Upon Wings hails from the U.S. and can be described as operatic rock and metal with a deeply classical influence. They have been hard at work writing, recording, and playing showcases every so often its nothing but an ease of momentum for them. Frontwomen Anne Autumn Erickson talks about the band and new EP release.
1. Can you introduce your role in the band and tell me a brief summary of how the band came about?
Anne: First of all, thanks for your interest in Upon Wings! I’m the lead vocalist of Upon Wings, and I had the vision for the band a few years ago.
2. Where does a name like Upon Wings come from and mean?
Anne: I wanted to find something that fit the aura of the band and actually found the phrase Upon Wings in a Bible verse. Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I thought the moniker was a good fit because it’s dark and mysterious but also implies hope and relying on something larger than yourself.
3. What type of band are you?
Anne: It’s difficult to categorize us, but I would say we’re a rock band with an operatic influence.
4. You have a new EP coming out entitled "Afterlife" what does this title represent and is this a concept release?
Anne: “Afterlife” is the title track from the EP, and it’s written about the idea of missing someone who is gone but finding comfort in the belief that you’ll see that person again.
5. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Anne: Our songs are about everything from love to loss to faith. I think different people will find different meanings and inspirations in the tracks.
6. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Anne: Yep! Upon Wings’ songs are a collaboration. Usually, the other musicians will write the instrumental parts, and then I’ll write the vocal melodies and lyrics.
7. Who are your musical influences?
Anne: So many! Colm Wilkinson was a big influence growing up. AFI. I appreciate a lot of music that doesn't sound at all like Upon Wings, too, like grunge.
8. Tell me about the current single "Afterlife" why pick this song and what does it represent for the band?
Anne: Brett Hestla and I collaborated on “Afterlife.” We recorded the vocals for the song at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, and he recorded the instrumentals in his Florida studio. It has that theme of missing someone who has passed on but also knowing they’re right there with you every day. It’s a hopeful song.
9. Who is producing the EP? How has the producer aided the recording process?
Anne: Brett Hestla produced the single “Afterlife,” Glenn Brown produced “The Dream,” and both Kevin Jardine and Glenn Brown produced “Take Away” and “You Are My Weapon.” Everyone did a great job with production, and they all really “got” the idea of Upon Wings and brought different things to the table.
10. How would you describe the overall sound of the new EP?
Anne: It’s definitely a rock EP, but also has a lot of variety.
11. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this EP?
Anne: We wanted to create something that people could listen to again and again and something that was inspiring and genuine.
12. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Anne: In “Take Away,” we used some cool synths and keys we hadn't used in the other tracks. I think it lent to the diversity of the EP.
13. When did you start writing for this EP?
Anne: A few years ago, for some of the songs. Some of the songs were just written last year, though, like “Afterlife” and “You Are My Weapon.”
Anne: “Afterlife” is a rock tune, with big guitars and an antithetic chorus. I hope people can relate to the song in ways that are unique to them.
15. How do you describe your music to people?
Anne: It’s rock, but kind of operatic/gothic/classical. I usually have people listen without describing the sound.
16. What image do you think your music conveys?
Anne: Hopefully one of hope.
17. What are the plans for 2013?
Anne: Working on releasing this EP out and then hoping to play some shows. Thank you, again, Natalie! You can find us online at www.uponwings.com, www.facebook.com/uponwings and www.twitter.com/uponwings. Also, the EP is available for pre-order here. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/afterlife-ep/id593910788)
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