Soul Chalice On the Making Of ‘Embracing Trauma’
Can you share any interesting or unique stories or perspectives in 'Embracing Trauma?'
For me personally this album is all about my journey with traumatic experiences in my life. Since identifying and acknowledging these experiences, it has been an awakening. Making this album has been very therapeutic and I wanted to capture and share my journey musically. As you listen to the album you'll notice it’s not really dark but more upbeat and to me that represents acceptance and growth.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for 'Embracing Trauma?'
The recording and mixing process is what I live for. I would say the most memorable moment during the recording process was this one time we all got hungry. We decided to all just walk across the street to the corner store. We're all over there ordering burgers and buying snacks. Right in the middle of a recording session. Nothing too crazy I just remember feeling a sense of comradery with my boys in that moment.
What did you enjoy most about making 'Embracing Trauma?'
There are two processes that I really enjoy. Creating a new song and the mixing process. I love to create. One way I create is by writing. That is a huge outlet for me. Then when the band comes up with something I like feeling the music to see what vibe I get. That’s when I add my parts. I feel like creating a song is almost like creating something out of nothing. Then I also really love the mixing process. It’s a very long process. But I love the transformation from raw recordings to produced polished tracks.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I try to draw most of my inspiration from my own life experiences but a lot of times I get it from other art. For example, for our song "Splash" I was inspired by several different art forms. I thought of one of my favorite rappers, E-40. He has a song called "Flashin." Of course, he snaps. I thought of the movie Draft Day with Kevin Costner. The owner of the Cleveland Browns is telling the general manager to make a splash. Great movie! I also thought of a beer that was brewed by a local brewery called Splash & Go Lager. This is actually a nod to NASCAR which means stop quick for enough gas to finish the race. There are actually many references to other pieces of art throughout my lyrics.
Are there any specific venues or festivals that you dream of performing at?
I have always wanted to perform at the SXSW Music Festival. Also, the Firefly Music Festival. It's based in my hometown Dover, DE. Then there is one venue in my hometown I would like to perform at which is the Fire and Ice Lounge at Bally's.