Interview: Fire The Humans
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
My parents were both musicians, so I grew up watching them and studying how it worked. Tried different instruments to see what felt right. I was a drummer for years when I first began then transitioned to vocals because I wasn’t impressed with what was available. If I was not a musician, I would most likely be doing something in the arts to some degree.
What do you like to do when you’re not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We are all really close. They influence me through seeing them succeed, love and even how they overcome obstacles in life. They’re amazing and I’m pretty lucky to share a life with them.
How long has your band been around?
Fire the Humans is a solo project I created in 2021 after playing in bands all my life. I decided to create a sound and genre that is outside of my comfort zone. I’ve always done rock music, but absolutely love the soulful vocals of Rival Sons, the pop feel of OneRepublic, mixed with the EDM music beds similar to Loote or Midnight Kids. That being said, in 2021 I wanted a sound that reflected all of those styles to make Fire the Humans. I think we nailed it. I love it.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I am from and have always lived on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri in the United States. This city in general has developed some incredible talents and massive musical influences for me. Story of the Year, Nelly, Chuck Berry, Tina and Ike Turner, and on and on. All of these musicians have inspired me or pushed me to do more.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
Fire the Humans is ultimately a tongue in cheek reference to how poorly we’re managing ourselves as a human race. Everything from animal extinction to environmental pollution to greed to the latest global pandemic. We just aren’t doing a great job and I feel it’ll inherently become our demise. So, from my perspective, I say “Fire the Humans”.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Worst would be, in 2019, my band thePOUR (thepourmusic) were do a live video and audio recording of 3 songs in a studio with a live studio audience watching. We absolutely butchered this performance and almost laughed about it afterwards. When we saw the footage, we said “BURN THE EVIDENCE”. Best would be, performing with some acts like Smile Empty Soul, Nonpoint, September Mourning or Devour the Day and destroying the stage. Afterwards to have them come up and say “WOW. You guys are incredible!” always means a lot.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?
A place called Delmar Hall in St. Louis is a killer spot. It’s big enough to feel like a concert, but small enough to feel intimate too. I’ve always wanted to play where Price performed Purple Rain actually. It’s a venue called First Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The great news is, I’ll be laying there on my 2022 Fire the Humans Tour, so I can’t wait.
If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?
Prince, Rival Sons, Fire the Humans for sure would be a great show but there are obviously many others I’d love to share a ticket with. Foo Fighters, U2, Metallica… the list goes on.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Be you. We have enough of everyone else.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
You’re wasting time.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
“Can’t Stop” is a new single that drops on 11/26/21 and means a lot to me. Real life experience for sure. There’s an unfortunate vulnerability when failing in a relationship, reflecting on it as you look back, then finding a place to say, “please come home”. “Can’t Stop” is that song.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
“Vanish”
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
I find a melody or hook that I would like to hear and that’s my jumping off my point. That’s the basis for all of my music. A strong ear worm. Life in general provides enough narrative for my inspiration.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Hope. Love. Forgiveness. Regret. Questions.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
As a solo artist, I am free to drive in whatever direction I feel without friction. Wide open roads, no timelines, no destinations to argue about. Set a course and go. Pure freedom.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?
In addition to some tour dates, my new single “Can’t Stop” drops on all major digital platforms on Friday, November 26th. (11/26/21) You can find it on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, iTunes, Instagram… pretty much everywhere. Here are some links to follow along:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CxL4IbzKJa7ym8eBpmL7M?si=evJgSZdWSSOQuOeA2wk2MQ