Our local friends in Restless Atlantic, coming from Portland Maine, have just dropped their new EP Afterglow which is a refreshing new piece. We were fortunate enough to be able to chat with them about the EP, and 2016 in general. If you don’t know who these guys are make sure to go give them a listen, you will not regret it.
Crowdsurf Central: So tell about the new EP?
The Restless Atlantic: Afterglow is something that we've been working towards for a long time as musicians. For me (Cam) personally, this is the first collection of songs that I feel truly represent the sound that I've always been looking for. This is the most technically sound and challenging work we'd done. In that same breath we can most definitely say that these are the most catchy and meaningful songs. We poured everything we had into this EP.
CSC: What was it like getting it all together?
TRA: Writing the album was very intense. We rarely just roll with the first thing that comes up. In some cases the first thing you write or agree upon is so good that it never changes, but just about everything on this album went under a lot of scrutiny. I wish that I could say that it all comes so easy and organically, but that's not the case. It takes writing, evaluating, rewriting, and working towards making sure every aspect of the song is what you want. It's in the details for us. Every single note we play or lyric we sing, we mean it. As for recording, we always take longer than we want to. It's the perfectionist tendencies that can seem to be a good thing but at the same time be somewhat of a detriment, especially when it comes to creating content quickly. We were very happy with the finished product though. John Zebley of Catalyst Audio recorded and mixed it. After that we sent it to Kris Crummett of Interlace Audio to have it mastered. He's worked on so many great records, it was a no brainer.
CSC: What were some highs/lows of 2016?
TRA: Many highs including the most touring we've ever done, releasing the album, opening for Memphis May Fire at Port City Music Hall in Portland. Lows would have to be the middle of the recording process for me. It gets to the point where it feels like there is no end in sight. Being in a band can be more stress that it seems to be worth at times. However the moments of total bliss when performing it to people who truly care about what you're doing make all of the low points fade away.
CSC: What was your experience at Crowdsurf Against Cancer like?
TRA: It was great. Seth has been nothing but friendly and supportive of so many local groups, including us. It's really humbling to be a part of something that brings cancer and mortality in general to the front of people’s minds. It makes you strive to cherish each day and let the people you care about know exactly how much you do care. There was nothing but positivity in the room that night.
CSC: What do you have planned for the coming year?
TRA: This year will be an onslaught of touring and getting this EP out there. As much as we want to get back into the studio and record new songs, this album needs to have it's moment in the sun. I'd love to do a studio performance for this album as well if things work out in our favor.
The Restless Atlantic will be playing at "Light The Way Music Fest 2017" on January 14th. Click here for details.
If you want to know more about The Restless Atlantic, you can find them on Facebook, on their Bandcamp, on Spotify, or send them an email at therestlessatlantic@gmail.com.