Interview: The Old Revival
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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I was always just naturally interested in music as far back as I can remember. My Grandma was a singer, and definitely encouraged me to pursue my passion further. If I would have never gotten into music, I would hate to think where I would be today. In my lowest moments music is what has brought me back around. Lets just say i’m forever grateful that I found it.
What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I love old cars and motorcycles. It’s another kind of creativity to take something old and forgotten and bring it back to life. It clears your head and makes you focus on only what's in front of you.
How long has your band been around?
The Old Revival began in 2017, as “Brandon Prinzing & The Old Revival”. We put out our first record “Hear This’ in 2018. With a lineup change and new way of writing and crafting songs, it became simply The Old Revival with the release of our upcoming record.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We are based out of Bend, Oregon. For me, there was a fun punk scene locally as I was growing up, and that exposed me to a lot of the music that ended up being my influences down the road. It was a small scene in a small town, but it really ignited my passion for music.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.
The Old Revival meaning was simple, we have always believed that music revives something in each and every one of us that we all need. It’s an escape, a therapy. We love rock n’ roll, the old school, jump around, get in your face and worry about it tomorrow rock n’ roll. We wanted to give our fans a revival of what rock meant to us, in all it’s different styles, and we wanted them to feel it at our shows.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
It’s actually hard to pick the best. For me, a small room packed with 100 rowdy fans is about the most fun you can have. It’s more intimate and raw than the bigger shows or festivals. We have had some amazing shows like that in Chico, California.
We also played a pizza parlor once at about 3 in the afternoon. It wasn’t awesome. At least we got pizza. That would have to be the worst.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?
There are so many places that I want to play that I haven’t, that it’s hard to list. Basically all of Europe. Locally in Oregon, I love the Volcanic Theater. Great room, awesome sound and great people. There are so many places we have been on the road that I really love too, the The Siren in Morro Bay, but personally I would have to stick with the Volcanic.
If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?
I instantly go to the classics that I love, and would say Queen, Billy Joel and AC/DC. It’s a pretty basic list sadly, but if I had a chance to share the stage with the greats who made me love rock n’ roll, that would be it.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Get in it for the love of the music. If you are having fun making music with people you like, that is as good as it gets and what it’s all about. Anything beyond that is just gravy. If you are looking for something more, then it might not be for you.
Secondly, get out there and play shows. A bunch. It will make you feel alive, and keep you coming back for more.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
2020 is gonna be a rough one for music, buckle up.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
There is a song on our upcoming record called “When this thing ends” that means a lot to me. Lyrically it’s a personal song. It’s about struggle, guilt and trying to build back to normal while things out of your control are pulling you back and forth. It’s really about understanding that in the end, if it was all for nothing, it would still all be worth it. Sonically, we really wanted to capture a heartland feel, and Dayne Wood at The Firing Room studio captured exactly that (with our own flair of course). Once Ian Cook, our guitar player (and producer of this record) finished with his guitar touches on the track, it was something we were really proud of.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
Brittle Bone off of the new record is my favourite to play. Tons of fun guitar work and soaring melodies and harmonies. Our most requested is probably Riot on a Sunday.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
In years past I wrote the songs alone, then we would arrange them as a band. With this record it was a new process, hence the name change to just “The Old Revival”. I had also written a lot on my own for this album, but once I would bring a new idea Ian would really take it and run with it. Adding guitar, harmonies, piano or anything we needed. He and I demoed the whole record together before getting into the studio, and that's where so many ideas took shape. We wrote much more collectively, and it was really fun to have that process come alive.
Inspiration wise for me, it’s whatever I am passionate about in that moment. I write pretty personal lyrics for the most part, and try to leave it all out there as honestly as I can. Struggle, triumph, defeat and defiance come up a lot.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Really, it would be honestly showing our own struggles in hopes that other people going through similar things can relate. Whether that's a fun, upbeat and defiant rock song, or a stripped down and revealing track.
Tell us about the new album.
Our new record, 9 Meals from Anarchy, is a loosely based concept record based on the theory from Alfred Henry Lewis of the same name.
Simply put, any human society is 9 missed meals from anarchy. After three days of no food, you would begin to do whatever it took to feed your family or yourself.
We took that concept of a world that was coming off the rails, and wrote songs about how human nature would respond to it. Ourselves included.
It is somewhat of a new sound, with much more focus on the guitar work, piano and harmonies. With the lockdown beginning halfway through making this record, it allowed us to take our time, and craft something we are all really proud of.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
We are all pretty easy going people and love to collaborate, so any disagreements are usually talked out and resolved. We are lucky to be a band that gets along well.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?
Our new album “9 Meals from Anarchy” is coming out on all digital platforms on Friday, November 20th. Check out our two singles “Beggars Dime” and “One for Running” to get a preview of the new music!