Indie + Alternative culture appreciates new rising artists that create diversity and new insights within their respective genres.
We constantly feature notable indie and alternative artists on the verge of success. Meet this week’s featured artist in an exclusive interview. Introducing You To Your Next Favorite Artist: Forebear |
We recently talked with Mike Mussleman to talk about Forebear's take on alternative culture. Read on to find out more about your next favorite artist, and stream their latest single Delroy Lindo.
Comments from the Curating-Editor:
Effectively, the sense of glamorized manifest destiny is destroyed by the menacing sun and unexpected June Gloom. The comparison to Local Natives is apt, sharing their classic SoCal sound, but Forebear also reminds us of a more folky counterpart to The Neighbourhood in their shoegaze nature. Like we previously mentioned, their sound "captures the current soundscape in indie music while remaining inventive and original," living up to their band name, reflecting the ancestry of alt music past and innovating towards the future with unique texture.
In no order, White Pony - Deftones, Over-nite Sensation - Frank Zappa & The Mothers, Enjoy - Incubus (EP). I was influenced by the rap/rock rise in the late nineties thanks to Deftones and girls in my classes with pictures of Brandon Boyd on their folders.
What are your fondest musical memories?
One of my fondest musical memories, as a listener, was hearing Animal Collective for the first time over a decade agoand realizing I've been a trendy asshole up until that point and music is whatever the Fuck you want it to be. As a musician, it was in New York a couple years ago. Coming together with my singer Scott as MD and top tier talent to work on a Keith Urban DVD. I felt like I could speak a musical language fluently and not be held back by any weak links. It was a big confidence booster and validation for the hard work put into learning drums.
Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
I just made a 20 song mix with some sappy older tunes with female vocalists such as Gogi Grant, Brigitte Fontaine, Doris Day, Wanda Jackson and Francoise Hardy.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach the writing process? Is there a particular message or theme central to your creative works?
Most every band I play in I am not the song writer. I just make sure there is no bullshit and it's honest music. Driving ideas home and not to meander.
We're a firm believer that the cities that artists are based in helps craft their sound. How would you describe your city’s music scene? How has it inspired you into crafting your sound?
LA has made me us a bit lethargic when it comes to desperately trying to rise to the top. I say carve out your place and be the fucking best at it. There are so many different cliques of bands that are all trying to do the same thing. We have yet to find a home. Indignant? Maybe. Having fun? Always!
Our visual aesthetic is outsourced to a close friend of the band, Augusto Piccio. He makes us look legit and professional. Check him out! ancient-future.co
NOTE - Piccio's description of the band's visuals: "Shifting the sound from the alternative rock to something self-described as “Alternative Cinematic Progressive Folk Indie Rock,” Forebear‘s visuals for the [Forebear] EP are composited tensions that mirror the change in sound. With the word “forebear” meaning predecessor, forefather, and ancestor, the artwork utilizes distorted imagery in black & white; metaphors for nostalgia and the past that is sometimes idealized and romanticized, but in reality, segmented, twisted, a conjuring of things unrecognized."
As an indie artist in the digital age, social media and streaming are essential tools for marketing and promotion. What do you think about online music sharing, both as a music fan and as a musician? How do you think social media/music streaming services impacts the rising musician?
As a fan of music I still buy everything. I hate apps on my phone. I have to love an entire album or else it's not worth listening to. No weak-ass shit. As a musician, it's hard to not be a part of that. And by that, I mean society. You have to capitulate or you'll be left in the dust. We can go down the rabbit hole of streaming and compensation another day perhaps.
Which songs are you currently obsessed with? What new acts do you recommend to our listeners? What bands do you believe are your best kept secret in the indie community?
I am currently obsessed with a song by Ennio Morricone, once upon a time in the west, the twin peaks soundtrack, and the record untitled unmastered by Kendrick Lamar. I recommend a song by Mode - Dance With Me, any Blonde Redhead, a record called The Lemon Of Pink by The Books and a band Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band. Best kept secret are Death Valley Girls and the record label/music blog Kerosene Comic Book.
What is your dream collaboration and why?
My dream collaboration would be with Nigel Godrich or SOPHIE. I think my skills and intuition can be put to use with their brains for making people dance and/or think.
What are you currently working on? Any new projects?
As far as Forebear goes, we are working on another EP as we are releasing one currently, entitled Good God. I'm in several other bands scattered along the spectrum. Figs Vision, Main Man, Billy Wilson. I tour with Magic Giant And Pretty Sister. Trying to stay busy and be about it.