Interviews: Phasers Engage

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Electronic Rock band Phasers Engage from the USA. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

While working on our first song, it came time to name the file. When we went to save the file, we listened back. The feeling we got from the music, the bridge into the ending verse, and the feeling of building up into an explosion that feels like bursting into a new plane of existence - that moment named the band. The band a short time later took on the name Phasers Engage. From there we entered a new realm of creativity and our storyline began.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Experimental electronic music intrigued me; as a musician from the metal genre, I was interested in what could be done by integrating it with a traditional band set up with guitar, bass, drums, etc. As I saw other bands experimenting with this integration, I became more inspired.

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

A few of us knew each other. The band was formed when the two founding members met in college and talked about wanting to start an electronic jam band, fusing a band with a DJ/producer. Other members were tried out and some close friends were asked to join after a couple years of gaining momentum.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Ulver: Dark Tranquility 

Savant: Dark Tranquility

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Other music and the human experience of being at concerts. My experiences in life have been very cerebral and that comes out in the experiences that I build through music. The songs are meant to be fun and easy to listen to. As you listen closer, you can start to unravel the more complex layers of the songs.

6. Where was your last gig?

The Lost Horizon, Syracuse NY

7. Where would you like to act?

Our goal is to get this music across the seas into Europe. Germany would be a great place to play this music.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Sunsquabi, Big Gigantic, Tnertle, and Shpongle.

9. Whom not?

We wouldn’t want to deny ourselves of any experience that any band may be able to bring.

10. Have any of you suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Some of us have, yes. Being well-rehearsed is a huge factor in how comfortable you will be performing. The less you need to think about the music, the more you can enjoy performing. Having long hair has sometimes helped with this; when you're playing and your hair is veiled down it can help you feel more isolated.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Offspring, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Ulver, Symphony X, Shpongle, The Allman Brothers Band, Big Gigantic, Tnertle, and Sunsquabi.

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

We don’t really have an exciting story for this section. Our fans so far have been very kind and supportive. We have not been requested for anything “weird”, yet. We will keep you posted.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Our fans are our friends. Our crewmates are on this journey with us. They tend to be down-to-earth people looking to have a good time with some fun music. We are proud of that.

14. What do you think of our site?

The overall look is very professional and the information on the Breathing the Core site is in-depth and current. We very much appreciate the track-by-track section. It’s great how the site dives into the albums and discusses them in detail. As a musician who puts a lot of thought into album concepts, I am grateful that this site goes into the details of each track. There is usually a lot of hidden meaning that can be revealed this way.

15. Something to add?

Our songs are chapters in our tale. They are episodic snippets that add up to tell the larger story of the journey of the band. Next to come will be a release of our album “Departure Initiated”, but with narration and some extended sections. We will call this version of the album “Departure Initiated: Story Mode”. As we release that we will also have brand new music to put out there as well. More material is on the way soon, follow Phasers Engage to see it first.