ARCADE ASSEMBLY – INTERVIEW WITH ILIAS SORIANO (NOT POINTED)

ARCADE ASSEMBLY – INTERVIEW WITH ILIAS SORIANO (NOT POINTED)

By Ralph Beauchamp

Nonpoint is no stranger to AMP. He is one of the staff's favorite artists. Protagonist Ilias Soriano with Gray Daze's Chris Hodges they have created an impressive body of work that captures both worlds. The new venture is called Arcade Assembly. Arcade assembly combines the power of hard rock and combines it with the subtleties of electronica and EDM. Soriano and Hodges they combine their musical prowess to create something commanding. The fusion of such cinematic streams of music holds dynamic explosions and sonic riots. Arcade assembly it is the future, manifesting a new realm of cosmic awakening.

Arcade Assembly have just released their first single titled “Nothing's Real” (361 Degrees Records). “Nothing's Real” explores themes of existential doubt, personal fears, and the disorienting reality of living in a chaotic world. But she does it with a fascinating mix of vulnerability and strength, with Soriano's gravel, imposing delivery and HodgesHigh, emotionally charged vocals create a soundscape that is both thrilling and uplifting. It's the kind of track that feels equally at home on a rock stage or reverberating through the vast, throbbing arenas of a festival like EDC or Tomorrowland.

Ilias Soriano was kind enough to sit down with us for this in-depth interview.

AMP: Can you give us a little background on Arcade Assembly?

ELIAS: It all came about because of a lucky meeting. Coincidentally, Cris and I crossed paths because of another business venture we were working on together. At the time, we were working together on another project and Cris was sitting on the song and he felt my voice would be perfect. Through this process, we became friends and started working together. We had this writing flow that was really kind of grooved.

We decided to dig deeper and write some other songs that weren't just rock based. Cris and I wanted to add some 80's pop and EDM vibes to the mix. Then we started playing with a bunch of different genres. It felt like a playground. That's why I feel Arcade Assembly it's the perfect name for us.

AMP: How was working with Cris?

ELIAS: It was extremely easy. He is very friendly and has a very good handle on melody and the emotions associated with music. For me, when you write music, it's like an escape where you can explore the existential side of yourself. It's like playing with clay and molding your ideas. Cris has a very similar perspective.

AMP: Your first single, “Nothing's Real”, is extremely powerful. What kind of themes did you deal with in the piece?

ELIAS: When Cris played me the opening vocals for it, it took me back to the Matrix days. The Terminator hour where we were just touching on artificial intelligence and visual simulation. I think that's what was on my mind when I started reading his words. I think “Nothing's Real” is about where scientific theories lead us. Do we see in 1's and 0's? Are we in a simulation? All these questions science fiction asked 10, 15 or 25 years ago! Right now, we seem to be in that mindset. “Nothing Real” touches on this theme.

AMP: Arcade Assembly seems to defy clarification by mixing genres. Was this intentional or did it happen organically?

ELIAS: It was very deliberate. That's the idea. More than any other project I've worked on. This is really about having no rules. So whatever we feel or feel sounds good comes into play. Being a rock singer, it was interesting to see how my voice sounded in R&B, pop, trance and EDM. During my normal routine, when I'm walking around and a tune, song, or lyric pops into my head, I now have the ability to meander that inspiration in different directions than the standard Nonpoint strain.

AMP: Staying on topic. do you think the future of hard rock and metal is the synthesis of incorporating other forms of music and artistic endeavors?

ELIAS: It seems to be going in that direction. Top rock bands rely on a lot of electronica, synths and old school showmanship. There are these big grand productions that keep getting bigger and bigger. In terms of instruments and music, new rock seems to come from quite a few other genres.

AMP: Arcade Assembly is signed to 361 Degrees Records. Do you think this fits?

ELIAS: Yes! Originally it was just one song. We weren't sure where we were going to take it next, but since it has a rock element and 361 Degrees are indie, we felt the project was a perfect fit.

AMP: Do you plan to expand the scope of Arcade Assembly? Is there an EP or full length on the horizon?

ELIAS: It goes like this. Just an offer to work with a gaming producer. It wasn't something we thought was possible, but we think we can make a whole EP out of it. It's fun because it has a transient vibe. I grew up on early Halo and Destiny. Games that had amazing stories and soundtracks. I'm a gamer so this is personally exciting.

AMP: I just interviewed a band called The Bridge City Sinners who have also taken a DIY approach and started their own label, Flail Records. I will ask the same question I asked them. What are the pros and cons? Do you feel it's all worth it?

ELIAS: The plus is obviously the control. When it comes to decisions and artistic freedom, we have complete authority. The downside is that you pay the bill. It's all on you. The budget and expenses are yours. This is obviously a hurdle to overcome. In terms of effort, I think anything is worth it as long as you understand the consequences. If you succeed, that's great, but if you put in that much time and fail, it still pushes you in the direction you want to go. You may fail at first, but your persistence for your goals will eventually pay off.

AMP: Any plans for Arcade Assembly to tour as a unit?

ELIAS: It certainly shows. tour, as opportunities arise. We are in the early stages of building a body of work. That would be the next step after that.

AMP: Speaking of touring, Nonpoint have started a UK stint. How's it going?

ELIAS: It was very nice. The vehicle we have is a manuel, and I am the most skilled in it. So I'm stuck on driving duty. Going to the UK from the wrong side (I should say left side to be politically correct – laughing) was interesting. We have seen a lot of cool castles and countryside which I enjoy.

AMP: Your collaboration with Shallow Side is killer. Any others coming down the pike?

ELIAS: First of all, the guys on Shallow Side are high level players. I don't have much to hang up on these boys. Their harmonies are so clean. They really do. As far as other projects go, there's another collaboration I've been asked to look into, but I really can't talk about it yet. It's really exciting because I play with my rap styles. It's going to be super hip hop and super aggressive. I think people will dig it. It will go by both Red 13 and 361 Degrees, as it will be part of the Nonpoint moniker.

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