Formerly known as Mighty Mountain, we recently came across the opportunity to interview indie/rock outfit Messages. Of course, we seized the moment.
In this interview we discuss the transformation from Mighty Mountain to Messages as well as the Austin music scene and their decision to release this debut album in 3 parts.
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How did Messages come together and what or who is responsible for the collective’s insatiable appetite for creating great music?
This project evolved out of the death of another. I lost my temper on stage at a really big show and totally went off on one of the female performers, who happened to be my best friend’s girlfriend (he was also in the band). It was not my finest moment, and 4 out of 8 members quit the band the day of our next show. I was an absolute mess. We struggled to keep it together for a year, with a lot of players and friendships falling by the wayside. We finally settled on the amazing group of musicians we have now, got to making an album and changed the name to Messages. I think without the band surviving in some way I might have died.
What’s the best part of being based in the Austin music scene? How does Messages stand out?
There are so many great bands to be friends with. People that I used to idolize are homies now. That’s pretty cool.
We have a ton of energy. Our set goes up and down, telling a story, and we go with it. There’s a song from part 2 about an ex-lover’s attempted suicide, and everytime we play it I’m back in that bathroom.
What inspired your 3-part debut? What can we expect from Part I (coming in April)?
We wanted to stay active, to keep writing and recording. By splitting the album into 3 parts we allow ourselves to keep growing and evolving. There’s a story to tell. Part 1 is just an introduction, a very jubilant proclamation that we have survived. We’re putting a lot of the ‘feel good’ stuff out there before it gets dark. There are a couple of dark moments in there, though. You have to maintain balance.
What’s your big goal for 2015? Where do you want Messages to be by the end of this year?
We’re gearing up for a national tour this summer, which is doubly great because we’ve given ourselves enough time to go camping in national parks a couple times a week. Feed the soul, you know?
By years end we should be preparing to release part 3. Hopefully we are all in good health and high spirits. Really that’s all you can ever hope for.
Where can we connect with you online? Stream some tunes?
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
“If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again. You can dust it off and try again, try again, try again.”
