by Daniel Turner
Grand Rapids, Michigan based indie rockers LOW PHASE have managed to harness and update the 90's sound, and they're ready to share it with a new generation. I reached out to the band after hearing their latest single "Carousel" to learn a little more about them and and how they managed to nail that 90's sound so well.
MSM: How did the band get started?
LOW PHASE: We were born in the pandemic. I wrote probably 50 half-baked songs in the course of a couple of months, and needed some help to bring them to life. I had always worked with Miles (Drums) and John (Bass) since high school, so that was a no brainer. I had always wanted to work with Marley, but we never quite found the right time, so this was the perfect opportunity. I reached out asking if she could play synth for this new project and she immediately responded saying “I’ll do it if I can play lead guitar”, and the rest is history. Now we are all madly in love and get to play music together for the rest of our lives.
MSM: How did you come up with the name Low Phase?
LOW PHASE: Wish there was an interesting meaning behind the name, but the truth is, we thought it sounded nice. It felt like an accurate reflection of the music we were making.
MSM: How would you describe your sound for someone who's never heard you?
LOW PHASE: Very 90’s influenced. I think we naturally fall into creating the most dramatic music we possibly can. We are either screaming or whispering in every song. In your face or sitting in the background.
MSM: I got to listen to your new single "Carousel" and I really enjoyed it. It definitely has a mid-90's feel to it. Are there any specific 90's bands that you draw inspiration from?
LOW PHASE: There are far too many to pin down the most accurate influence, but melodically The Smashing Pumpkins have always had a hold on me. Weezer taught me how to make the poppiest chorus in a rock setting. The Cranberries, Flaming Lips, Sonic Youth.
MSM: Can you give us some insight into your songwriting process?
LOW PHASE: They mostly start with shitty demo’s I make in my basement. I’ll find a guitar part that evokes some sort of melody naturally and loop that until I find the lyrics. Once I have something that resembles a song, I shoot it on over to the rest of the band and they bring it to life. Every members influence on my songwriting is seriously noticeable. If you blindfolded me and asked ten drummers to play the same part, I could pick out Miles in a heartbeat. The same goes for Marley and John.
MSM: Are there any projects you are currently working on?
LOW PHASE: Keep your eyes out for an EP being released in August.
MSM: Do you have a favorite venue to play? If so, what makes it your favorite?
LOW PHASE: I would probably say the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids. That venue feels like home. A lot of special nights have been spent there over the years with a lot of different projects.
MSM: Are there any plans for a tour in the works?
LOW PHASE: We will be supporting our EP release with a tour in August. Ten dates ranging from Chicago to New Orleans.
MSM: Any live show/touring stories you'd like to tell?
LOW PHASE: Just that playing live is our absolute favorite thing to do in this world and we can’t wait to do it for the rest of our lives. Meeting new people every night is such a damn joy.
MSM: What's a question about the band you've been waiting to be asked? (Feel free to answer as well.)
LOW PHASE: “Can I give you a million dollars so you can tour for the rest of your life?” Would love to be asked that some day.
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PHOTO BY ISABEL DOWELL
