SOURCE – First of all, congratulations on the release of How to Cast a Shadow. I genuinely believe this new album is unlike anything you have released before. It showcases your versatility through a more atmospheric, melancholic, and introspective sound that blends progressive rock and metal with ambient and post-rock influences. What can you tell us about the songwriting process behind the tracks on How to Cast a Shadow?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – Jim and I started talking about making another North Sea Echoes album about a year ago. He had already written quite a few songs, so I had several to choose from. We had no idea what direction the album would take. We just let it develop naturally. This album has more of a rock feel than the previous one. There are many more acoustic drums and upbeat, heavy guitar parts. I think it’s a nice change from our first release.
SOURCE – How to Cast a Shadow has been receiving a fantastic response. Given your involvement in several other projects, can we expect a follow-up release from North Sea Echoes?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – At the moment, Jim and I are working together on some new song ideas. So I’m hopeful that, yes, there will be another album.
SOURCE – North Sea Echoes is a project created by highly experienced and accomplished musicians. That undoubtedly opens many doors in terms of immediate public recognition. However, being well-known musicians associated with established bands can also have its drawbacks. Given your association with Fates Warning, what do you see as the biggest challenge or downside of launching a project like this?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – The biggest downside is that people expect to hear another Fates Warning album. That’s not the case. If people come away disappointed because it isn’t a heavy progressive metal album, that isn’t our intention. North Sea Echoes is something completely different and has nothing to do with our previous band, other than having the same two songwriters.
SOURCE – Releasing singles and music videos is part of the standard promotional cycle for a new album. Are you planning to perform any live shows in support of How to Cast a Shadow?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – At the moment, no. We haven’t really discussed performing live. It would be difficult because there are so many electronic loops and multiple guitar parts. But I’d love to perform these songs live someday if it were possible.
SOURCE – One of the promotional photos for How to Cast a Shadow depicts you in a cinema under dim lighting. As an artist, how do you view the growing use of AI in the songwriting process, the low financial returns artists receive from streaming services, and similar developments? Is the traditional model of making music coming to an end?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – I don’t really listen to much new mainstream music, but I know there are artists using AI to write songs. I don’t think that’s a good thing. Where’s the “art” in that? I believe the human mind is the most important part of songwriting. I don’t agree with this approach to “writing”. As for the low financial returns from streaming, there’s really not much that can be done about it at this point. It is what it is, unfortunately. The days of releasing physical products are quickly coming to an end. It seems many people today aren’t interested in collecting CDs and vinyl anymore, and that hurts artists financially. Record companies know that most people will either stream music for free or through services such as Spotify and YouTube, and that’s changing the way they do business. Another challenge is that artists now have to promote themselves on social media. You have to be a salesperson to sell records today.
SOURCE – What influence did pop music have on the songwriting process for How to Cast a Shadow?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – None, really. I don’t listen to much new music. But I will say that everything I grew up listening to has influenced my songwriting, from The Cure and Pink Floyd to Metal Church.
SOURCE – “Revenge” is a fantastic track, with an atmosphere that sets it apart from the rest of the album. How did the idea for that song come about? Personally, I believe you’ve broken significant new ground with How to Cast a Shadow.
Ray Alder (Vocals) – Thanks. This song was entirely Jim’s idea. The chorus actually came from a song on the previous album that we ended up not using. But Jim liked the chorus so much that he built an entirely new song around it.
SOURCE: Brazil is looking forward to welcoming you. When can we expect you to visit?
Ray Alder (Vocals) – I’d love to come back and play in Brazil someday. I don’t think we ever had enough time there. Maybe someday…
Photo Credit: Jeremy Saffer
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