

Alexis Valentine: Talk to your legislators about funding for closed venues- the entertainment industry is suffering during COVID and it's important that we save our venues so we have a place to play when the world opens back up. Love each other, stay safe, wear a mask, Black Lives Matter. We have what I think is our best song coming out on October 30th- so get ready for that. We are so excited.Thanks for your time.