Detroit rock band I Prevail has announced they will be releasing a new album later this year. The album, Lifelines, will be released via Fearless Records. You can read the full release here. We had the chance to talk with vocalist and frontman Brian Burkheiser about the album, tour, and life.
Crowdsurf Central: What was it like working with BJ and John at Wall of Sound?
Brian Burkheiser: Amazing. Two of the hardest working, most talented people I've had the chance to work with in music. There is a chemistry in the room that is hard to find. At the end of the day, they understood our vision and were able to help us execute and enhance it. That's all you can ever hope for in a producer.
CSC: What was the recording and writing process like?
BB: It was intense to be honest. We spent almost a year writing. We just refused to settle on anything that wasn't our best. The recording process was just as intense. We wanted perfection. I don't think you ever reach it, but you have to try. That's we spent 10 or 12 hour days in the studio for the better part of 3 months. It was all worth it. I am so proud of what we created. Can't wait to share it with the world.
CSC: What can we expect from Lifelines?
BB: I think we stayed true to our core sound but really just matured as song-writers. The choruses are bigger, the heavy parts are heavier and we found a really focused message for the album. We threw some curveballs in as well. I can say that if you liked the EP, you're gonna love the album. If you've never heard of us, give it a shot. It's a diverse group of songs with something for everyone.
CSC: What does it feel like to be nominated as a “Breakthrough Artist” at the AMPAs?
BB: It's a huge honor. We all grew up reading Alt Press articles and seeing our favorite bands featured in different editions. The other bands nominated for this category are all really good. We're definitely in great company. We went to the APMAs last year and it was a blast. Great to hang out with so many different bands. It's gonna be a fun night whether we win or not.
CSC: Who thought to cover “Blank Space?”
BB: It was really a group decision. We were looking for something to cover around the time we were releasing our EP 'Heart vs. Mind'. T Swift had just dropped her album. We all listened through and heard something special in Blank Space.
CSC: Did you expect that big/successful of a reaction from fans?
BB: Not at all. I mean we had some high hopes, but nobody could ever predict the level of success it grew to. We're grateful for it. It brought a lot of exposure to our band and to our original music.
CSC: What are you looking forward to most while on tour?
BB: Just playing again. We've been locked in the studio for the past six months writing and recording. It's time to get back out and do what we love to do. We're gonna be playing new some songs and bringing a totally new show to the fans. I'm as excited as I've ever been. It's gonna be a fun summer.
I PREVAIL Tour Dates:
July 14 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection
July 15 - South Bend, IN - Cheers Pub
July 16 - Cadott, WI - Rock Fest
July 19 - Saginaw, MI - The Red Room at the Dow Event Center
July 20 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
July 22 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre
July 23 - Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground
July 24 - Des Moines, IA - Wooly’s
July 26 - Little Rock, AR - The Metroplex
July 27 - Clarksville, TN - The Warehouse
July 29 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s
July 30 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall
July 31 - Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar
Aug 2 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
Aug 3 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
Aug 5 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
Aug 6 - Bangor, ME - Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
Aug 7 - Montreal, QC - Parterre Parc Jean Drapeau
Aug 9 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
Aug 10 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
Aug 11 - Charlotte, NC - The Underground
Aug 12 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans Music Hall
Aug 13 - Bristol, TN - Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975
Aug 16 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theatre
Aug 17 - New Orleans, LA - The Parish at House of Blues
Aug 18 - Houston, TX - House of Blues - Bronze Peacock
Aug 19 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues - Cambridge Room
Aug 21 - Scottsdale, AZ - Pub Rock
Aug 22 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Aug 23 - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction
Aug 24 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
Aug 26 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
Aug 27 - Colorado Springs, CO - The Black Sheep