Arizona metal rockers Frequis got together a few years ago and since their formation they have not looked back and have gone onto release a debut EP that showcases their musical abilities from the inside out. Frontman Cassie Aguiar caught up with me to discuss the band's EP, how they came to be, and just what else they have in store for this little up and comers who's just wanting to get a piece of the action from here on out.
1. So tell me about how the band came together and where the name came from and what does it mean?
Cassie: Well, there was a bunch of talented boys looking for a female singer and I showed up to audition. As soon as we started playing it was like magic, and we have been together ever since. As far as the name, it was thought up on a lazy Frequis band practice night. We invented the word Frequis to describe what happens when the five of us are creating music or performing on stage, or even just hanging out as a family. It's always magic!
2. Can you talk to me about the single "Sleeping Theories" when did you write it and why did you want this to be the first single off your debut album?
Cassie: Sleeping Theories is one of the original Frequis songs and it was a collaboration of many members of the band. It has a little bit of everything Frequis has to offer. As far as being the single, the fans just love it. It has always been the song that every one shouts out for at shows and sings along with. You have to give the fans what they want.
3. Speaking of your debut album you wanted to go and self-title it, why?
Cassie: Seems to be the norm for a debut EP Nothing pretentious... just a fantastically produced five song disc introducing us to people. Hi, we are Frequis, here are some of our songs. Get them interested, but thirsting for more. We have almost completed writing the songs for the next full length album and cannot wait to get back into the studio.
4. Was your songwriting and recording process any different than usual for this CD?
Cassie: It was very interesting because most of the songs were written before I was in the band and I got to put my spin on them and even re-write many of the lyrics and melodies and make them my own. The recording process was absolutely amazing! We hired platinum record producer Jim Wirt, and recorded at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica, CA. We got out of the local scene and hired a real producer and we recorded in the same studio as Jimi Hendrix, Incubus and other great bands. We recorded the same way a signed band on a major label would, and the results speak for themselves.
5. Who are your musical influences?
Cassie: There are many bands that I look up to, and my number one would be Queen, their non stop energy, ability to be so different, and the cataclysmic amount of talent... it is ALWAYS a feast for the eyes and ears.
I also have to pay homage to the front women of rock who came before me. It AIN'T easy for a girl in these evolved days, I can't imagine what it was like back then. Joan, Janis, Pat... thanks gals.
6. Who writes the songs, what are they about?
Cassie: It is a group effort. Again, that's where the magic comes from. One person comes in with a song idea and it gets built by each of us. We get each other’s feedback and end up with a finished product we ALL love and essentially wrote together.
As far as the lyrics and what they are about, that's where i come in. I let the music inspire me. These young men have such a gift for creating vivid music, so it makes my job easy. Whatever that song reminds me of, what I see when I close my eyes, or how I feel when listening to it, that is what it's about!
I try and stay away from the relationship problem songs, and broken heart shenanigans, that just isn't my style. Except our ballad, One Cause Too Many, but that was just a pretty way to melodically flip someone off and expose a snake.
I tend to be influenced by literature; we already have songs inspired by Poe, Shakespeare, and the bible. My ways of writing seem to evolve from song to song, and every song is a surprise, even to me.
7. What are your expectations for the CD?
Cassie: This CD was just an introduction. Show the world who Frequis is and what we sound like. I hope it gets people thirsty for more. Cause we have TONS more.
8. Describe your show, visual and musically.
Cassie: We have a powerful presence when we play and a TON of energy. We are all amazing friends and always have a great time on and off stage, and the audience can't help but pick up on that and get carried away with us. We also have all kinds of samples worked into the set: giant explosions, loud car crashes, and between songs we like to turn out the lights and play some eerie music to build the tension. It is a non-stop roller coaster ride. We have much more than just catchy choruses, too, we have burning guitar solos and a creative and technical rhythmic section as well. I always wear very creative outfits and the boys are always bouncing around the stage like crazy people. Come see for yourself!9. What are your upcoming tour plans?
Cassie: We have been doing a few shows on the road here and there, but as far as a tour, we are going to wait until we finish recording our full length album. We have so many new songs in the set and we want to make them available to fans before we start touring. We are going into the studio this summer, with producer Jeremy Parker. We will be recording at Sonic Ranch studios in Texas and we will be in the studio for close to a month! We are going to make a record that will change the world... then we tour.
10. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Cassie: How doesn't it? Every member of this band lives and breathes music. It is what we do, and without it we wouldn't know what to do with ourselves. It is the reason I get up in the morning and the reason I stay out late at night! The world needs music to survive; it has always been there and always will be. Music is the magic that keeps the world turning and inspires humans to love and create.
11. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Cassie: Be good to each other and work together, we are all on the same team. Find a way to avoid all the drama, it is what tears bands apart. Work hard, make your one luck, and stick together. And don't sign anything without a lawyer!
12. What inspires you to do what you do?
Cassie: I wake up every day and know that I was meant for this. God has put me here with these men to make my dreams come true and we are going for it and not looking back.
13. Is there anything else you'd like to say or add?
Cassie: Just a thank you for your interest and taking the time to get to know Frequis. Our songs are available on iTunes, Amazon.mp3, CDBaby, and wherever online music is sold. Please check out our website, Facebook, and YouTube videos and let us know what you think!
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