THE EXIES – AN INTERVIEW WITH FRONTMAN SCOTT STEVENS
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Exies were formed in 1997 by singer/guitarist Scott Stevens. The band's first self-titled album was released in 2000 through Ultimatum Records. They received huge appeal when they released their two Virgin Records, Inaction (2003) and Head to the Door (2004). Both albums secured spots on the Billboard 200 chart. The Exiesthird album, ONE Modern lifestyle with the truthwas released in 2007 (Eleven Seven Music) before the band broke up in 2010. After the breakup, Stevens continued to work as a songwriter writing songs for notable artists such as Theory and Halestorm.
Good, The Exies are back and have released a new EP titled Closure. During the pandemic, Stevens began to realize that his new material was perfect for a reboot The Exies. Speaking of the experience Scott claims:
“Once I committed to writing and producing for others, I really got into it,” he explains. “I just jumped into the ocean and didn't think about writing about myself anymore. And that's why it was so strange when I went for a walk in 2020 – outside with a mask – and suddenly I hear a tune in my head and I'm like “Who's that?” What is this;' And suddenly I realized that this is my voice. It was very confusing at first, and then it started happening more and more.
I don't know what prompted it or what caused it. Year; Can't work that much? Maybe my mind wanders a little more because I have to work. Nobody came here because nobody was going anywhere. And I didn't want to write Zoom, because even though it's kind of a lifestyle now and I love it, I was like, “What is this?” I really didn't think to write about The Exies again until it began to haunt me.”
Closure it is an imposing work of art. Each song oozes independent angst and sonic beauty. It opens with “For What It's Worth” and it's a monster track. Stevens' vocals are brash and full of divine intensity. The guitars sound bold. “Spirits High” continues the sonic barrage with a relentless flow of growling turns. “sAD” is cinematic and definitely a highlight of the EP. Stevens' voice is evocative and full of aural concern. You can feel his high tension building as the track progresses. “Euphoria” continues The ExiesSocial consciousness with its dark soundscape. “The Hill” pulverizes and “The Closure” is the perfect finish with its anthemic textures. “Close” is a beast.
Scott Stevens was kind enough to sit down with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: “Spirit High” released last year was the first Exies song in 15 years. What took so long?
SCOTT: It's surreal, it's something I never thought would happen. It's a second chance. And that doesn't happen, so I'm grateful.
AMP: Your new single “sAD” has a deep message. What was the impetus behind the song?
SCOTT: “sAD” was and still is real for me. Nothing is like four years ago. Something is wrong and we all know it. But also that the world is not what I was led to believe it would be when I was a child.
AMP: Exies' highly anticipated EP is Closure. Can you give us some information about the project?
SCOTT: Closure , is what it says… for me this EP is me closing that door to the past so I can move on. There were tears as I wrote this as she made the statement that I have to let go of something that was so close to me. This shaped me and made me who I am today.
AMP: Where do you find your inspiration?
SCOTT: You never know when it's going to hit or where it's coming from. I just keep my ears open and my heart open to whatever hits me and makes me think…. It's a song there.
AMP: You've dabbled in the industry writing songs for other artists such as Theory and Halestorm. Was this experience satisfying?
SCOTT: Yes. Very much. Hatching something you feel whether alone or with multiple people is the same experience. It's very satisfying when you know you have something that has truth in it.
AMP: What can your fans expect from the resurrected Exies?
SCOTT: I think growth. Year. Time makes you wiser, you feel more deeply. You focus on what is important. I have changed and am in touch with my thoughts and feelings like never before.
AMP: Do you feel the internal energy of the Exies is as strong or better than the incarnations?
Scott: No season is the same. Everyone has their own strength. This is as special as the other seasons of this band. But the nostalgia factor and time… changed things to a more accepting future than before. Before we were always trying to prove ourselves… now… we don't have to.
AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist today, who would it be and why?
SCOTT: I would love to work with Sir Paul McCartney. And Leon Russell. To me they are songsmiths.
AMP: How was your recent gig at the Viper Room and how cool is Matt Pinfield?
SCOTT: Matt Pinfield is the best. It is music, his every fiber exudes it. I love his guts as they say in Ireland. Him introducing us was next level and full circle because he mentioned our name first on MTV. Playing that show felt like home. My truest self. And the kids felt the same. I hope we can do it again.
AMP: What's next for Exies?
SCOTT: I can't predict the future, but I know it will be bright ;).
The Exies The current lineup is Scott Stevens (vocals/guitar), Freddy Herrera (bass), Chris Skane (guitar) and Dennis Wolfe (drums).
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