ALIVE IN STONE – AN INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN PHILLIPS – PART II

ALIVE IN STONE – AN INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN PHILLIPS – PART II

By Ralph Beauchamp

Bryan Phillips is the bold frontman of hard Fl. based Alive In Stone. AIS is no stranger to AMP. We last spoke with Bryan in December 2022. Additionally, we've reviewed several of their recent singles. As the band continues to mature, their sound has evolved into a cauldron of dynamic genres. Alive In Stone just released a new single titled 'Skin' which exemplifies their new musical identity. The track is a monster with raging textural palettes and boldly bold vocals. They don't want to be drawn into any particular sound and each dramatic chapter outdoes the last.

In addition to Phillips, Alive In Stone It consists of Matt Willey (guitar), Doug Kirschner (bass) and Herman Ogletree (drums). The band's musicianship is excellent. Willey's guitars scream in absolute frenzy. Kirschner's bass swells with bombastic majesty, while Ogletree's percussion rips with devouring intensity. Also, Phillips' voice bewitches with an unrelenting allure. Alive In Stone offers a fusion of passionate speed.

AMP: The last time we spoke was December 2022. What's new?

BRYAN: Much has changed. We started working with a new producer, Dylan Herzog. We also stabilized our lineup at four members. I have experienced some vocal development for the better. Plus, our creative juices have blossomed. We are definitely improving our sound. This is a monumental development for us. We have now recorded eight new songs. Three have already been released while two are still in production. In total I think we'll have ten songs before this record cycle is over. We've opened for some pretty big bands including Smile Empty Soul, Texas Hippie Coalition and a few others. Another act we bonded with was the Lonely Ones.

AMP: We last featured the band when you released “Fatboy” and “Enough”. Since then you've dropped a number of aggressive tracks. How have the new songs been received?

BRYAN: From one perspective, I can feel that the audience can really feel the difference. We try to create our own space by constantly experimenting. Some of our older stuff has that 99's true blue feel to it, but now we're adding some industrial, nu-metal and goth elements to infuse it with a new direction. We try to dirty up our sound while keeping it fun.

AMP: Staying in the same lane, “Skin” clearly turns. Can you give us a little insight into the song?

BRYAN: The track, like many others, started out as one of the ten demos we were sorting through. We felt that a little R&B flavor could easily be infused into a metal song. As I was writing the song, I got this Michael Jackson kind of thing. This R&B tune kept popping into my head, but I wanted the chorus to have that heavily distorted voice. Also, I wanted the bridge to have that kind of Stabbing Westward component. I feel this combination is simply amazing.

The theme is about a committed relationship where the parties are still trying to figure out why they are still together. Although one partner is attracted to other people, he explains to the other lover that these others are only “Skin”. There is this precedent for external sexual interactions because of the strength of their bond. It's an old love story.

AMP: Now that the band has been established for some time, what is the band dynamic like?

BRYAN: The function of how we do things is different. We better understand our creative process. I usually think about the vision or direction of a song, but it's only 60-70% there. Then Herman, our drummer, controls the vibe for each section. It gives us the groove to build on. Matt and Doug then drop their ingredients. Matt Willey is our guitar player and he's amazing. He adds those Zakk Wylde style riffs. All the while, Doug, our bass player, who is a huge Tool fan, is blasting out these amazing octave bass notes.

And our producer, Dylan, filters all of that, audio tracking everything. It was actually a huge component of “Skin”. I don't think we could have achieved the intensity of this song without him. This is how our dynamic works. We all understand our roles. We know what works best for us and our workflow has been consistent.

AMP: The use of social media is impressive. Do you think these platforms are attracting new fans?

BRYAN: Absolutely! I feel like social media has definitely brought in new fans. One of the things we have found beneficial is reaching out to other bands and interacting with them to form a community. We are working hard to bring new souls into the fold. Our social media exposure has been huge for us. Some of our biggest fans have come from there.

AMP: What are your expectations and what do you want to achieve with Alive in Stone?

BRYAN: I want to be one of the greatest rockers in the world. That's what we all want to do. We want to be Godsmack, Three Days Grace and all these beautiful top bands that we love, of this generation. Our goal is to carry the baton forward and make these legendary bands proud. Life is too short to think small. You have to shoot for the moon. It will be a long hard road and a lot of work, but that is our goal.

AMP: If the band could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

BRYAN: She would be one of my inspirations. We kind of already have it because he taught me some of the basics of songwriting. That would be Mike Protich from Red Sun Rising. Working with him or The Violent would be something. Another idol is Chester Bennington. It may be a cliché, but this partnership would be monumental.

AMP: What is the best and worst thing about being a musician?

BRYAN: The hardest thing is dealing with uncertainty. It takes a lot of strength to keep going. When you release a new song or get up on stage, there's always that fear of rejection. No matter how confident you are, there's always the risk that the new song or live performance won't be well received. I know people say they don't care, but within every artist there is this uncertain feeling of dismissal. For me, I constantly tell myself that we are putting out the most determined art that we can create and putting everything into it.

The best thing about it is creating something unique. It's the process of creating a groove that no one has heard before. This is the magic of music. Also, you can express yourself in any way you want. And with that, I hope you have someone feel something from your art. This positive feedback is emotionally exciting.

AMP: What's next for Alive In Stone?

BRYAN: Now we have “Skin”. Another song will be released soon. As I mentioned before, there are probably six or seven new tracks. Non-stop promotion and non-stop fun! Constantly dropping new material. It's going to be an exciting year.

AMP: Any last words of advice for your fans?

BRYAN: Be your self! Chase your dreams. Find time to do what you want to do. Don't worry what other people think. Just follow your heart.

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