A Wild Frontier was started in the Spring of 2016 by former members of The Status, Ben Grant and Mike Felker.
Even prior to The Status’ 2008 Doghouse records release (So This Is Progress), Ben and Mike had been writing together for 5 years. With hundreds of songs and unused demos since then to choose from, they began recording A Wild Frontier’s debut record in March of 2016. “Make It Count” was released on April 4th.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with the band about influences, the new project, navigating the digital music world and more.
Full Q&A along with links a stream of their song April 3rd, 1988 below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hey, my name is Ben Grant and I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, and my band A Wild Frontier are a rock band. Weezer is one of our biggest influences so we have a alt 90’s rock feel, lots of loud guitars, and fun melodies and harmonies.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I’ve always had a great amount of passion for music. I remember recording songs off the radio (is that legal?), on a cassette deck and listening every night falling asleep. Music has always given me the ability to feel, think, and experience things not quite like anything else. So I begin trying to write me own songs around the age of 14. Both my mom and dad played guitar and sang, so I always would pick their guitar up and try my best to figure out how to play. Song writing is what drives me the most, there’s something so incredible to take an idea and create something out of nothing. I used to think being in a band, or being a musician was as a “tangible thing” to do, but as I’ve gotten older and been doing this for 15 years, I’ve come to rest with the fact that it’s just an extension of who I am. I’m on the other side of being burned out and jaded and couldn’t be more excited and passionate about making music again. I have so much music that’s stored up and ready to share.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
Well, this is the first release as A Wild Frontier, but for me as an artist and song writer, AWF is a return to my love for rock n roll. We released “Make It Count” on April 4th, 2017. As I said, it’s our first release but I’d love to put out an album a year and we have already begun our follow up. Like I mentioned before, I have a catalogue of music that I’ve written over that last fifteen years that I’m just excited about and hoping to release. Not to say these will all be catalogued songs, I’m constantly writing and adding songs into the plan.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
There are challenges for every generation, every season. Pros and Cons to pre-digital and post. I think the biggest challenge to Indie artists currently, is just finding the right audience and finding fresh ears. Fighting the good fight of balancing exposure and over saturation. I think honesty and sharing who you really are to whatever layer you’re comfortable with, is the best way to connect with people. We’re all story makers and connect to the heart of stories, so as artists, we have to be honest, and not give into the idea that we need to be larger than life. Just be yourself and make good music, find the right audience and you’ll be just fine. .
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
Our new record is available in most digital outlets, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. We also have a limited run of physical CDs on our website you can connect with us on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram.
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks so much for the opportunity to talk about our music. Music is a great way for people to connect and I hope someone out there is able to find something positive to take from our music. Thanks!
