Interview with

Underlined Passages

"The EP deals tangentially with losing relevance in middle age and learning how to accept the inevitability of slipping into a life of obscurity as we age. The concepts of contemplating suicide while realizing the absurdity and selfishness of that act, accepting oneself as you are, and the surreal fragmentation of digital life that prevents genuine gratitude - are explored on this record."

Artist Name: Underlined Passages
Nationality: USA
Release title: His Head Feels Like A Trainwreck Tonight [EP]
Release Genre: Indie Rock
Band Members: Michael Nestor (Guitars/Vocals), Jamaal Turner (Drums), Gary Hewitt (Bass)

If you enjoyed these thoughts by Underlined Passage and would like to find out more about their work, visit their official channels below.

Underlined Passages - EP Cover

Underlined Passages – Ice Cream (Sarah McLachlan Cover)

Underlined Passages - Band cover picture

Underlined Passages. Michael Nestor & Jamaal Turner.

Listen

Underlined Passages music on Spotify. Enjoy while reading the interview.

About the EP

Tell us about your new EP, His Head Feels Like A Trainwreck Tonight. Is there a story behind it? What were the influences or inspirations to write it?

The EP deals tangentially with losing relevance in middle age and learning how to accept the inevitability of slipping into a life of obscurity as we age.

The concepts of contemplating suicide while realizing the absurdity and selfishness of that act, accepting oneself as you are, and the surreal fragmentation of digital life that prevents genuine gratitude – are explored on this record.

Could you describe your creative process behind the album? Where did the ideas come from, how were they transformed in your mind, what did you start with and how do you refine these beginnings into a finished song?

Tough question because the creative process in general is so different for each record. For this one, much of the music was written during a time of transition for the band, as we started to emerge from the pandemic-so the theme of both desperation and renewal is throughout. These general concepts combined with our reflections after playing our first mini-tour in 5 years are what spurred the idea that we might be “too old for this young person’s game.” That concept is what we wanted to explore.

What’s your view of lyrics with “messages”? Is there a main message you want to be delivered within the EP?

Music should come from the heart-if that means that the writer needs to deliver that via a message or not, so be it. Lyrics are the same way-getting locked in to one approach to writing lyrics will probably lead to frustration. There is no main message to His Head Feels Like A Trainwreck Tonight, just an exploration of themes that are currently important.

Releasing music is such a mammoth effort. What are the biggest challenges? What things did you learn in the process?

The biggest challenge about releasing music is supporting the release. There are so many ways that people consume music, so many bands, and so many platforms-it is difficult to get your music in front of the right people who will enjoy it. It requires more and more advance planning, coordination, and strategic thinking-more like a small business than a band-and that takes some of the fun out of it.

What’s next for the band?

Getting back out on the road and touring to support the release and connect with our audience and continuing to get the word out about the music made in Underlined Passages.

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