City of Souls - Interview with Marcus from City of Souls
Over the years, City of Souls have carved their name deep into the alternative rock scene of Aotearoa, topping national charts and opening for countless international acts. With new music in the works, and a countrywide tour mapped out, the six-man band are certainly showing no signs of slowing.
Right before opening for alternative-metal giants Sevendust, guitarist Marcus Powell took some time out to yarn with Muzic.net.nz's Paul T Gheist about City of Souls' best show to date, the future of alternative-rock in Aotearoa, and shared some morsels of info on new City of Souls music - Read on!
First round's on me - What will you be having?
Jameson on the rocks!
Sum up City of Souls in five words or less - Go!
Auckland City Night Music.
How did the name City of Souls come about? Was it from a film or inspired by a book?
It came from an Indian poem. Steve found it one of those spiritual quote books and found this cool poem talking about how after you die, you go to the heavens, the "city of souls", which is as bright as 10,000 lanterns.
What's the most memorable show you guys have played so far?
Opening for Bring Me the Horizon was pretty epic. It was a real test for us to see if we could stand next to an international act and we did. The crowd response was just as epic!
What do you believe is the most important thing when it comes to writing City of Souls music?
I'm speaking for myself here but... Feel. It has to feel soulful and authentic. If it doesn't make me move or get an emotional response it doesn't get presented.
What is the song Wolf about? What inspired the lyrics and the music?
Richie: For me, the lyrics came from struggling with fear, controlling my actions, and having fear become a self-fulfilling prophecy; about feeding into that cycle. The wolf you feed is the one that grows, so you need to try and be aware of what's real and what you design for yourself, or you'll only find regret and death. Keep your eye on the wolf!
As a New Zealand rock/metal supergroup, have you felt pressure or experienced expectations to make City of Souls sound a particular way?
No, I haven't experienced external pressure. We put a lot of focus and expectations on ourselves to improve and evolve but not pressure. We take our craft very seriously and maintain a high level of rehearsal and technical improvements. Always learning from overseas acts and continuing to strive for the next level.
Where do you see the alt-rock/alt-metal scene in Aotearoa heading?
There has been an increase in exposure for bands in this current scene and the quality is outstanding. I hope to see it grow and push the mainstream media platforms to support more local acts in this way. We're not the only band heading offshore so I have no doubt the scene will come full circle again.
What can fans expect of your upcoming Ferryman tour of Australia and Aotearoa in July?
Songs we've not played live before!
Who are your favourite Kiwi artists and bands right now?
Coridian, Jakob, Seas of Conflict, Kerretta, Church & AP and Marlon Williams.
Which artist or band throughout all of music history would you most like to share a stage with?
Deftones, bro. Should be able to hear their influence in the songs I write, haha.
Speaking of sharing stages, City of Souls is opening for Sevendust pretty soon - On a scale of one to ten (ten being Over the Moon), how excited are you guys?
10! I'm so keen. They are in my top 10 favourite bands, so I'm pretty excited to see them on stage too.
Beyond the release of your next single Ferryman, what else can City of Souls fans expect?
We have three songs ready to drop before the album. Three more videos, tour announcements, and also more content - We're grinding and making it happen. A lot goes in to the brand and the release of our album! Trust me, it's gonna be worth the wait!
Photo Gallery: City of Souls supporting Sevendust, Auckland - 23/04/2019
Gig Review: City of Souls supporting Sevendust, Auckland - 23/04/2019
Photos 3 & 4: City of Souls supporting Sevendust, courtesy of Chris Morgan Photography.
About City of Souls
It is a word that Auckland six piece City of Souls were bound to deal with from their inception. Boasting members from bands that have etched their mark on the local and international hard rock and metal scene such as Blindspott, Blacklistt, 8 Foot Sativa, New Way Home, Cold By Winter, In Dread Response and Solstate, City of Souls was set to stir some interest, and stir they have.
Too often when something is hyped it is followed with disappointment, yet the first City Of Souls single Sleep arrives unashamedly explosive, touting emotive energy juxtaposed with a certain calm which will become this band’s signature. Recorded between Dreadstorm Media Auckland and Roundhead Studios, it was mixed by legendary engineer Clint Murphy, and mastered at Sterling Sound in New York.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for City of Souls
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