SUBSTREAM MUSIC PRESS INTERVIEWS THE SCENE AESTHETIC

I’ve always found The Scene Aesthetic to be one of those bands that “gets it”. One of those bands that knows how, or has simply been gifted with the innate ability, to write songs not only relatable, but songs whose messages explore the fears and worries common to the human nature. More that just addressing personal issues, but writing about them to calm and reassure. It is like they’ve reached into my brain and rummaged through my thoughts to write just for me or just for you, the perfect song for reassurance and closure. 

After a short time spent laying low, experiencing life and writing about it, The Scene Aesthetic returns with their newest 7 track EP, “The Days Ahead”, released late last year. For the Seattle due, Eric Bowley and Andrew de Torres, it really was the perfect time to premiere new work. “This record is definitely reflecting things that are immediately happening in both of our lives or recently happening. We were writing as a therapeutic way to find closure” says Eric. 

Known for great harmony with simple guitar accompaniment, the duo has taken this EP as the ideal opportunity to take the bands next step in expanding a traditional Scene Aesthetic sound. With the addition of various instruments - including piano, bells, and cello - they comfortably step into and form an honest sound to accompany their honest lyrical writing and maturing sound. 

“We involved a couple dear friends with the producing aspect for this EP,” said Eric. The duo found that by involving friends, they were able to delegate ideas and trustingly watch songs form into further perfected masterpieces. “These songs were able to evolve with a much more collaborative effort. We found that it is okay to kind of give up that control we’d had in previous releases. It was cool and a lot of growth for us to have others come into something and have us be willing to accept that help.” 

The Scene Aesthetic has always excelled in writing relatable songs. “Beauty in the Breakdown” and “Humans” from previous releases are always highly requested and loved by fans. This EP release does not fail to provide again. The duo found the process to be inspiring and encouraging, writing their final song and title track, on their last studio day. “‘The Days Ahead’ was written on the last day and it wasn’t even the title. We just recorded bare bones acoustic and immediately knew it would be the title track because it was universal in its message.” 

With the added control of self-releasing the EP, The Scene Aesthetic found increased freedom in the ability to chose musicians and producers as they found appropriate, but also in the process of releasing songs and their availability. “Being an EP, they normally get viewed as a ‘filler’ release, but we really wanted to essentially ‘milk’ this EP release for all it was worth. Each song is available for full stream on our website, we also released all lyrics for each of the songs so our listeners wouldn’t have to try and guess sometimes at what we were singing. We also filmed acoustic videos for each of the songs in different settings around the Seattle area” said Eric. 

While a lot of bands may find it intimidating or possibly devastating to attempt a self-release, The Scene Aesthetic duo couldn’t be more happy with their choice. “Ideally anyone in our position could benefit from a budget from a label, but it would be for those things that are kind of standard with a normal album release; press, budget, etc. Anyone would want those things. But Andrew and I are totally content and so happy with where we’re at and making the choices we’re free to make. We’ve had offers and opportunities but we were so careful to not make a mistake with something we’ve spent so much time building.” 

Self releasing also gives the duo more freedom to involve fans in their music. Eric explains, “we’d like to do a remix album, like to make available every song in its stem form. Essentially each piece of the song would be available for upload, so each separate track for vocals, guitar, piano, etc. and make it available to everyone online. Then fans and other musicians will be free to make their own remixes and submit their new creations to us by a deadline. We’d compile the tracks and pick and choose for a remix album release. It would give our fans the opportunity to further explore our music and the opportunity to have their creations listed alongside our friends and people we’ve toured with and have developed relationships with.” 

“The Days Ahead” EP by The Scene Aesthetic is one of their strongest thus far. This band has always been impressive, and are continuing to move forward in their growth as a duo, and as individuals. This month, they will be touring the east coast with Plug In Stereo, and soon hope to be embarking on a larger tour with full band and extra instrumentation provided by friends, to give fans the full experience of their new songs. 

This is a release you need to hear. This is a band you need to follow. These are two guys who just get it. Exploring and experiencing. And then they write about it.

Kelly McDonald
Substream Music Press

Photo: JE