https://www.facebook.com/justthebasicmusic
From: Michigan
Sounds like: Post Hardcore/Emo/Rock
1. What’s new with Just the Basic?
Eric: We’ve grown the band by adding a few new members that offer different talents and songwriting, which has taken things to the next level. We brought on a third guitar player and backing vocalist, Jonny Neville. His guitar playing is out of this world and his vocals compliment Jaimi’s well. Jonny brings expressive and effortless solos, plus the way he harmonizes Jaimi’s voice, really makes all the parts come alive. We also have a new bassist, Jen Burch. She drives massive tone that really locks in listeners. While we appreciate our former drummers in the past rotation, we’re stoked to now have a permanent fixture, Enayet Khan (Enzo). Enzo has elevated us in ways that I don’t think any of us expected, specifically with his precision in layering double bass. We’ve been in the studio this past year writing and recording our new EP and excited for everyone to hear it. We are keeping our roots true but pushing the envelope with writing this new set of tracks. Our recent sound has surpassed what we thought we could play. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to write music with and am very thankful to have been given the opportunity.
2. How is the new music coming along?
Phil: We’ve got four new songs in the works. Two of them still need lyrics and vocals finalized. One is currently in the mixing stage.
3. What can you tell us about the new music?
Jaimi: The new music is taking more of an introspective approach. It easily reflects the mood ranging between excitement, and almost a slap to the forehead with annoyance, for not seeing things as what they were to begin with. As for the lyrics, they tell relatable stories of self-discovery, and taking off rose colored glasses to see toxic situations for what they are.
4. What have you been listening to lately?
Enzo: Lately I’ve been going back to the basics, ha. Brushing up on some Bring me the Horizon and Evanescence because I plan to see them live soon. Other than that, Sleep Token. I’m very inspired by the depth of their lyrics and drummer.
5. What do you think about AI in music?
Phil: I’ve been seeing it used as a writing tool a lot lately. It’s starting to become common for artists I’m working with to use AI as a way to demo their songs prior to entering the studio, which can be helpful, especially when they have trouble conveying their vision, or just to have resources to show arrangement ideas.
6. How do you feel about the rock music scene nowadays?
Jonny: I really enjoy that the rock scene now days has so much variety, stylistically. I think a lot of people’s tastes in music have moved past popular radio and now they can find all these different pockets and subgenres within rock because it’s so accessible. I feel that in the local scene there’s a lot more authenticity and creativity happening, with less attempts to immolate what’s popular at the moment, which I think is great for rock music in general.
7. Any plans on upcoming live shows?
Jen: At this time, we don’t have confirmed shows scheduled. We’ve had internal discussions about getting on stage, but we want to make sure everyone is fully committed and prepared before locking anything in. Once the band is aligned and rehearsed to the level we expect, we’ll look at scheduling dates.
8. Any plans for any music videos?
Jen: Some of us have talked about creating some sort of visual content, but nothing has moved forward. We need to have collective time and buy-in to deliver something strong. Once the group is ready to commit to the effort needed, we’ll explore further.
9. What do you wish to accomplish for the rest of the year?
Eric: We are going to finish recording our new EP and then Phil will mix and master. Hopefully our music will be out for everyone to hear within a few months. We are going to continue to write new material and grow as a band musically. This is Just the Basic’s 10-year anniversary. Hopefully we’ll get some time to celebrate and reflect on the last ten years of memories and cheer for another ten in the future.
