Post hardcore metalcore rockers Conquer Divide an all female group have been hard at work upon their debut album after their latest single "Eyes Wide Shut" was released. Now after forming over 2 years ago their fellow band mates are coming together moving over to the U.S. with future plans in full swing. Clean vocalist Kiarely and guitarist Kristen discuss the album's progress and plans they have for the future which looks so bold and bright because their eyes aren't wide shut.
1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Conquer Divide, and how long the band has been together.
Kia: I'm Kiarely, and I sing clean vocals for Conquer Divide!
Kristen: I'm Kristen and I play guitar for Conquer Divide. :)
2. What's the story behind "Eyes Wide Shut"?
Kia: The single is called Eyes Wide Shut. It has a lot to do with seeing something and refusing to believe it. Sometimes in life we ignore the things because we think they will go away, but they don't. Eyes Wide Shut basically means you see all of the bad things going on, but you ignore them, believing only what you want to see.
3. Will this album have a concept to go with it?
Kia: Our biggest goal was making sure we had a little bit for everyone. I don't want people to think that our entire album is going to be about relationships. We didn't settle for just one theme throughout the album. I'd say this album is a lot about getting on your feet and the process of overcoming your struggles.
4. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?
Kia: We have all of the instruments tracked and most of the melodies and vocals done. At this point we just have to get in the studio to finish the last
couple of songs.
5. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?
Kia: Joey Sturgis is our producer. He helps us a lot more than I feel like most producers do. I love working with him because we understand each other which makes the recording process super quick and easy. He gives me suggestions on melody tweaks in the studio and honestly he gives me a lot of confidence. My favorite thing he has ever said to me was when I asked him (whilst recording) "should I try to do it full-voice or falsetto?" And he said "No don't TRY to do it full-voice. Just do it. I know you can." And that has never left my brain. He is an awesome person to work with.
6. Where are you recording the album?
Kia: Currently we are recording with Joey at 37 Studios in Rochester Hills Michigan.
Kristen: We have also tracked some of the album at The Foundation Estate and Pearl Sound Studios. Pearl Sound has a great live room for drums and has had artists ranging from Madonna to Led Zeppelin to Eminem, so it was definitely awesome to track there.
7. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Kia: Our biggest goal was to make each song a little different. We don't want to genre hop, but we also don't want to be boring! I like that each song has it's own style. You can definitely hear a little bit of each girls' influences here and there.
8. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Kristen: This is the first time we've dabbled in piano, synth and other electronic effects. It really helps give the songs that extra edge and really brings them to life.
9. When did you start writing for this album?
Kristen: We started writing the album in 2012, and we have taken our time on it to make sure it's the best it can be. Inspiration only comes in spurts and we didn't want to rush the creative process in that sense because the music will suffer.
10. Do you feel any pressure whatsoever for this release?
Kia: I'm super excited for our next song release!! I like Eyes Wide Shut a lot, but I'm stoked to let people hear a little bit more and get a little more insight on what Conquer Divide really is. The next song is pretty bad ass.
11. Can you go into one or two tracks on the new album? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?
Kia: We have working titles still, so as far as names go, that's a secret! But my favorite song so far is about us motivating each other and keeping each other uplifted and positive. If we stick together we are unstoppable. It's very catchy! We have another song that we can all relate to, which is about missing
home and being away from the people you love and care about. And the one we are working on right now is a little heavier (we call it "How Many Girls Does It Take To Write a Breakdown" haha) is very in your face and it's about being stabbed in the back and basically it's like a middle finger to the people
who tried their hardest to see us fail.
12. How do you think the vibe in the studio has been going?
Kia: I love being in the studio. I always have so much fun! But I have noticed that I have a bit of a potty mouth, especially when I'm recording. Apparently I drop a lot of F-bombs haha.
13. When can we expect the new album to be released?
Kia: It wouldn't be fun if I told you that! We are trying to pull a Beyonce' and surprise everyone! But it will be soon I promise!
14. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Kia: We have a lot of different themes, from toxic relationships, to taking on the music industry, to missing home, to people who try to make you think you aren't good enough, to self harm, to betrayal and more. Not only that but the styles vary a bit too!
15. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Kristen: We write our own songs and take pride in that.Kia: Once the instruments are all done and good to go, Kristen, Suzie and I tag team the vocals. Usually Suzie writes the screams and I do the cleans, but Kristen does a lot of both. So basically for cleans, Kristen will give me her ideas, I tweak them, then she tweaks them, and we go back and forth until we are ALL satisfied with the end product. It's kind of a lengthy process, but we are all very picky and attentive to detail, and we work very well together. I think our system is a very good one.
16. Who are your musical influences?
Kia: My biggest musical influences vocally are Hayley Williams and Demi Lovato. As far as my lyrical inspiration, I really like Max Bemis of Say Anything. The way that he uses words is amazing to me. And I will always love Tyler Carter. He is the reason that I like heavy music to be honest! Woe, Is Me was one of the first bands I started listening to in this genre of music.
Kristen: Mine are August Burns Red, Parkway Drive, Between the Buried and Me, A Perfect Circle, 30 Seconds to Mars, and tons more.
17. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Kristen: The band name probably has different meanings for each member. It was an uphill battle putting this band together since we are from all over the world, taking us over three years to find each member, so that's part of where the name came from.
18. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Kia: We are mainly based in Michigan, and there is a LOT of different music. There are all genres and Michigan is full of local talent. I would recommend checking out Vesta Collide. They are relatively new, but definitely worth giving a try.
19. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Kia: We will be touring soon! Playing locally as well as traveling. We have a lot of new merch coming and lots more pictures. Keep an eye out for more contests as well!
20. Is that your final answer?
Kia: Yes. Did I win?
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