Heavy metal rock outfit BLVKOUT have released a compilation of songs, from previous content, an EP, with an all new single expected out soon enough. The show schedule is set with a show coming up soon, and summer time plans set as well. Otherwise the band plans to just continue doing what they do best, releasing music, playing whenever possible, and simply as they put it whatever happens, happens! The band talks about it all right below.
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?
BLVKOUT (pronounced blackout) was originally our vocalists (Jay) solo project under the name “JET BLÆCK” before putting together the band. When we first started putting this project together, we wanted to keep the same idea for the name but create something new to kind of make it everyone else’s band as much as Jay’s. After throwing a few names around (We Three Kings, The Black), nothing really stuck until we saw a note that Jay had written out titled “BLÆCKOUT”, which was going to be the title of Jay’s first solo album. We liked it so much, we decided that would become who we are. We went on to play with the spelling to make ourselves stand out a little more.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
Everybody in BLVKOUT came from different backgrounds musically. Alessandro (Bass) played Jazz for a little, Aaron (Guitar) played in a Ska band & our vocalist started making music as a hip-hop artist. But one thing we all had in common was the fact that we loved heavy metal and hard rock. So when we put all of our influences together, we happened to just create a massive modern metalcore band.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
Oh, god no. This is actually a long and funny story. The first two people to meet were Jay & Alessandro. They started playing in a band together previously before BLVKOUT was created. The first time they met though… Alessandro found Jay online and showed up to one of Jay’s solo shows and Jay ended up ignoring him for 4 hours before realizing who he was. Jay would end up meeting Aaron & Erik (Guitars) both online… but ended up ignoring both of them for a period of time before reaching back out to them with interest in joining the band. Our drummer Kaylee, was the only person to not be ignored by Jay. In fact, she ignored him for a year before reaching back out to Jay with interest in joining the band.
4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are from Santa Rosa, CA (Northern Bay Area) but our main following is out of Sacramento, CA. We could list a million bands to check out, but some our personal favorites would have to be 2morrows June (Pop/Punk), Seaside Massacre (Metal), A Hero To Fall (Metal), Beauty Is Betrayal (Alt Metal) & Hellheart (Metal). Our area is very over-saturated, so it’s hard to really make a mark unless you’re doing something different and fresh. The Bay Area is mainly known for its hip-hop roots, so you have to break that barrier and find a way to appeal to the mass audience.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
We all have our own influences, but I think it’s the love and passion we have for this band and the music that really pushes us to continue doing what we love. We all have a dream of becoming the next biggest band, and that motivates us to the fullest.
6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
We have a quote that we like to use a lot. “Embrace the darkness”. Too many people ignore the fact that there is a lot of scary things in this world, so we try to shine some light on the fact that it’s okay to be scared and to accept the dark things in this world as a part of life. So whether we are talking about death, struggle in any aspect, or even a simple “Fuck you” message; we embrace and accept the darkness in this world and bring a positive aspect to it.
7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
We like to outsource producers, collaboration is a huge part of our process. Lately, we’ve been working with A Skylit Drive’s own, Nick Miller on our production, but every member of this band has their hand on the demo process. Lately, it’s either Jay produces a starting point and we all build from that or one of the guitarists brings a riff to the table and we kind of work our way into a structure for something new. Nick will always throw his ideas in and it helps bring it to life in a whole new way.
8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
As of February 2025, we’ve released one compilation of songs from previous releases, an EP titled “The Mourning”, and a few other singles. We try to be outgoing with our music while still sticking with a signature sound. An average listener can expect some pop friendly vocal melodies, some hard hitting guitar riffs, filthy bass and complex drums. That’s what makes BLVKOUT.
9. Do you have any new music in the works?
As we’re talking, we’re actually listening to a rough version of a new single that we just recorded today. This is probably our favorite song to date and we can honestly say that this next single is the exact sound of what we want to be known for.
10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Our next live show will be on March 22nd, 2025 in Sacramento at the Goldfield Trading Post. We’re currently booking for something huge this summer so be on the lookout for that!
11. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Just continue thriving and doing what we do best. Whatever happens, happens. We’ve won a few awards the past few years and we’re showing real progress as a band. So, we hope to keep that ball moving as much as possible.
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Online, duh. Nah, I’m just kidding. You can go on our website at www.BlvkoutBand.com or find us on all your favorite music listening apps. Just search “BLVKOUT”!
Post a Comment