Exclusive Interview with LOW PHASE

For Low Phase, Star Dog is an evolution. They have only ever used “Circles” as a closer at live performances, but it now serves as the EP’s opening track. “I think the idea behind the tracklist was to keep the energy up until “Swimming,” where we kind of give you a reflective period before we really bring it to a massive close,” says John Bomer, the bass player. Since the band’s inception, “Headlights Like Heaven” has also been a mainstay at live performances and is now featured on the EP. The singles “Carousel” and “Smokescreen” from Star Dog are highlights of the album. “Carousel” explores the anxiety brought on by the pandemic and the inevitable isolation it engendered, and “Smokescreen” offers commentary on the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Loudwire, Hot Topic, Music Scene Media, and numerous other Spotify playlists included “Smokescreen” in their playlists. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

LOW PHASE: The project itself was born in the pandemic. Definitely from a place of restlessness. We’ve all been best friends for years, it just took something like this to set things in motion. We call Grand Rapids and its local music scene home, we love this place and its community.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

LOW PHASE: Mehhh, a little bit of everything I guess? We all have some form of formal education. Marley graduated from Berklee college, Miles marched DCI for many years, Caleb has taken over 10 years of guitar lessons, and John did marching band in high school and has the greatest intuition when it comes to new instruments he is picking up.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘LOW PHASE?

LOW PHASE: The name just felt right. We went through numerous amounts of iterations and sat with “Low Phase” for awhile and never changed it <3 Our influences definitely stretch as much as they can amongst the members.

Caleb – David Bowie / Car Seat Headrest

Miles – Paramore / Radiohead

John – Modest Mouse / Big Thief

Marley – Depeche Mode / The Cure

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

LOW PHASE: I mean, I think each member resonates with these songs for different reasons and that is something we found really special. The characters in these songs are people we’ve known and loved all too well. I’m sure the general public can relate to complicated friendships, relationships, substance abuse issues, anxiety, and family. We all know it, we all love and struggle with it. As far as sounds goes, we want you to listen to our music and think, “Wow this band from the 90’s isn’t half bad!”

5. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

LOW PHASE: Our first EP! Our first tour! Our first sold out hometown show! The love we STILL share for this project and each other. There is way too much to be grateful for when it comes to this band.

6. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

LOW PHASE: Absolutely not. You can’t tell someone what they are supposed to be feeling when it comes to art. Get that out of here, interpretation is the best part of it all <3

7. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

LOW PHASE: If you have a voice, you should use it. Yes, it’s about the music; but these songs are telling stories that reflect real world issues and relationships. There are real people behind these songs, not just musicians. We fully believe that art is a very appropriate place to express your frustrations with societal and political issues. As a band we are all involved in the LGTBQ+ community in one way or another. It is a community we love and a community whose voice deserves to be heard.

8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

LOW PHASE: I can’t speak for all of us, but I’d say yes. We are fulfilled mostly by performing live and connecting with fans and other bands we love. I’d also mention that we aren’t 100% fulfilled quite yet, which is the best motivator I could think of, always striving for more creatively.

9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

LOW PHASE: Most of our songs start in a shitty Logic file that Caleb writes. A very general idea with a couple of guitars, synths, drums, maybe a verse or two. Typically music comes first with a four or eight bar guitar loop that he just mutters nonsense over until he finds something that sticks. The songs really come to life with the collaboration process at practice. By the time the song is finished you can hear each member’s influence all over the place. It’s a really beautiful thing.

10. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

LOW PHASE: The balance and time management between our music career and our day jobs. It’s hard to put 100% creatively into this project after working a 9-5 job five days a week. I think we are all just looking forward to the day that we can live and breathe this project.