Paul McSweeney Vocals/Guitar
S. Brian Bailey Guitar/Vocals
Alex Marks Bass/Vocals
David MacCauley
And here we are again – bringing you some incredible music from amazing bands that deserve your eyes and ears. This week’s Indie Band of the week is Parts Per Million, an independent rock band from the New England area. The band was founded by singer/songwriter Paul McSweeney and guitarist Brian Bailey, and rounded out with bassist Alex Mark’s and drummer David MacCaulay. They are bringing back that 90’s era heavy rock and grunge, paired with four part singing harmonies and soaring guitar solos.
Read on to get a little more acquainted with Parts Per Million and feast your ears on their music, because we know these guys are going to rock it like none-other.
Hi! It’s great to get a chance to talk to you about your band and your music. Let’s start off with whatever you feel we need to know about what you are up to right now.
We have a new EP releasing sometime this summer, depending on the current situation titled The Cycle. We just released “2020 VISION”, our fourth single from that EP, and an incredible video worth checking out.
We will definitely do that – how would you describe your band?
The vocal harmonies of AIC, the sonic assault of early Soundgarden, and the energy off the Foo Fighters.
Bold words my friend! I like it. Why did you decide to play the genre or genres you do?
I really miss good heavy rock music in the mainstream. We just want to believe we have something special and different, and just enough of what others miss to make a serious impact on the world.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Inspiration usually comes from other musicians and songs. For me the writing process almost always starts on an acoustic guitar, followed by vocal humming. At this point it usually goes to the band and becomes a possibility of someone adding something to it. From there I usually go home and write lyrics on something that I already had determined somewhere along the line. Initially, it always starts in a quiet place.
What specific themes do your songs cover?
Suicide, politics, societal pressure, abandonment, death…you know…all the happy stuff! (laughs). The newest EP is about cycles, whether of behavior, politics, or life. Some of the many repeating things that happen in our lives
Do you think that online presence is important for fans to find you and critics to find your music to write about?
Yes. especially now. We all have noticed a downward trend on crowds in venues as a whole. Any way to connect with people on any level is important, and we enjoy making videos and content. We also welcome critique of the band and our songs, whether good or bad to keep perspective.
How do you promote your band and shows?
Every way possible: social media promotion, direct messaging, going to other area shows and handing out flyers and tickets. This, still being the best way in my opinion. Putting faces to names and making friends in the scene is the best way to build a following in my opinion. To many bands do not get out and support others unless they are playing the show.
That’s a shame, especially now. What’s the best and worst thing about playing clubs?
The best thing about it is it can be an intimate packed house full of energy. The bad part is it can be completely dead.
Agreed. What are your immediate music career goals?
To tour, to get a little more recognition nationally, and to play in front of a festival or large crowd.
Those are great goals. Once you’ve achieved that, do you feel you would call it a success? What is your definition of “success”?
If I could make a living off of music with 3 other guys, I’d call that a success. If this ended today, I’d still feel the same way. We’ve put out some really good material, and I’m proud to have it in the world.
Most definitely. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Just keep going. If you find the right people to make music with, just keep going. It takes time. We have been through so many ups and downs and sometimes when things looked like they were at their worst, we did our finest work.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?
For me this was always a big deal, so it comes out on the table in the beginning with anyone who enters my life. It isn’t always easy, and usually takes a lot of my free time. I wouldn’t do it any other way though. I love playing and writing music more than anything in this world.
