[News] Exclusive interview with American Progressive Rock supergroup Pattern-Seeking Animals

Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with an American Progressive Rock supergroup, with a new album out. We welcome the Pattern-Seeking Animals.

Hi, it is a pleasure to have you among our pages, how are you?

“All’s well with me, thanks.“

The band formed in 2018, from current and former members and collaborators of the band Spock’s Beard, how did this project come about?

“I had a few songs that weren’t used for SB plus a few more that were in progress. I finished those then recorded demos of them with Jimmy, Dave and Ted. I sent the songs to the record label and they offered us a deal. There was only about 30 minutes so I wrote a few more songs to complete the first album.“

Progressive Rock, how did your passion for these sounds come about and what are your sources of inspiration in this regard?

“I became obsessed with groups like Yes, Genesis, ELP, Gentle Giant, etc. as a teenager. I wasn’t writing music yet but when I started years later, their music was a big part of my influences and inspirations.“

The new album ‘Friend Of All Creatures’ is out in February via GEP Records, how would you describe this work?

“This is our fifth album. It’s more concise and streamlined than the previous ones, but a similar mix of different approaches and variety of songs.“

Seven intense and elaborate tracks, how does the creative process of your music take place?

“I usually sit down with an acoustic guitar or in front of a keyboard and start improvising. Once I settle on a cool chord progression or riff, melody, etc. I’ll start writing other parts and sections until the basic song structure takes shape. After that, it’s refining the arrangement, coming up with lyrics, etc. When that’s done I have the other guys add their parts.“

Elaborate and intense instrumental and vocal parts, what themes do the lyrics deal with?

“On this album there’s a lot more imagery and semi-poetry, not necessarily based on any articular theme. I like having listeners imagining what I might be writing about and coming up with their own meaning.“

This is your fifth studio album, how has your sound evolved over time?

“I think we’ve continued to evolve but I’m too close to the material to define exactly how.“

Have you recently released the single ‘In My Dying Days,’ do you have any more planned before the album’s release?

“Yes, we’ve also released “Future Perfect World” and “Down the Darkest Road” as singles and videos.“

Many of our readers and your fans are wondering if there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have plans in this regard for the near future?

“We’re booked to play ProgStock later in 2025. We’re working on a few more possibilities before then but nothing concrete to announce yet.“

How has the way of experiencing live performances changed from the 90s to today and what has changed for you?

“I haven’t gone to many concerts in the last 10-15 years. There are still great artists and bands out there but the older I get, I just don’t want to put out the effort. I’d just as soon listen to music at home. Oh yeah, I hate audience members holding up their phones shooting video they’ll never watch instead of just experiencing the moment of great music.“

Music is constantly evolving, how do you see today’s music scene in your genre?

“I listen to music constantly, mush of it prog. I try to keep up with new albums, bands, etc. I think I’m doing a good job of it but then I’ll open up some prog magazine or website and at least half of the artists I’ve never heard of. There’s a wide variety of styles within prog and the scene seems quite healthy, to me anyway.“

What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with sounds like yours?

“If you have a sound like ours, steer away from it and develop you own unique sound. Also, soak in influences from a lot of different genres, not just prog.“

Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside of music?

“Some reading, learning the Thai language and occasionally hiking but writing and listening to music are my favorite activities. Nothing else comes close.“

I thank the band for the interview and wish them all the best for the release of their new album and the continuation of their artistic career.

“Thanks!“

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