As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the newest member of the Blue Swan Records family is band called Royal Coda.
The group features Sergio Medina (Stolas, Sianvar, Eidola), Kurt Travis (Dance Gavin Dance, A Lot Like Birds), and Joseph Arrington (A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar).
I hesitate to use the cliche “super-group” but when this was announced it did seem like something of swancore fan fiction. Turns out, it was not too good to be true and they recently released their debut self-titled album on April 27th.
I caught up with Sergio to ask him a few questions about this project:
NT: What would you say sets Royal Coda apart from all the other post-hardcore/alt-rock bands out right now?
Sergio Medina: “I’m not sure! I have trouble answering questions like this. I can say what sets us apart from all our other bands we’ve been associated with is the a difference in song structure. This record was deliberately written to stay within a certain song structure, as opposed to my other bands where we liked going from part to part to part. Not saying either is a bad thing. It was just an exercise/experiment with this record.”
NT: You three have worked together in more than one capacity in the past. How did that familiarity affect the writing and recording of this album?
Sergio: “This record was put together like a puzzle. Members and parts weren’t really finalized until it came down to recording. Joe flew out and tracked songs he learned that I wrote to drum skeletons in two days. There, he made those parts his own by changing them, or expanding on the initial idea. Kurt joined later on, wrote his parts two weeks before he laid them down. The key thing to remember was that this album was initially a solo record of mine. I decided to scrap that idea, and so the project evolved.”
NT: Do you find the term “side project” to be derogatory in reference to someone starting another band?
Sergio: “Nah, not really. We’re just playing music. That’s what we want to do. If it’s in a “main” band or a “side-project” band. One of those at some point will demand more of our attention and evolve on its own. Our job is to just create music.”
NT: You’re a self-managed band and signed to a label that one of you owns. Does that situation work to your benefit or create more obstacles?
Sergio: “It’s most definitely works to our benefit. There’s not many people our plans have to go through to get a green light. We talk about an idea, bring it to Will Swan, he either approves or doesn’t. It’s very simple which is great.”
NT: The record is 10 songs, but the time between the announcement of the group seemed to barely allow enough time for mixing. How long were these songs done before release?
Sergio: “Like I mentioned earlier, this record came together in pieces. Writing and recording started June 2017. Kurt finished tracking the first week of February 2018. Things were more or less kept secret as the project progressed into what we now call Royal Coda.”
But, discount viagra http://appalachianmagazine.com/2018/12/18/the-republic-of-franklin-appalachias-lost-country-2/ low density lipoprotein (LDL) is directly related to erectile dysfunctions or inability to hold erection. How does Kamagra work? It is noteworthy tadalafil best prices for a person that the constructive results of Kamagra jelly are even better as patient compliance is further improved due to its ease of administration. In case of any symptoms of diabetes mellitus detected in the online levitra continue reading over here body, it is advisable to visit a doctor or feel embarrassing. You know that, apart from the online cialis emotional pleasure your partner expects for the physical satisfaction as well. NT: What are a few of the lesser known bands you’ve played shows with who have really impressed you?
Sergio: “Hmm. We really like a band called VIS. Allen (their drummer) is a great musician and overall human being. He also fills in on drums for Hail The Sun.”
NT: I see you had your first shows recently (5/19 and 5/20). Were you nervous at all about playing these songs live for the first time?
Sergio: “Those shows went pretty well, I think! Our first show had a few nerves. Second night went more smoothly. Though it was kind of a tease. I wish it had been a longer tour.”
NT: The question I think everyone wants to ask all three of you, are you going to focus solely on Royal Coda from here on out or will you return to any of your previous projects at any point?
Sergio: “I don’t think that’s a question any of us can really answer. We’ll see how things go this summer.”
Listen to Royal Coda’s debut album:
FOLLOW ROYAL CODA