Artist Spotlight: Meet The Transpacific
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your "Invaders" and the story it tells?
Space: I was still living in Los Angeles when I came up with the initial demo. My recording studio was on the corner of Hollywood and Vine where there was always something happening to help engage inspiration. I had all of the instrumentation recorded but no lyrics just yet. I had come back into the studio after a 'people watching' break and sat down to record some vocal ideas and the whole song just wrote itself without thinking. At first, I thought that they were good placeholders but in time I started to make sense of their meaning and where it came from. Maybe I felt like I was being invaded by the many tourists flocking their way to Hollywood and Vine that day? Or maybe it's the fake alien invasion that is upon us?
Dave: When I listen to the song, I have a different perspective on it. I mean, I didn't write the song, it was Space's creation! But as the guy who's belting it out on drums and feeling it in the moment, the lyrics resonate with me for sure. But I don't see the song as an alien invasion, I see it as the human race having these fantastical ideas & fears that there will be alien invasion, but the real fear ought to be from our governments or sadly even ourselves.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Invaders?"
Space: Yes. Since we were recording trans-pacifically, across the ocean, there was more of an excitement in the process. Dave also tracked the entire album in one studio session. So not only the drums for “Invaders” but the whole album. He's an absolute pro as was our engineer and mixer Jared Adlam. Being fortunate to have the technology to produce the session from afar via the internet is always a plus. I strongly encourage international collaborations.
Dave: For me, it was probably nailing the drum part on the second take. That's always an amazing feeling! I think we did one more take after that for luck's sake, but we ended up using the second take. Either that, or the first time I heard the revised chorus vocals that Space sent through after trying to figure out the best possible melody & hook. I was floored!
What did you enjoy most about making "Invaders?"
Space: I think exploring my vocal abilities to be completely honest. I have always loved to sing but had been shy about it in the past. I've been in this business for over 20 years now and I think I'm only just now finding my voice, literally and figuratively. I'm having lots of fun.
Dave: I've loved that despite an ocean between us & completely different time zones, we've recorded together & created one of the most exciting alternate rock records of the decade.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music?
Space: Sometimes it's a word. Other times it might be a certain voicing of a chord on the guitar. I once wrote a song called 'Swimming In Stars' which was featured in the first The Kissing Booth movie. That idea came from playing Mario Party on the Nintendo Wii. I look at it like tuning into a far distant radio station emanating from another universe. It's mostly static until, for a split second and in full volume, you hear the whole symphony. It's totally out of my control. The hands and pen go where they want to go. I try very hard not to edit too much out of what comes in via satellite.
Dave: For me it's about being at one with my instrument, so long as I feel connected to my drums & feel them speaking to me; I will create some magic!
How do you continuously grow and evolve as a band?
Space: Well, since we are a brand new baby band there is so much ahead of us. Communication is key. Being honest and passionate yet patient at the same time is also a great mindset to have. We want to express ourselves and make art that hopefully other people enjoy also, so understanding our surroundings helps us be aware of where we might need to improve. Pushing each other as musicians and bettering ourselves keeps us on our toes.
Showing up and being present helps also.
Dave: The future of The Transpacific is yet to be written, so the thrill of being able to take this group in any direction we wish is exciting or enticing enough to grow & evolve. I think once we take these songs to the masses and play on some big stages, we'll elevate to another level!
