Illusions of Grandeur Interview
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I do not remember a time when music wasn’t a force in my life, even before I played an instrument.
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, it is who I am.it
How long has your band been around?
Illusions of Grandeur is a Hard Rock/Metal Theatrical band formed in 2015, IOG’s music is a mix of influences from modern metal to classic old school metal and hard rock. IOG’s influences would be: In This Moment, KORN, Altar Bridge, Evanescence and Avatar to Led Zeppelin and The Who.
Illusions of Grandeur’s fierce and energetic live show has gained them a legion of fans dubbed “The Siren Nation” who follow them worldwide, at live shows, and on social media.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
The name originated from a time when Maggie “The Siren” was seeking out other musicians to form a band. A lot of the ads said, “No Illusions of Grandeur here” meaning they just wanted to play music, Maggie thought “Why no Illusions of Grandeur?” Life is short, go for what you dream and want!
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
During Illusions of Grandeur’s “The Songs of The Siren Tour 2019” the band played a few weeks in the Ukraine. One of those shows was in a small town called Smila in the Cherkasy Raion, Cherkasy Oblast of Ukraine. What we thought was a festival we were playing on, turned out to be a small festival built around IOG headlining. It was pretty crazy they turned the central park of the town into a festival ground with a large stage and it seemed like the whole town came out for the day. It was an amazing experience.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Well, that would for sure be Avatar, Korn, and In This Moment. Having seen these bands a few times I knew they would put on an amazing show!
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Playing in a band or making music is a journey. In order to be successful, you have to know what your idea of success is.
It’s a rough road either way and being committed and understanding that it takes time and growth, both skills and knowledge while your developing the band and songs is key.
Always understand that this is your journey, even in a band. So, make the most of it and be creative, always.
Which songs are your favorite to play, and which get requested the most?
I would have to say “Upon my Life” because of the mix of metal and rock also the tempo really shows off the bands playing. IOG’s “Upon My Life” video was shot live at the tail end of The Rise of The Demons tour 2022 at The Vanguard in Hampton, VA. Upon My Life captures a section of the band’s live show. Additionally, the “Take Me Alive” video was shot at the same show.
I would say the most requested song would be “Silent Suicide” from our debut album “The Songs of The Siren”, Crowds love to sing along with that one.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
Illusions of Grandeur’s main music writer is Bassist CM Carroll with lyrics and melodies provided by The Siren. The entire band participates in the arranging and recording process and each member, as songs are produced add elements into it to create the overall song and sound. IOG is continuously writing, normally demoing 30-35 songs per album then finding the songs that carry the story and sound of the record.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Illusions of Grandeur is a live band. We love being in the studio and creating, but on the love stage is where the band really comes alive! Illusions of Grandeur’s live show “The Siren Saga” draws its story line from the concept albums “the Songs of the Siren prt1” and “The Siren prt2”. Acting out the songs and story on stage amidst a light and video show. IOG’s fans The Siren Nation are amazing, supporting the both in America and Europe.
2024 will see the release of Illusions of Grandeur’s “The Siren Rises pt1: Raven Witch” which will continue The Siren Saga from the previous two albums, taking The Siren further into battle with hades.
Illusions of Grandeur’s The Siren Tour continues through the remainder of 2023 into 2024.
IOG are currently while tour producing their 3rd album the next story in The Siren Saga “The Siren Rises” which the band looks to have out in 2024.
Come see The Siren Saga Live and check out our latest single and video “Midnight”:
Illusions of Grandeur new single is on all streaming platforms and available on CD single at shows https://songwhip.com/illusionsofgrandeur/midnight
Illusions of Grandeur is available on all social media and streaming platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG
Band camp: https://illusionsofgrandeur.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iogband
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@illusionsog