Writing comes in many formats, essays, stories, reports, and then the simple tasks like creating a poem either in song format or regular format whatever works best for you. It just so happens that the powerhouse quintet known as Fall Of Envy have chosen to use poetry on their debut LP "Poetic Rage." Embracing within the lyrics and melodies used to craft together a well rounded piece of music. Fall Of Envy spoke to me briefly about their band’s success about how the formation of the band came into effect sending their dreams into overdrive.
1. The name of the band Fall Of Envy, is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?
Michael: We get this question a lot. The name comes from our personalities and how we all have a common dream and desire. And although we are determined to be successful at what we do, we never want to be a band or people that are envious of other's success and status. So the name is derived from the determination we have to follow our dreams, but we refuse to have this success by trying to take it from someone else. Hence the name Fall Of Envy.
2. Can you briefly summarize how the band formed and what you do in Fall Of Envy?
Greg : The Band formed back in mid 2005. My brother Tommy (Lead Guitarist) and I had played in several previous projects throughout Florida, but moved to Orlando because of the up and coming music scene here. I ran into Michael Baker (lead vocalist) at a Starbucks, one day here in Orlando. I had known Michael from one of his earlier projects called Liquid Vinyl, which I was big fan. We arranged to all jam out soon after. Immediately, things gelled and Fall of Envy was born! Though we did go through a few name changes early on. A few months later, Michael recommended we talk to drummer Brandt Frenchmen, also formerly of Liquid Vinyl, to join the band and help strengthen the lineup. Lastly, Brent Venderly joined in early 08 to complete the final arrangement.
3. Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a concept behind the music you create?
Greg: The lyrics on the album were extremely personal to most of us in the band. We don't really have a set agenda/concept behind all the material, but a good portion of it does tend to mirror things that are happening in our daily lives.
4. Your new album "Poetic Rage," is coming out how has the reactions been thus far? What can fans expect when they listen to your music?
Michael: The reactions to the album have been overwhelmingly great. We've received such a positive reaction to our music and style that we feel very humbled to be doing what we love to do. Currently we are working more material, and bigger and better ways to put on an exciting live show for our fans.
5. How do you think you will affect the music scene you are part of? What are your thoughts on the growing popularity in it as well?
Michael: We hope to have a huge impact on the music scene in a way that not only separates our sound from anyone else, but will mainly help draw more attention to a music scene in Central Florida that is going unseen. There are so many diverse bands that are very talented; we hope that with any success that we have will only shine more of a light on this great music town.
6. You have a music video for the song "Face To My Fist,” can you give a brief summary on how it all came together.
Michael: Well, first off the song is written about MMA fighting and with members of FOE being huge fans we wanted to write a song that portrayed that. We met a great guy, Mark Moorer with Pitcher Point Productions, and he approached us about doing a video. After discussing different options we decided to use Face To My Fist for our first video since it had such great energy. We were then lucky enough to have Ben Saunders of the UFC, who by the way is in their new video game, agree to be part of the production. We shot everything in 1 day, in a warehouse, and Mark did everything with one camera and some great editing. We are looking forward to our next video very soon.
7. Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience. How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?
Brent: I think we really see it the other way around. We are amazed that the emotion and power we poured into our songs while writing and rehearsing, and pour into the songs at every live performance actually translates through in the recording. First and foremost, we are a live rock band and really take pride in every live show. We love being up on stage playing more than anything. Justin Thomas did an amazing job of capturing that in the recording studio and making sure that the recorded songs painted the picture so to speak. But, if you have not seen the live show yet, you are missing a huge part of who we are and what we love to do. It is where everything else stems from.
8. What are the upcoming plans for Fall Of Envy?
Brent: Probably first on everyone's mind is touring; we all really want to get out on the road and play some great venues in front of some great fans. Secondly, write the follow up to Poetic Rage. Even though it is new to most people, we are ready to get the next one in the works and bring out some new material. Other than that I think just continue to be ready for any opportunities that come our way and promote, promote, promote, and play more shows. That is really when we are at our best.
9. How has MYSPACE and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?
Brent: MySpace is an amazing tool for us and bands in general. We have a ton of fans today that 10 years ago would never had known about us unless we were signed and accepted by mainstream radio. It is direct distribution/marketing/promotion to your fans. It is immediate, 24/7 and there has never been a promotional tool available like it. It has kind of leveled the opportunity "playing field" for unsigned bands. As far as downloads go, I am not sure if downloads help or hinder, and I am not sure if anyone truly knows yet. There are definitely two sides: Anyone can get your music anywhere anytime whether a record company is behind you or not, and anyone can get your music anytime whether it is paid for or not. The lack of money from CD sales has changed the business A LOT and I think it really remains to be seen what the "new" music business is going to look like.
10. What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Tommy: Well, I think we learn something new every time, it's an ongoing, natural progression! As far as the studio goes, I think it's important to keep an open mind at all times because you may go into the studio with a clear cut idea of how you want a particular song’s to sound but then take a completely different approach altogether. As far as being on stage, we have learned (through many many shows), that you always have to keep in mind, the reason you're there is to perform! That means keeping the focal point on the audience.....keep their attention at all times, make them feel involved, get them so amped up to be at your show that they forget about everything else going on in their lives at that particular moment!!!!
11. What bands would you like to tour with and who has been your favorite to tour with this far? Any particular reason?
Tommy: We have been fortunate enough to share the stage with some incredible bands (Papa Roach, Sevendust, Nonpoint, Buckcherry....who are all great bands and great guys, by the way) just to name a few! I'm not sure we necessarily have one particular band we would like to tour with in general. We're just looking forward to the opportunity to hopefully get on a national/international tour at some point and continue to show people what a good rock show is all about!!!!
12. Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
Tommy: There's a whole laundry list of bands who have influenced us but a few that come to mind are: Sevendust, Chevelle, Alice N Chains, Breaking Benjamin & of course, Milli Vinilli....they had mad lip syncing skills lol!!!
13. What's your reaction when/if a fan told you a very meaningful statement such as "Your music changed my life?" Has this ever happened to you?
Brandt: This happens to us on a regular basis and this is why we play music! We are so honored to have the ability to inspire people and help them fight obstacles such as cancer and depression and anything there going through at the time. We strive to change people’s lives with our music.
14. All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically. How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?
Brandt: Sleep, diet and lots of exercise!!!!
15. Anything else you'd like to add?
Brandt: Sure do....... Music is not a factor a thing in the world, but a meaning constituted by human beings. . . . . To talk about such experience in a meaningful way demands several things. First, we have to be willing to let the composition speak to us, to let it reveal its own order and significance. . . . Second, we have to be willing to question our assumptions about the nature and role of musical materials. Last, and perhaps most important, we have to be ready to admit that describing a meaningful experience is itself meaningful.
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