Being influenced by highly acclaimed alternative rock band, Radiohead, it’s clear that three-piece indie-rock band, Other Lives put a sense of passion and feeling in their music. Coming from Stillwater, Oklahoma, the band feel that their latest album, Rituals is their best work and as they grow as a band, the bond they have with each other strengthens as well. Guitarist of the band, Jonathan Mooney shares his insights about his music journey, how the sound development of Rituals came about and the importance of finding a niche for experimentation in the music they create…
Before creating the record, Rituals, you guys took a break from touring life. Did this time period help you focus on the creative aspects of the album a lot more?
We took about a two month break, but we were pretty anxious to get started on the record. Near the end of the tour cycle, the next record was very much on our minds.
Compared to your last album, Tamer Animals, what did you do differently?
Initially, we went into the recording process with the idea that we were going to make a record with a more singular sound primarily consisting of more composed songs. But about halfway through the process, we realised we would be making a mistake if we tried to force certain songs to become something they’re not – that’s why the record is more diverse instead of singular. At the end of the day we had to adhere to what the song called for.
It’s a very ambient and diverse album. What were you guys listening to at the time that inspired this sound development?
To be honest, we didn’t find ourselves listening to a whole lot of music over the last couple years, but when we did, it was almost as if it were for research rather than for pleasure. We continued to draw from a lot of contemporary classical as well as African music – we were particularly drawn in polyrhythm and drones.
Creativity is a constant progression for musicians. How do you feel about the outcome of the record as a whole?
We don’t have any regrets about the outcome of this record and that’s a great feeling for us, especially when that point didn’t come until the very last day of the process. We knew we wanted to explore new territory musically, mainly through technique and instrumentation, and we felt like we accomplished that. It was long process that took a lot of trial and error to get it to the place we wanted.
The sound of the band is very Radiohead-like. I know Thom Yorke managed to remix one of your songs too which was pretty cool. Was Radiohead a band that initially inspired the sound of the Other Lives?
Radiohead was definitely an inspiration early on as a band. More than anything it inspired us to experiment and to not be content with the typical modern band format.
You also managed to be the opening band for their North American Tour back in 2012. What was so rewarding about this opportunity?
It was rewarding in so many ways. The one thing that stuck with me is being around a small army of people with the common purpose of doing something artistically and musically incredible in every aspect of the show – it was truly special and not something you get to be around very often.
As musicians, you learn along the way how difficult it is to stay in the long run. Do opportunities like this make you realise the importance of resilience when it comes to being part of a band?
Absolutely, it’s been such a long, slow and steady road. Every now and again you have to pinch yourself – that was definitely one of those times.
It’s nice to see that you all share a strong bond with one another. How has being in a band shaped your personal lives?
Most definitely. Jesse [Tabish], Josh [Onstott] and I have been playing music together for thirteen years. We wouldn’t have made it this long if we weren’t so close. I mean, Jesse and I have lived together the last six years, and worked everyday together – it doesn’t get much more personal than that; the three of us are family.
What do you guys hope to achieve in the next few years?
For us, achievement is measured when we can sit down and listen a record we just finished and not want to change a thing about it. We did that this time and can only hope to do it again and again without repeating ourselves.
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Rituals is available now
For more updates on the Other Lives, check out their Facebook and Twitter page!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OtherLives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/otherlives
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