Misery Signals Interview
An interview with Kyle Nathan Johnson:
Could you tell us more about the history of the band, how things started?
Well after the break up of Seven Angels Seven Plagues myself, Ryan Morgan, and Jesse Zaraska decided to start Misery Signals. We recruited Ryan's brother Branden to play drums and our friend Jeff Aust to play second guitar. After a few months of touring Jeff decided that it wasn't for him so he quit and we quickly replaced him with Stu Ross. After a couple years of touring it began to wear on our former singer Jesse and he then left Misery Signals. After doing a MySpace audition we came across current singer Karl Schubach and that brings us to now. We have recorded one EP which features both Jesse and Jeff (former members) and three full lengths, "Of Malice And The Magnum Heart" (featuring our former singer Jesse), "Mirrors" and "Controller" (both featuring our current singer Karl). That about sums it up.
What's your opinion on your first albums "Mirrors" and "Of Malice And The Magnum Heart" nowadays? Are you still satisfied with the songs on it, the production, and the artwork?
I would say that I am satisfied with aspects of both records... I like the artwork for both... I like the production on "Of Malice And The Magnum Heart" but not so much "Mirrors". But with the new record "Controller" I am 100 percent happy with everything about it.
You've recently released your new killer album "Controller", where did you record it, who produced it? Can you tell us more about the recording process? How are the reactions on this one so far?
We recorded the record in Vancouver, BC with mastermind Devin Townsend. The recording process was the best we have ever experienced. It was great to go back to Devin for the second time and really get down to business. We knew what he was capable of doing and he did it with flying colors. He made us sound exactly how we wanted to and helped us to structure the songs in ways we hadn't thought about. It was a great experience. The reaction to the record thus far has been amazing. I haven't seen a bad review yet and the kids really seem to like it.
Who writes the lyrics, what are they about? Is there any concept in them? Are the lyrics an important aspect of the band or are they just there to guide the music?
The lyrics are written primarily by Karl and Ryan. However on the records that Jesse was on he wrote a good part of the lyrics. The lyrics are a very important part of our band. However I don't write them myself so I can't properly explain exactly what they are all about. They are pretty personal to those who write them.
How did you get in contact with Ferret Music? For how many albums have you signed to them? Are you satisfied with their work? Why did you signed with them?
We were in touch with Ferret from when we first started the band. We released our EP on a friend's label with every intention of signing with Ferret for our first full length. We originally signed for three records but recently extended our contract for one more release. We are very happy with the label. They have always been fair and friendly towards us... I feel we have a relationship with them that most bands don't have with their label. That is one of the reasons we felt so comfortable signing with them. They were basically just dudes who used to be in bands like we are now so they have an understand of how things work and what it takes to keep a band happy.
When it comes down to writing a new song or an album whats the process like? Like is it alright here! And you go and quickly write it down or it comes to you when it does?
Well we usually set aside a few months to write a record but the guitarists in the band are constantly writing material on their own. That's pretty much how it starts. They write something and show it to eachother and once it's presentable to the rest of us they show it to us and we learn it and add in ideas and opinions on what we like and don't like.
Have you played live a lot? What tours have you done in the past? What tours are going to take place or are there plans for a tour as a support for a "bigger" band?
We tour anywhere from 8-10 months a year depending on whether we are recording and writing that year... so yeah we play A LOT. We have toured with bands like As I Lay Dying, Norma Jean, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Every Time I Die, Eighteen Visions, Bury Your Dead, Emmure, Bleeding Through, Darkest Hour, Zao, All That Remains, The Human Abstract and a hand full more. Future plans include a tour with Comeback Kid, Shai Hulud, and Bane. And then after that with Bring Me The Horizon.
Tell some of your experiences playing live.
This is a tough one. There have been so many experiences that its hard to separate them. I mean I love to play, that's why I have done it for so long. We have had some really incredible shows in our band's existence and I hope to have many more!
What are your expectations for Misery Signals in the future?
Well we're never quite sure what comes next. Most likely just continue to tour a bunch on this album and then once that's over start writing for another record. I don't see why anything would really change any time soon. Things are good and only getting better.
What's your opinion on the whole music industry scene right now? Like do you think they're trying their hardest to get albums out on shelves and not seek their way onto the net?
Well I think that no matter how hard they try and sell records in stores they are going to continue to struggle with the current state of things. Kids are lazy. They want music for free and as soon as they can get it and it's understandable. Things aren't like they used to be, at least not with heavy music. Kids get in to a band so quickly and the next week they forgot the band existed and it makes sense because they don't have to spend their hard earned money to get a CD from a record store so it's very easy to dispose of bands at their leisure. It is what it is. I download music myself so I'm not blaming anyone for anything really.
Currently all over the news is the out-raging gas prices, what are your thoughts on that issue?
It makes touring very hard for bands like us who don't make a TON of money but we're managing. I definitely don't like it but it's a reality that you have to work with. If you can't take the heat then get out of the kitchen as they say!
What do you know and think of Romania?
Honestly I don't know much about it at all. I wish I did but we have never been over there. Hopefully some day soon we will make a trip there. I'm sure it's a great place!
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview, any thoughts or comments?
