Aqualamb Artist - LO-PAN Interview up
Answered by Jesse Bartz - Drummer
1. Tell us a bit about the over decade story of Lo-pan and how this melodic fringe alt metal came to be here in 2019?
Jesse Bartz: Skot and I started Lo-Pan in 2005 after years of jamming in other projects around town together. Jeff started singing with us about 2 years later, when things did not work out good with our original singer and touring. Playing live has always been a focus for Lo-Pan. I had kept in contact with Jeff over the years (after playing many shows together with our former bands) and really always tried to encourage him to continue to sing in bands. We parted ways with our original guitarist in 2014 just after the release of our album Colossus. Then Chris Thompson joined our band in 2017 when our 2nd guitarist was not able to continue to tour. We hit the road and started writing what would become ‘Subtle’.
2. What bands have influenced Lo-pan most in the way you write?
JB: We each have lots of different influences. I can only speak from my personal perspective. I would say that a lot of 90s post hard-core bands really influence my writing. Bands such as Quicksand, Helmet, Snapcase, Melvins (obviously not just90’s or post hardcore for that matter), and Tool
3. Your first 4 albums were on small stone...why the move to aqualamb for last two albums?
JB: We did three albums on Small Stone: ‘Sasquanaut’, ‘Salvador’, and ‘Colosuss’. The first, ‘Sasquanaut’, was technically a remaster/reprint of an album we recorded on our own before being in contract with small stone. When we decided we wanted to do something with the ‘In Tensions’ material we had recorded I contacted Aqualamb because it was not a full album (we parted ways with the guitarist at the time) and Small Stone was just starting to recover from a flood and big financial setback that way. We were very happy with the results from that release and it just seem like a natural fit to work together again on ‘Subtle’.
4. In 5 words describe the band’s sound for us?
JB: We play rock and roll
5. How is the underground music scene in Columbus? Are there any shout out for bands we should check out from Columbus?
JB: The music scene in Columbus is always changing. Just like the venues and the promoters. There is a lot of new young people here every year because of OSU. There is a lot of turnover in all the creative arts that thrive in this city. I would recommend checking out Brat Curse, Eye, Pistil, and Suffering Praying Hands.
6. "Subtle" how does title and artwork play into the theme and story of album?
JB: It came from a control room conversation I had with James Brown who produced our album. We were just talking about how nothing in this bands approach or playing is subtle at all. We all are very passionate and intense and play that way all the time, probably because of so much focus that we put on our live performance. We put everything we have into playing. The artwork is derived from lyrical content of a number of songs on the album. We have a 100 page book that comes with the album. In that you can dive deeper into the lyrical content.
7. From 2006 to 2019 how has the digital recording/ PR world changed how underground bands record , tour and promote?
JB: It has definitely become more accessible to every independent musician/label. The same can be said for recording. As far as touring and promoting, It has expanded in capacity with so many other artists accessesing these resources. You have to work much harder to make stronger impressions. Obviously there are always exceptions to the rule and the “viral” factor plays awesome havoc on a lot of larger dominate powers that be. That was certainly not an issue in 2006.
8. What bands are currently impressing the Lo-pan members?
JB: Personally I am jamming a lot of Torche, Big Business, and Helms Alee currently. I also listen to a lot of hip hop like Sean Price, Kendrick Lamar, and Run The Jewels.
9. If you could make a proper pro video for any song on Subtle which would it be and why?
JB: I would choose Acension Day because I really like the melody in that song and it has a great message lyrically.
10. Do members of Lo-pan have other projects if so tell us about them..
JB: Yes we all stay busy and play in other projects. Currently we are trying to focus on Lo-Pan and work as much as possible in this band.
11. How does live vs studio differ for Lo-pan and their audiences?
JB: All my drums are recorded live. For me it’s much more about the guitars and vocals in the studio. It’s their time to embellish melodies and create additional nuances that are not so obvious in rehearsal or live setting.
12. If a larger label like Nuclear blast or Century media came and offered a record deal would this interest Lo-pan or are you at good place now?
JB: We are in a great spot currently with Aqualamb. That being said it’s always good to have options and we would welcome any offer or contract that would help us move closer to performing and recording music full time. We are all very unsatisfied with holding down day jobs just to make this all happen.
13. If members were not making music what other creative outlet would you have?
JB: I am into outdoors stuff trail riding, camping, fishing, and hunting. Skot is into photography, art, and video games. Jeff is into vinyl collecting and video gaming. Chris plays guitar all the time. There is nothing else for him. HaHa
14. Has Bandcamp changed the game for indie bands?
JB: Certainly helps a lot but I would not say game changer. There is a lot of streaming and digital platforms now days. The internet and digital streaming services in general are definitely a game changer.
15. Thanks for the time any closing comments here..
JB: Great to chat thanks for checking us out. Please come out and see us live this summer or fall if you get a chance.
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