SOURCE – What does the album title Building Castles In Air declare?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – Building Castles In Air is a collection of songs that tell a story. It didn’t start as a concept album per se, but when you listen to the album start to finish, you can hear this album has a very cohesive theme.
The songs reflect on the trials, obstacles, and the strange things we go through, which are often dark times in life at the time — yet we pull through and there is always a sense of hope and of achieving our dreams. This often comes through introspection, balance with nature, synchronicities and spiritual experiences, and in the end, we are stronger for having gone through these things.
SOURCE – How would you describe Lucid Fly’s sound nowadays? Some of your fans claim that you’re more progressive now while some others say that you haven’t “progressed” that much over the years sound wise. What’s your say?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – Lucid Fly’s sound is one that can’t be pigeon-holed exactly. We started out in 1998 as a straight-up “rock” band, which morphed into a hard rock band, which has since evolved into what we are today. It’s definitely more artistic than previously… there are elements of melodic alternative rock, but with more unconventional arrangements and polyrythmns, like progressive rock. We love big guitar tones and playing around with atmospheric layers and textures.
We try and write parts that keep our attention but are also listenable and relateable to the listener. We will continue to evolve…who knows what’s next!?!
SOURCE – By the way how did you decide to upload the whole album on your SoundCloud channel?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – We decided to put our music out there to as many outlets and places for fans to find our new album – Soundcloud was just one of them!
SOURCE – What differences do you think, Building Castles In Air has when compared to your older releases? Are you happy with how it stands up to them?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – This album had a more DIY approach from the start which is completely different than anything we have done in the past. It was a bit of a challenge at times, but we were able to really take time for each instrument. Guitars were done mostly at home using Doug’s favorite new toy the Fractal Axe-Fx, which allowed him the flexibility to capture the songs with proper tone. We did work with a co-producer, Steve Leavitt, for the bass and vocals. We moved the remainder of the album to his studio where it was decided to have Doug track bass for the first time. Vocals got the most production and attention than ever before and that’s been something we wanted to try for years. In addition, we were fortunate to have the album mixed and mastered by Forrester Savell (Melbourne, Australia) – he’s ARIA nominated and an internationally renowned producer/engineer who has worked on acts like: Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus, Skyharbor, I Am Giant, Twelve Foot Ninja, etc. Overall, the recording process took a bit longer than we had expected but it was an amazing experience, we learned a lot and we really feel these songs represent who we have become as musicians and as a band.
SOURCE – Did you always have in mind to sound the way you sound today?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – I have always been drawn to a sound that is melodic but has a lot of dynamics, depth, atmosphere, distortion and clean, or low bass and busy drums – keeping everything balanced. I really like when songs “grow on you”, recognizing more details with each listen. I think we are always on the hunt for the “perfect” tones, gear, technology, inspiration etc. – all which effects what and how we write/sound!
SOURCE – The way the “industry” is heading music is losing more and more it’s intrinsic value, with fewer people wanting to “consume it” and more and more looking at it as a service, they require either free or on the cheap (piracy, streaming etc.) cutting down the livelihood of professional musicians. Has this affected you and what are your thoughts on the future?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – So many people are “used to” getting their music for free – so it has totally become devalued. This can be seen as disheartening at times, as it’s been a challenge to “make a living” by being in a band, but it’s been encouraging to see the support of fans and music lovers generously helping artists with things like Indiegogo, Kickstarter etc. campaigns to help fund projects. Without this type support, many artists wouldn’t be able to tour or get their albums made! I think for the future we need to build tight-knit musical communities and continue to cultivate and support indie musicians.
SOURCE – Is the band currently working on (a much anticipated!) full-length at the moment?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – Our first full-length album “Building Castles In Air” was released in November 2016, and we have spent the last year promoting that, so unfortunately no new music on the horizon at the moment… but plenty of ideas and seeds being planted for future songs!
SOURCE – Anything you wish to add to conclude this interview?
Nikki Layne (Vocals) – We want to THANK YOU for supporting us and for the interview! Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook (and all social media below), tell us who your favorite bands are, where the best music venues are, where the best tacos are… Seriously though we thrive on new music, people, and places to experience. Also we host the Negative Sp8ce Radio show where we play the coolest bands that we’ve come across every month and you can find out how similar our taste is by checking out an episode or 20. But most importantly keep supporting bands you dig by going to concerts and shows, participating in crowdfunding, and simply sharing them with people you think have similar taste. It’s rewarding for everyone involved, and it’s currently the best and possibly only way a band can continue to exist and make more music.
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