Interview with Jeremy Bluteau, Founder and Keyboardist/Clean Vocalist of Solstice Rider.

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• System of a Down was probably the first band that got me into music, but I’d say discovering Finnish metal really set me down my current path. If I was not doing music I would probably be a Youtuber, or a   professional gamer.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

•  If I’m not doing music I’m playing video games or spending time with my family. Or I’m watching Anime  and movies. The soundtracks of these games and movies inspire my creative works. When I’m playing a video game (e.g The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild) I immerse myself completely, and as im adventuring, melodies just come to me.

How long has your band been around?

•  Our band has been around since 2020, but we took it seriously in 2021. We released an EP and an LP in the latter half of 2021.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

• Solstice Rider is based out of Maryland, USA. Maryland is very diverse despite being small in landmass. There are many types of environments from mountains, to lakes, to grasslands, and the sea. It does not take long to drive to an inspiring location. Where I’m from I was raised in the forest and down by the shore, in Lusby, Maryland eating crabs and indulging in large amounts of Old Bay (A very popular seasoning from Maryland).

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

• The Solstice is the time that signifys either the longest dayor the shortest day, and it signals the return of the warm or cold season. It’s the time of a big change, and Riders are those who meet the big change.

  Tell me about your most memorable shows.

• This band formed during the events of 2020, no live shows..yet. ;)

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• We really want to play Tuska or Wacken.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• I would want to play on a lineup with Nightwish, or Amon Amarth.

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?

• Don’t do it for the money. Don’t do it for the fame. Do it to make yourself proud and if success follows then it was just meant to be.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

• Life is not that serious.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• My favorite songs vary depending on the vibe I’m feeling. Right now it’s the song Suffer to Glory. It’s a reminder that this world is a good place. It seems bad sometimes and like it’s falling apart, but it’s really not. The world has always had good times and bad times. I’m sure in 1941, people at the time thought the world was ending. The song was written in a moment of clarity, and it brings one back to reality.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

•  Stolen Visions is by far our most popular song. It’s also really fun!

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

• I write all the songs. The creative process is simply: I hear things in my head and then I write it out. I may or may not have an instrument on hand.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• Hope, freedom, and also a realistic take on reality, cloaked in some fantasy themes.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

• Nope, things are actually pretty peaceful. João (The guitar player) and I might disagree on arrangements but there are very few disagreements and they are very minor.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• We plan to release more music. We have an EP and an LP are coming out this year. We hope to build more connections and make more friends to produce even more creative works. Videos and Live shows in the future would be nice too. The future looks bright!