Interviews: Ocean Asylum

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Math Rock band Ocean Asylum from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Rickey (vocals): I came in a little later when the boys had already started forming the band's brand, but having spent many years in a tropical paradise, Ocean Asylum brings a duality to the peace, but also rage, that the ocean can bring. So I loved it!

Rob (drums): we went through a lot This was one of Stephen's (a past bandmate) suggestions and it flowed in a nice cellar door kinda way.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Rickey: I wanted to challenge myself. After a pedigree of reggae and classic rock, I wanted to push the limits of my own sound and see how far I could take my skills. I think it's turned out super well!

Rob: it's just what we wrote. Sometimes other stuff comes out. I try to challenge myself. 

Wes (guitar): We didn't choose any genre. We just wrote music that we liked and that we thought sounded cool. We're open to almost any genre really, and that's what excites me about this band. We all have different influences, so we're like a melting pot of different musical styles.

Austin (bass): I don't think that one genre defines us. Our songs are fluid and change. Each member also has their own influences that they bring to the table that transform the song as well.

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

Rickey: I was new to the area, and itching for the joys of being in front of a crowd. I put out an ad as a frontman, had an audition (which terrified me!) and we have become good friends!

Rob: nope. Craigslist and Facebook ads got us together.

Wes: Nope! I was fortunate enough to answer Rob's Craigslist and the rest is history.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Rickey: This is hilariously not in our genre, but Ballyhoo! has granted me peace in dark times, fun in the good ones, and beauty when I needed it!

Rob: changing all the time, but I must give it to Dillinger.

Wes: Dream Theater

Austin: A combination of Silverstein, Have Heart, Bring Me The Horizon, Seeyouspacecowboy, and Dance Gavin Dance.

Rob: (Lol that isn't one band)

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Rickey: As cliche as this sounds considering our name and my profession as a sailor.... I draw on the nature of the ocean, the meaning of loss, helplessness in trying times, and overcoming the odds of sorrow and abuse to turn what could have been into the "what is now".

Rob: writing songs is just me getting better and trying something new that I'm interested in. A really good story gets me extra motivated tho. Be it a video game, book, movie, or dream I had.

Wes: It's typically the prog metal music I regularly listen to. But lately, I'm getting inspired by things outside of my usual rotation of bands I like. Like the opening theme to The Last of Us (TV show), or one of the songs from The Greatest Showman that my wife frequently listens to.

Austin: I am inspired by bands that try to break the mold. They don't stick to what traditional composition is. I write songs based on my ear and what sounds good and not necessarily on music theory.

6. Where was your last gig?

Rickey: We last played a badass show at Riffhouse Pub in Chesapeake, Virginia.

7. Where would you like to act?

Rickey: The big dream will always be a huge venue! I gain energy from the crowds, and as I can barely sit still as it is, that turns me up to 11.

Rob: Hollywood, or realistically DC, or maybe NY. I want to open the Olympics! 

Austin: I would love to play at well-known but intimate venues where I grew up and where I saw my favorite bands. Growing up in California, I would always be at the Chain Reaction, SOMA San Diego, the Glass House, or one of the various House of Blues in the area. The Norva gives off that vibe.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Rickey: I envision the true value of showmanship! If I feel like I have to keep up with my own energy, I'd say that's a win. But specifically, I'd love to hang out with Avenged Sevenfold, Oceano, or Bring Me the Horizon in the green room or on a track.

Rob: Converge, trash talk, better lovers, Archspire, crown the magnetar, he is legend

Wes: BTBAM, Lamb of God, Gojira, Trivium, Archspire, Periphery.

Austin: Any band that has a blast on stage. Bring Me the Horizon, Dillinger Escape (maybe a reunion), Miss May I, Enter Shikari, Seeyouspacecowboy, Nothing More, etc.

9. Whom not?

Rickey: I can't think of a name, but anyone who shows disrespect to those who make a show happen...whether that be the venue, the sound professional, or especially the fans.... there's no room for an air of superiority and hyperactive ego when it's easier to be kind.

Rob: otep

Wes: One Direction lol

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

Rickey: Every. Single. Time. Whether I am in front of 6 people or 5,600 I am always in my head. I have two tips: Act like you belong and you eventually will (this mindset takes practice, volunteer for that uncomfortable thing!). And two... mistakes are a part of life. I consider failure a valuable learning experience. If you beat yourself up about those notes you missed, or what you could have done with that part of the song... you'll overthink the fact that the audience is there for you and they are your rock! And if the fans notice you mess up? That just means they know your material! OWN your successes as your band's, and own up to your personal failures to improve!

Rob: no. Having an instrument in hand has helped avoid that. I'm focused on my thing. No time to think until after.

Austin: Yes. My best advice is to practice. Whenever I am practicing at home or with the rest of the band, I perform as if I am on the stage. It creates the muscle memory of what to do when on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rickey: This may sound silly, but anything that has given me the courage to change for the better. My first success will always be learning that I could nail some Stone Temple Pilots at the local Karaoke bar though!

Rob: rev 9, lamb of god, incubus, poison the well, animals as leaders, Hans Zimmer, Dethklok, human abstract,

Wes: Dream Theater, BTBAM, Opeth, Devin Townsend, An Abstract Illusion, Periphery, Lamb of God, Tool, Trivium, Haken. So many!

Austin: Dance Gavin Dance, The Used, Have Heart, songs that have a killer bass line.

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

Rickey: FREEBIRD! Hah! The oddest thing I have probable experienced was their asking to take some (clothed) suggestive pictures after a set with some of the gorgeous ladies who enjoy the noises that come out of my face.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Rickey: You guys are the rock stars. We would be nothing without the joy and energy you guys bring. I will give any time I can as a huge thank you for giving me your attention and love!

Rob: I'm a fan of them too! We all have cool stuff to show off

14. What do you think of our site?

Rickey: Sick artwork all around and no ads? And exceptional color scheme. I'm a fan. Also, the evil horns cursor is a brilliant touch. Rock on!

Rob: I think it's great that you help out so many new groups, groups like us that wouldn't get much exposure. It's very welcoming. I'm learning about a lot of new groups following you guys.

15. Something to add?

Rickey: I feel blessed that Rob, Wes, Austin, and I have open communication and we build each other up. What a rare find, where true teamwork and personality compatibility merge to form something great. They inspire me and I'll continue to do my best for Ocean Asylum!

Wes: I'm grateful to be in a band with these guys. We have great chemistry and I'm excited to see what music we write as we grow together as a band.

Rob: that's enough sentimentality. Thank you again, Breathing The Core. You will see more of us around.