This interview is the first of seven in my week long Music Interview Marathon. Today we welcome American metal trio Chasing Apparitions. They tell us about their “aggressive” and “hard hitting” music and how their band name was inspired by a social media post.
Band Name: Chasing Apparitions
Members: Josey Stines (Instrumentals, Vocals), Justin Stubbs (Vocalist) & Jacob Ortengren (Instrumentals)
Genre: Metal
Founded: January 2015
Originated From: Terre Haute, USA
Discography: The Hedonist (EP, 2016), As Above, So Below (Single, 2020) & L’appel Du Vide (Single, 2020)
How would you describe your music?
We would describe our music as aggressive & hard hitting. It’s something you’d put on when you go to the gym.
What is your musical creative process like?
Typically, Justin and Josey will sit down and work on the instrumentals until they’re happy, then they’ll talk about the lyrics. It’s a 2-part process.
How did the band form?
Josey met Jacob via social media and immediately started writing what became Am I Worth Saving?. We then hit the studio to get the songs recorded so we could audition some vocalists and Jonathan Dolese recommended Justin Stubbs. We all had instant chemistry, so we’ve just rolled with it.
How did you come up with your band name?
Chasing Apparitions was something Josey saw on Tumblr a long time ago on some post. We just fell in love with the name and the thought of forever chasing something that’s just out of reach.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
In the beginning Asking Alexandria and I See Stars were our biggest influences, but now we look up to Born of Osiris, Wage War, Architects, Bad Omens, Thousand Below, Dayseeker, etc. There’s just so many to name.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
Chasing Apparitions hasn’t played a live show since 2016.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
In our opinion, release day is the best. We’ve worked so hard on everything, making sure it’s all perfect. Now is the time to show it off and see how people react.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
Joey says: “My biggest problem is self-doubt. The internet is a wonderful place, it connects us all, which is both good and bad. When I’m scrolling through and seeing a ton of kids playing sweeps or solos, I could only dream of playing I get discouraged. In the end someone is always going to be better than you, that’s just something I’ve had to accept.”
What plans have you got coming up this year?
We’re planning on releasing our sophomore EP, Am I Worth Saving? before the end of the year.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
Our ultimate dream for Chasing Apparitions would be to have a full line-up with a headlining tour.
You can find out more about Chasing Apparitions by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
