SOURCE – “Memorial” (2023) and “Imperial” (2021) demonstrated exceptional musical and lyrical quality. What new directions or surprises can we expect from your upcoming album, “Reliance”?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – Reliance is definitely a bit more experimental than the previous two albums. Yes, there are songs that sort of follow the Imperial and Memorial lineage, but there are some really interesting songs that stand on their own as moments that really diversify the sonic palette. There are tunings we’ve never used before, there’s a song with no drums, and there are moods that feel really ominous and unique. It’s a really interesting record.
SOURCE – The first single, “Primal,” is a provocative, barrel-chested roar detailing the existential fight between the human spirit and our current world. What other themes are explored on the new album “Reliance”?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – It’s certainly a prominent theme on the album — a reflection of where the world is headed, the problems we have, and the stark reality of it all if change doesn’t happen. We feel it’s important to talk about. There are themes on this album that are far more personal as well, delving into relationships and hardships. There’s a nice balance of all of that.
SOURCE – In recent years, the music industry has become an environment that increasingly demands visibility through the frequent release of music videos and singles. How do you see these expectations shaping the music scene today?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – Yes, the musical landscape is always changing, and it’s important for bands to keep up with it if they want to remain visible or reach new or existing audiences. The sad reality is that the social media platforms we all use are the mediums for exploration, promotion, and visibility, and so you’re sort of forced to abide by their rules and ever-changing algorithms. It could be argued that, in a sense, it’s always been this way, even through radio and newspapers, etc.
The important thing is how you take those rules and use your own creativity within them. The one thing that is tough for artists is that the world demands content, content, content. It used to just be about the music. Now, making content is fine and all, but now artists are not only competing for visibility with other artists, they’re competing with every genre of content imaginable — and let’s be honest, it’s hard to compete with cute cat videos, no matter how good your music is.
This is why you might see bands going for more humorous approaches, more rage-bait or clickbait approaches, more shock value or sexuality — all to try to get that visibility. It can be a tough thing to navigate, but we believe making good art that we’re passionate about and proud of will always go a long way.
SOURCE – A modern band has to operate on multiple fronts, far beyond just composing, performing, and recording. Even with dedicated teams supporting its various activities, how do you view the daily life of a musician navigating so many responsibilities to make their music accessible to a growing audience?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – Once again, it’s very different from artists of the past. What it means to make it in the music industry these days has a very different connotation. The music is always the most important thing, but the problem is that it has become increasingly harder to make ends meet as an artist, combined with the extra workload of the importance of content and social media for visibility and making your music accessible.
It means extra work within the band, so it’s very common that tasks and responsibilities are delegated within a band to balance out that workload. Sometimes touring and playing shows actually feels like the easiest part — maybe because that’s what we enjoy the most and are meant to be doing. But there’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes constantly to make sure a modern band keeps its wheels turning.
The more help you ask for, the more another hand goes in your pocket, and so you must remain business-minded at all times and calculate which hands are worth paying.
SOURCE – Soen Sanctuary is a space designed to give the band’s most devoted fans a window into their lives, providing exclusive content, lessons, perks, merchandise, and more. What’s your opinion on using these services to build a closer connection with the band’s fans?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – We’ve really enjoyed launching our Patreon and building a community there. It’s an idea that we’ve been toying with for a long time, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening. These platforms are a great way of taking the power you have as an artist back, being a lot more personal and doing whatever it is you want to do. There’s no abiding by any algorithms, just genuine material, and I think the fans love that “behind the veil” feeling.
We love connecting with them on a more personal level as well. We just had our first VIP virtual meet-and-greet the other day, where we hung out with a number of fans online for almost an hour, and it was such a fun experience. We want to make it one of the best Patreon experiences for fans, and in turn, their support really helps us to continue making music and making ends meet. We’re very grateful for all the support so far.
SOURCE – Looking back, “Atlantis” was extremely well received. Do you still plan to bring the shows from that album to countries that did not participate in the tour?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – We’d love to! It’s all a matter of time and logistics. It’s a lot of work to prepare for those shows and much more expensive to tour them. But they were so well received, and we know there is a demand for it. We’ve got a good feeling they’ll be back!
SOURCE – In 2022 and 2024, you performed in Brazil to great acclaim. What are your plans for new shows in 2026, and what left the strongest impression on you during your visit?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – There are a number of tours being booked as we speak for 2026. Latin America is still being figured out — no timeframe yet, but Brazil will definitely be included when it is! We’ve loved playing there a few times — the crowds have been absolutely electric, and it’s a wonderful feeling to feel so embraced there. The food, energy, and vibrancy of the culture are something that always leave a lasting impression.
SOURCE – Do you have a special message for the fans eagerly awaiting the release of “Reliance”?
Cody Lee Ford (Guitar) – We hope you enjoy the record, and thank you so much for your support! Bands, more than ever, need as much support as they can to survive, so never stop supporting all the bands you love! See you soon!
Photo Credit: Linda Florin
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