Interview with MARBLE GHOSTS

March 20, 2024

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

Our drummer Jer became obsessed with music at a very young age, listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Kiss. Adam, our guitarist, has deep musical roots with his entire family playing music. Paul got into music at 8 years old, buying Motley Crue’s Shout at the Devil. He loved Nikki Sixx’s style where he plays in the pocket.  

Adam, our guitar player, would be a chef. He loves to cook butter chicken.

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

For Paul, our bassist, he is either listening to music or writing music. Adam derives a lot of creativity from video games, particularly games as a powerful medium to tell stories.

How long has your band been around?

We formed a year ago.

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

We are based out of Ottawa/Gatineau Canada. While there aren’t many famous bands from our hometowns, where we grew up has always had a thriving punk/metal/rock scene, so we were influenced by going to shows.

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

The name comes from the statues of the past. These ‘marble ghosts’ are revered by some as pioneers and trailblazers who forged their nations, but who also committed terrible crimes. Like the band’s song, ‘False Heroes’, the band asks simply, “Why do we hold them up so high? Why do we cover up the crimes?” These marble ghosts are being pulled down physically but also in the changing mentalities toward flawed historical persons. The marble ghosts are also the traditions of old including religious beliefs that have not changed with the times to accept differing views. Again, the band seeks to call out these anachronistic outmoded views that cause real harm.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

The Dominion Tavern in Ottawa. The crowd was insane. At the end of our set, the crowd wanted more. The place was completely packed, there was a pit, which our singer jumped into, and the energy was off-the-charts.

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

So far, definitely the Dominion Tavern in Ottawa. We’d love to play the Bronson Centre in Ottawa.

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

1) Alice in Chains

2) Foo Fighters

3) Metallica

4) Taylor Swift

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?

Finding the right people is key. Make sure that everyone is on the same page. Don’t do it with the intention of making a living- do it for the passion first. Being in a band is like being in a relationship or a marriage, you need to give what you get. Don’t accept band members who won’t pull their weight if you want to be a serious band and avoid resentment, especially if you’re in a band with your friends.

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

Keep egos and addiction out of music.

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

‘Old School’ means the most to us. It is a controversial song with biting lyrics in the chorus. It is also the most direct way in our music that we speak truth to power.

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

The newest song ‘Osmium’. It will be on the next EP! It is the perfect song to end a show.

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

Generally, Adam will bring the guitar part of a song, usually including verses and a chorus. Adam will often also track out the song, even putting programmed drums and bass on the recording. Jer will help with the arrangement of the songs while Dylan works on lyrics and vocal melody. Paul, who is an accomplished producer, will work on his bass parts in his studio.

Dylan wrote the lyrics and came up with the concepts. He has very powerful views and convictions. The inspiration comes from all the disharmony in the world and basically what bothers us. Controversial, yes, but we want people to think, reflect and understand where we are coming from. We will divide, but we will also conquer, speaking truth to power.

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

We believe in the importance of speaking truth to power, but especially, empowering those who have lost power. We are not anti-religious, but we believe in calling out beliefs that preach hate towards any groups, but especially 2SLGBTQ groups.

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

We disagreed over the art for the EP, but we were able to compromise. For us, it is important to reach a consensus.

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

We are opening for The Lazys at The 27 Club in Ottawa on February 29th, 2024. We’ll be joined as well by Taming Sari. It will also be our EP release show. The EP will be released at midnight on March 1, 2024.

We will write and record a second 5-track EP. We would also like to play dates outside of our hometown and play a few festivals.

Alone -

 

Old School -

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