Today, we sat down with Famous Strangers to discuss their inspiration to write music, heroes, and much more. Be sure to check out the music of Famous Strangers on Spotify below after the interview!
Interview:
What is your inspiration to write your music? Is it your surroundings?
Our surroundings play a huge part, but it goes deeper than that. Inspiration comes from everyday life, how we feel in the moment, the people around us, the shows we go to, and the bands we hear on the radio. It is all the energy we absorb during the day. Watching other bands perform, watching music videos, experiencing life, and moving through real emotions. All of that feeds the writing process and keeps the fire lit.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
It started with the classics. The Beatles were a big one early on. Then came classic rock, Metallica, the eighties metal era, and all the heavier bands that shaped us. Pink Floyd, The Doors, Slipknot, and Metallica were major influences. Braden grew up on the Beach Boys, drifted toward Bryan Adams, and landed on Nirvana. Amanda came up on everything from Pink Floyd to hip hop before falling headfirst into the metal scene. It is a big mix, but every piece stuck with us.
Is there someone you looked up to as a hero?
Yes. For every one of us it started at home. Our dads and stepdads were the first real heroes. They were the ones who showed us music, played guitar in the kitchen, took us to shows, or simply lived in a way that made us want to pick up an instrument. We always joke that we have dad issues, but it is true that they shaped who we are as musicians.
If you were not a musician, what would you be doing today?
Probably wondering what the hell was missing from our lives. None of us can picture a world where music is not the center of everything. Life would be a lot harder without that outlet. Amanda would likely be deep into herbology. Jeff would probably be helping people in some way. Braden would be lost without playing. Beej says he would be sad and restless. Every path circles back to music one way or another.
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create music?
Follow your heart. Show up every day. Write for yourself and have fun. Practice until your body is tired and then practice again. Stay passionate. Do not worry about being perfect. It does not take ten thousand hours. It takes your whole life. Keep going, keep experimenting, and stay true to what feels real. And of course, listen to Famous Strangers.
Music:
