Canadian metalcore act Blessed by a Broken Heart nine yeard run is standing strong with lead guitarist "Shred" Sean Maier, bassist Tyler Hoare and drummer Slater. But since this July Tony Gambino would be stepping down and new vocalist Sam Ryder would be taking over. With that the new has been hard at work writing, recording, an all new release called "Feel the Power" via Tooth & Nail Records. New frontman Sam Ryder discusses with me the goals they had for this release, writing style this time around, and if any pressure was lifting off those rock hard shoulders.
1. Tell me about the name Blessed by a Broken Heart. What does it symbolize for the band?
Sam: It's a warning to kids - "choose you band name wisley because you MAY live to regret it..."
2. What type of band are you?
Sam: Rock n' Roll from 3 different countries.
3. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Sam: Haha, there ain't no such thing as a short history of Blessed. But I'll start from where I joined, let me take you on a journey kids: I met the guys when they were on tour with Enter Shikari in the UK, I became a huge fan so I started messaging the guys on Myspace and next thing I know, my band got a support slot on their next UK tour. I remember coming home from work one night and Slater calling me saying "Dude, we need you to fill in on guitar for us, Joel can't make the tour." Of course I was like "Yeah man, no worries." Two tours "filling in" later i'm in the band...6 months later, I'm writing the record...1 year later, I'm the new singer. It's absolutely mental how things work out.
4. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Sam: Well right now, I'm listening to Toby Keith and about to record an Earth Wind and Fire cover! I like anything written well with good melody, harmony and feeling. Outside of music? I'm influenced my travel, culture, friends, positive living, snowboarding, cold beer with my friends and love from my family.5. Who writes the songs, what are they about?
Sam: Me, Sean and Ian. They're about everything I've just said above. The finer things in life.
6. What types of songs do you write what theme do they cover?
Sam: All around I always want to be positive in my song writing. I have nothing to be mad or cynical about. I have the best buds in the world, a great family, an opportunity to play music around the world and a means to write songs for other artists. I'm not totally there yet, but I'll send you a postcard when I am.
7. How does your new album 'Feel The Power" differ from your last release?
Sam: More harmonies, more Heavy Metal, more party vibes and more power flange...
8. Are you using any new instruments this time around?
Sam: No new instruments, just a bunch of different sounds and amps. Seriously, we had a room FULL of amps. Oh and we used the Skype 'ringing sound'...Does that count as an instrument?
9. Who produced the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?
Sam: James Paul Wisner. I'd like to thank that dude for making better muscians out of us and for going 1000 extra miles.
10. Where did you record the album?
Sam: St. Cloud, Florida - Shuttle launches, Mickey Mouse, Gators and good times.
11. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album?
Sam: Like an atom bomb with a singing voice.
12. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Sam: Our goals were to sit down, hang out, play guitars and make a rock and roll record. No tactics, just music.
13. When did you start writing for this album?
Sam: We've been writting bits and pieces since we've been a band, some make the record and some get worked on and saved for another time. I guess you could say we've already started writing our 4th, 5th and maybe even 6th record!
14. Did you feel any pressure for a follow-up?
Sam: None at all. Stressing gets you nowhere. We knew we might lose some fans, we knew we were gonna make some. We just rode with it and focused on making songs.
15. How do you promote your band and shows?
Sam: We count on turning everyone that comes through the door into a fan. We bring the biggest show to the smallest venue and word of mouth does the rest.
16. Can you describe your show, visually and musically for us?
Sam: Laser beams melting your face off, more smoke than the fire of London and the 5 most average looking dudes in your town. The show is hectic, like throwing a tank into a bathtub...Oh, and the music has been known to blow your nuts clean off. Don't miss it.
17. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Sam: Music expresses what we litterally can't. Not just us but everyone on the planet. Think about what music is...try and explain it yourself. Some say it's "everything," but they're lying - it's much more than that.
Sam: Respect from other musicians.
19. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Sam: Do everything you can in music. You only get one chance in life to leave your mark so never turn down an opportunity. TAKE THOSE BLINKERS OFF.
20. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
Sam: Girlfriends.
21. Anything else you'd like to say or add?
Sam: Be excellent to each other.
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