Interview with Fortune Teller

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Hi guys, thanks for the interview, We've always been fascinated by music since we were kids. It's something that just speaks to us on a deep level. We started playing instruments at a young age and quickly realized that making music was what we were meant to do. If we weren't pursuing music, we'd probably be doing something related to the arts or entertainment industry. Maybe working in film or graphic design, but ultimately, music is our true passion and calling.

 What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

As a band, when we're not jamming out and playing music together, we find inspiration in a range of artistic pursuits. Exploring diverse forms of art, from visual expressions to interactive video games and compelling films, becomes a collective source of creativity for us (and the occasional round of golf to blow off some steam). These activities collectively shape our musical journey, contributing diverse perspectives and enriching our sound with a tapestry of influences. It's a harmonious blend, striking the right balance between our musical endeavors and the various artistic realms we explore individually.

 How long has your band been around?

Founded in 2021, our band came to life during the challenging times of lockdown. Despite the restrictions, we channeled our creative energy into songwriting, honing our craft and solidifying our unique sound. Once the lockdown restrictions eased, we wasted no time and dove headfirst into the studio, bringing our musical vision to life and turning our collective passion into tangible tracks. The journey from formation to studio work has been a dynamic and exhilarating ride for us, marking the evolution of our sound from inception to fruition.

 Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Hailing from the Rhondda Valleys, our geographic roots play a significant role in shaping the essence of our music. The unique character of our surroundings, with its landscapes, culture, and community spirit, seeps into our creative process. The Rhondda Valleys, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, serves as a backdrop that subtly influences the themes and emotions woven into our songs. The connection to our local environment adds a distinctive flavor to our music, creating a sound that resonates with the essence of the Rhondda Valleys and the experiences we share within this community.

 How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

It didn't come out of nowhere, but it was fairly easy to land on the name. We're big fans of fellow Welsh pop-punk pioneers Neck Deep, and it'll come as no surprise that their music influenced us in a big way as a band. our drummer josh was sitting listening to their album 'Wishful Thinking' one evening, and he absolutely loves the artwork for that album, Zoltar from the movie BIG. Iconic. It just sort of stemmed from that, really. It sounded catchy, allowed us to pay homage to our influences, and will hopefully become a household name of its own in the future.

 Tell me about your most memorable shows.

While we haven't hit the stage for live shows just yet, the anticipation and excitement are building for what promises to be a series of unforgettable performances. The prospect of connecting with an audience, sharing our music, and feeling the energy of a live crowd is something we eagerly look forward to. Our journey is poised to unfold on the stage, and we can't wait to create lasting memories with our future shows, making each performance a unique and memorable chapter in our band's story. The best is yet to come, and we're so ready to rock the stage and make our mark in the world of live music.

 What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

As a band yet to embark on our live performance journey, we're eagerly envisioning potential venues that resonate with our musical aspirations. While we haven't played at any specific venue yet, we're excited about the prospect of performing in places that align with our sound and vibe. Whether it's iconic music halls, intimate clubs, or outdoor festivals, we're open to exploring diverse settings that allow us to connect with our audience and showcase our music in the best possible way. The dream venues we aspire to play at are diverse, ranging from renowned local spots to larger stages that can amplify the energy of our performances. The anticipation of stepping onto new stages and engaging with different audiences is a thrilling prospect for our band.

 If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Dreaming big, our ultimate lineup would be a pop-punk paradise featuring Blink-182, Knuckle Puck, The Story So Far, and New Found Glory. Picture the stage with Blink-182's infectious energy, Knuckle Puck's intense vibes, The Story So Far's emotional punch, and New Found Glory's timeless anthems – it would be a pop-punk extravaganza! Playing alongside these iconic bands would be a dream come true, creating a night of music that's explosive, heartfelt, and filled with unforgettable moments.

 What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

For newcomers playing in a band: focus on clear communication, collaborate effectively, maintain commitment, embrace constructive feedback, and strategically network in the music community. Advice to our younger selves: trust the gradual journey, explore diverse musical influences, invest in strategic promotion, prioritize well-being, and cherish every step of the musical journey. and most importantly never give up.

 If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

If we could travel back in time and offer advice to our younger selves, it would be to trust the gradual journey, explore diverse musical influences, invest in strategic promotion, prioritize well-being, and cherish every step of the musical journey

 Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Choosing a favorite among our songs is akin to picking a favorite child – each holds a unique place in our hearts, representing different moments and emotions in our musical journey. Each song is a creation born from our collective passion and creativity, making it challenging to single out one as the absolute favorite. Each piece is a cherished part of our artistic family, contributing to the rich tapestry of our musical identity.

 Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

As a band gearing up for our first live performances, we're eagerly anticipating the opportunity to gauge audience reactions. While we haven't played in front of fans just yet, we're excited to see how different songs resonate with audiences when we finally hit the stage. Each track in our repertoire carries its own significance, and we look forward to discovering which ones connect most with our future live audiences."

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

In our band, the creative process typically begins with Luke crafting a riff. Once he has a foundation, he collaborates with Lee to transform it into a complete song. They work on refining the structure and dynamics before involving the rest of the band to contribute their unique elements.

As for inspiration, our music draws from a variety of sources. It could be personal experiences, emotions, or even broader societal themes that resonate with us. We find inspiration in the everyday moments, as well as in the challenges and triumphs we encounter collectively. The diverse backgrounds and influences within the band contribute to a rich tapestry of inspiration, allowing us to create music that reflects our shared artistic vision.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

As a band, our music serves as a platform for conveying a range of messages and emotions. We aim to share personal experiences, tell stories, and explore themes that resonate with us collectively. Whether it's expressing raw emotions, reflecting on life's challenges, or conveying a sense of hope and resilience, our music is a means of connecting with our audience on a deep and relatable level. Ultimately, we strive to create a diverse yet cohesive body of work that not only showcases our musical abilities but also communicates messages that resonate with the human experience.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Like any collaborative endeavor, our band occasionally experiences disagreements. However, we approach these situations with open communication and a shared commitment to our music. When differences arise, we make a concerted effort to listen to each other's perspectives, fostering a constructive dialogue. It's essential to find common ground and maintain a collective focus on our shared goals and artistic vision. Through respectful communication, compromise, and a mutual understanding of each other's creative input, we navigate disagreements, ensuring they become opportunities for growth and strengthening our collaborative bond.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Tom Ianello and Todd Campbell for their exceptional work in recording, mixing, and mastering our upcoming EP, "Premonitions." Their talent and dedication have brought our musical vision to life, and we couldn't be more grateful.

We're thrilled to announce that "Premonitions" is set to be released on March 29th. This EP represents a significant milestone for us, and we can't wait to share these tracks with our fans. Stay tuned for more details, and join us in celebrating the culmination of our hard work and the incredible collaboration with Tom and Todd. It's going to be an exciting chapter in our musical journey, and we're grateful for the support of our dedicated audience.