- Big Gipp & James Worthy – Out Of Control (Official Music Video) - December 30, 2023
- SnOOp Dogg Still DA FLyeSt and FreShEST - November 8, 2023
- Sultry and Soulful Songstress Jori Sun Previews Fresh New Track - November 3, 2023
Brooklyn, NY rockers Lion In The Mane are making moves with their powerful melodic music. They recently released their first full-length album The Noise War, which features a bright anthemic sound that paves the way for a big future. GroundSounds recently caught up with Lion In The Mane to talk about their new music, upcoming projects and more. Check out the exclusive interview below.
For those just discovering Lion in The Mane, how did you guys form the band and start making music?
We all played in different bands that had done shows together. It was just the right place at the right time for us. Bands broke up or people quit and all the right spots were open at the time for everyone currently in the line up. Dmitry, Johnny and myself have been writing music together for a few years now, so we have been writing away and crafting our style.
How did you guys decide on the band name Lion in The Mane?
We were called The Atlas before this. I was doing quite a bit of reading at the time of the name change and something I was glued to really inspired the name. The name just spoke to Dmitry and I.
Can you tell us about the writing and creative process for your track “Waiting?”
Dmitry had written the synth part you hear at the beginning of the song and had me come check it out. I loved it. He had another idea he was working on that he thought sounded similar. It has the same name but part two, so maybe you will hear that in the future. Anyways, that night I wrote words to the verses he had and I wrote the chorus. I just wrote about some things going on in my life at the time. I really like that song.
What was it like on set and filming the music video for “Waiting?”
It was a lot smoother than our previous video. As we have grown as musicians, our director and his crew have done the same. It was an easier process. Long days, but I think it was well worth it. Everyone go check out the video.
You guys recently rocked SXSW can you tell us about heading down to Austin?
We toured the whole way down. It’s a long way from home so we played at least ten shows on the way down. There were a lot of fun shows. I think on the way down, Pittsburgh was my favorite show. The night before Austin, we played Corpus Christi at like 2am and had to be on stage in Austin the next day at noon. Johnny drove us like 4 hours through some of the heaviest fog. We slept for a few hours in the hotel and then went and played. I was scared we’d be tired or I wouldn’t have a voice because I was too scared to sleep with the fog! I was co pilot. We made it and the show was awesome. We played a few other great shows in Austin as well.
Can you tell us about working on your latest album “The Noise War” and bringing it to fruition?
I wrote the oldest song for The Noise War about ten years ago, so it’s been a ten year ride. Yeah, we dropped an EP in the middle of the journey, but it’s all just been a part of the ride. Some of the songs were written before The Way We’re Wired, like Parades in The Rain. And the newest song for the album was the title track (The Noise War) I think it’s just a blended up version of my life for the past ten years and I’m really proud of it. Dmitry wrote a ton of the music for it as well. It’s been a cool different experience. I really doubt any recording or writing process will ever go the same way with how technology is advancing so I’ll hold on to the memories of making this one.
You guys are currently on tour, what do you enjoy most about being on the road?
I like being on stage every night. I’m traveled out at this point, so the long drives are no fun. I love the scenery and the different food though. Just being around some of your closest friends every day is a blessing.
Could you share with us a crazy or fun moment from your current tour?
The craziest moment from your was driving through this wreck in Oklahoma. It happened right in front of us and we picked up a lot of the debris. We ended up blowing out our coolant pipes and got a flat on the back tire. It was wild. Never had to cancel a show and we had to cancel that night. We became such good friends with UH HUH BABY YEAH, that we had a Skype date that night from our hotel for like three hours. It was tight.
Most fun moment of tour for me personally was playing in front of my family in Tampa. We had an incredible show that night. Close runners up were eating an alligator in New Orleans and trying ridiculously spicy hot sauces with Dmitry.
What other musicians/bands are you guys currently listening to?
It’s all over the place. I just saw Damien Rice perform last week in Philadelphia. He was amazing. I have been listening to a lot of Augustana. The rest of the guys listen to a lot of harder stuff than I do. Excited for all the concerts going on this summer. Going to catch U2, Deathcab, Cartel, Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, and the Smashing Pumpkins. I’ll be prepping my ears for those guys.
What do you guys enjoy most about Brooklyn?
I don’t live in Brooklyn anymore but Brooklyn is full of fun and just a lot of twenty something’s going out at night, there’s great food and music. I miss some parts of Brooklyn but I really love the quiet and relaxing now.
What are you guys currently working on, what can fans look forward to?
I see another video in the future. We have been asked on a few tours. I have been writing lots of new music. We’re in talks with a few different music business outlets to push our career a little further in the right direction! Just pumped!
