In this article, we are pleased to bring you an interview with a Swiss band offering refined instrumental Post-Rock, whose new album “I Am Whole“‘” is due for release on November 11, 2022 via Dunk! Records. Welcome Glaston.
Hi, how are you?
Thank you we are doing great and are very excited so close to the album release and can’t wait to show what we have been working on for the last couple of years – and we’re excited to hear from people around the globe, what they think of I Am Whole.
Your genre is Instrumental Post-Rock, where does your passion for these sounds come from?
We realized that there is so much to discover through songwriting when you just let the instruments do the “talking”. We allowed every instrument, nuance and the tiniest synth layers to take on the space they need to tell the story of our vision of sound for this album. Our passion is driven by not limiting ourselves to a specific genre and to always try out new things, as long as it still feels like “glaston” to us.
Your album ‘I Am Whole’ is out in November, how would you describe this new work?
It’s intimate, personal, warm and honest. It took us a very long time to finalize the songs and find the right people to work with, who understand our music and could help us realize our vision for the sound we wanted to capture for I Am Whole.
Refined tracks, elaborate textures enriched by intense soundscapes and excellent storytelling skills, what are the themes of the album?
“I Am Whole” is about our inner-selves as humans, the infinite range of emotions, a certain kind of uncertainty and the unpredictability of life – and with that, ultimately to trust yourself and accept yourself as who you are. Our music on I Am Whole presents itself as versatile expression of feelings – it reflects different facets in everyday life, and the challenge and little beautiful moments that come with it.
Your music is full of contaminations of different genres and styles, how do you compose the tracks?
Most of the time, someone starts with an idea or the rough draft of a lick/riff . Then everyone contributes to the idea with their instruments by recording multiple demo versions which we then share via Dropbox. We provide feedback and then develop the songs further – so that when we get together in person to practice new songs, we already have a solid baseline to build on. While some of our songs may sound on light and Jamy, they’re actually carefully orchestrated, almost note by note.
You have released a few singles, an EP an album and another one is on the way, how has your sound evolved over the years?
We would say that our sound has matured and became more organic and in a way straight forward. We used to over-engineer older songs by trying to pack as many ideas into them as possible. Today we’re writing way more critical to ourselves: “Does this layer/drum fill/piano part really help make the song better?”. And sometimes we ask friends for feedback on early song ideas – a bit of an outside-in view has never harmed. We can still decide whether to incorporate the feedback or not 🙂
Many of your fans and our readers wonder whether there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have any plans in this regard?
We definitely want to play as many live shows as possible with the new album. There are some tours planned for next year, but we can’t give more concrete info yet. But if you know a promoter or a venue that would be open to music like ours, it would help us for sure – thank you! 🙂
In an ever-changing music market, how do you see the future of your genre?
We have a feeling that in today’s fast paced times and overall oversaturated music industry, that there will be a time again to slow down, be in the moment and appreciate carefully crafted art such as Post Rock music. The genre already has a very dedicated fanbase which is growing on a daily bases thanks to more Post Rock presence in movies and TV shows – and although curse and blessing at the same time, streaming services that suggest experimental music to sometimes unlikely new audiences (haven’t we all discovered some exotic cool bands like that? :).
The music market has changed a lot in the last few years, how difficult is it to establish yourself with a more sophisticated music genre like yours?
Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be seen or heard. The ocean (not the band 🙂 ) remains the same size, but more and more fish swim in it every day. The amount of talented bands out there is crazy – the standard is very high, which is inspiring of course, but again, also tough. We believe it essential to have something good and unique going, go out there as much as you can, connect with people, other musicians, play shows, engage with fans via digital channels – and maybe with a hint of luck, someone notices you, or a big page reposts your music, giving you a little boost.
What advice would you give to a young band approaching the modern music scene
with Psychedelic and Post-Rock sounds?
Do what you enjoy the most, and while getting inspired by many kinds of bands and genres is important, try to do your thing and not sound like “this or that” band. Come up with new ways to engage with people online – this is another tough challenge, as the known portal don’t give you as much reach anymore as they used to, and sometimes it’s just not worth the many for a few extra clicks.
As usual, I’ll leave the last question free to allow you to talk about any topic of your choice not touched upon in the previous questions.
Thanks kindly for this interview and for your interest in our music – it means so much to us! During the peak of the pandemic some people left some truly wholesome comment on YouTube videos, such as how our music supported them through a tough time. This is really touching and more we could have ever wished for. So, please give our new record a listen and drop us a note with your thoughts. Take care and stay healthy 🙂
I thank Glaston for the pleasant interview, wishing them all the best for the continuation
of their musical career.
Lineup:
Selina Maisch / Piano
Michael Jake Gutzwiller / Guitar
Timo Beeler / Bass Guitar
David Preissel / Drums
Coen Strouken / Viola (Tracks 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11)
Peter Voigtman, Paul Seidel / Synths and SoundFX