From the fun loving landscape of Pennsylvania comes a burgeoning band that wields music like an inspirational mace across the face. From Ashes to New is the wielder, and their music is that mace. Get ready for a blow to the senses, because they coming for you…oh yes, they are coming.
From Ashes to New has everything it takes to connect their listeners with full veracity, grit, resolve, purpose, and some outright determination. Their most recent EP Downfall gives us a sweet introduction to what this band has in store for us, and we salivate at the prospect of getting our hands and ears on their upcoming full-length album.
We had a quick moment with Chris Musser,co-vocalist and melodic linchpin, and uncovered a little more to him than meets the eye.
From Ashes to New is a Rap-rock/Alternative Metal band that hails from central Pennsylvania. There are a ton of bands coming from that area. As part of that scene, how difficult is it to compete?
Well, we kind of came about in a different way. We started out with social media first before we even headed out on the road. We kind of made our presence known by way of social media, using Facebook and Instagram. So, we actually had a pretty good fan base before we headed out.
From Ashes to New is an amalgamation of decades of experience in the local scene come together in what can only be described as a “super group” of bands past. Tell me about the experiences that brought this band to fruition?
We all came from bands playing in the same area, same local scene together. Matt started writing music and kind of got me on board with it. I wasn’t actually so sure about it and first because I was working on my art career. But eventually he got me on board with it and then Dan came on board, and every person fitting into place. It took us a lot of time to find everybody, but as we thought of each person, it was kind of like that “ah hah!” moment.
“What about that guy? Oh yeah! We forgot about him!”
The last piece of puzzle was Tim. He was actually on tour with another band at the time in Las Vegas. We talked him into coming back and it’s been working out great ever since!
You were recorded and engineered by Grant McFarland, and is regarded as another member of the band. What does he add to From Ashes to New?
He adds a lot. We take what we think is the finished product in to him and then he says, “Uh, how about this?” He then adds a little bit of flavor to what we already have. We appreciate everything he does.
You have an EP out: Downfall. What will a new listener and fan discover about From Ashes to New that differentiates you from other bands?
We sing about different things in life, like depression. We try to add a positive side to bad stuff. We try to have a positive message inside of our lyrics, and I think a lot of bands don’t do that nowadays.
Right. I was going to ask about that. With the way music works today, how do you feel delivering a more positive message is going to resound with fans?
I think it’s refreshing. The fans that are feeling down all the time would get a little bit of positivity in there. I think it’s something you don’t hear too often anymore.
From Ashes to New – Downfall (Lyric Video)
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Do you write from personal experience?
Just life in general. I grew up really depressed and I still battle with that all the time. It’s kind of a constant battle, but throughout the years you kind of learn how to control that (control it a little bit anyway) and make it manageable. We all have our things to worry about.
Absolutely. Downfall is only five songs. When can we expect a full album?
We have a full-length album coming out. It was supposed to be fall, but it got pushed back to winter now. We kind of put the EP out as a taste of what’s to come – give the fans a something to listen to for a while because it’s gonna be so long until the album comes out. We wanted to give them something.
Just a little bit! Tell me more about your songwriting process. With so many members, how do you not kill each other in the process?
It’s rough sometimes. It basically starts out with Matt writing the basis of the song – the foundation. And then Dan comes in and writes some guitar stuff, and while that is going on, Matt and I work on the lyrics together. Once we get to the studio everyone puts a little flavor on it.
You are about to tour with P.O.D. How do you feel your music will mesh with theirs and compliment the tour cycle?
We actually on tour with them right now. We are in the middle of it. It’s meshing great. It’s got a little bit of the same flavor, because of the rap, rock, and metal. It’s the direction we take, so it’s a great fit.
Your sound has been compared to Hollywood Undead, Linkin Park, Deuce, Skillet Music, Three Days Grace. Do you feel that is accurate?
Yeah I think it is. It’s an honor to be lumped in with all those bands. Hopefully, we have our own flavor and style too, but I can see the resemblance.
I just watched the video for “Stay This Way”. It has very powerful imagery. Tell me about the shooting for that video.
(laughs) The shooting was in the dead of winter, and an all-day shoot. It was in an old run-down warehouse that had its windows broken out of it. It was also the first blizzard of the year. It was freezing cold. You can see our breath in the video. You can see that my hands are bright red from holding that microphone. (laughs)
Out of all the folks in the band, you wear the contacts. What is the significance of the contacts?
It started about 12 years ago. I wore them in past bands, and it’s kind of something that I’ve kept up with throughout all the bands I’ve worked with, including this one. I’m very quiet, not too talkative person.
I could tell! I caught up with most of you at Rock On The Range, except for you.
(laughs) Yeah. Matt’s the talker. I’m a pretty quiet dude! When I get on stage, I’m a different person, and that is kind of where the contacts come from.
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