Interview with The Funeral Portrait 2024

Summary

Lee, frontman of Funeral Portrait, opens up about their new single 'Suffocate City,' written during the pandemic via Zoom. The track reflects a time of personal and professional struggle, ultimately symbolizing a breakthrough for the band. Lee shares insights into the creative process, describing how emotions are often translated into music with help from his bandmates. The band is gearing up for their debut album and their first-ever arena tour, alongside potential European shows. With collaborations from artists like Spencer Chice and Bert of The Used, Funeral Portrait is on the rise and ready to bring their larger-than-life shows to fans worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lee talks about 'Suffocate City,' a song written during the COVID-19 lockdown, about overcoming struggles in both personal life and the band's journey.
• 😀 The band's upcoming album is considered their true debut, despite a previous 2016 release, reflecting their post-COVID sound and identity.
• 😀 Collaborations with artists like Spencer Chice of Ice Nine Kills and Bert of The Used bring a mix of 'elder emo' and 'modern emo' influences to the band's music.
• 😀 Lee’s songwriting process starts with emotional ideas written in his phone's Notes app, which are then developed with bandmates into full songs.
• 😀 'Suffocate City' was created from a feeling of being trapped in both personal relationships and the band's direction during the pandemic.
• 😀 The band is excited about the momentum they’ve gained recently and is planning to release more new music in the coming months.
• 😀 Lee describes their band dynamic as a close-knit group, where personal issues are openly shared and used to create music together.
• 😀 The band's collaboration with Bert of The Used feels like a 'torch passing,' while Spencer's contribution feels like an introduction to the community for Funeral Portrait.
• 😀 Lee shares that the band might have more collaborations on the upcoming record, which he believes will excite fans.
• 😀 Funeral Portrait is gearing up for their first-ever arena tour with Five Finger Death Punch, marking a huge milestone after years of touring in vans.
• 😀 The band is also planning European shows for later this year or early next year, with talks of festivals and theatrical live performances in the works.

Q & A

What is the inspiration behind the song 'Suffocate City'?

The song 'Suffocate City' was inspired by the emotional challenges Lee was facing, both personally and with the band. It was written during the COVID lockdown when the band members were unable to physically meet, and it reflects the feeling of being stuck in a relationship and the band's struggles to break out of a creative box.

How did the band write 'Suffocate City' during the lockdown?

The song was written via Zoom, with the band members in different locations. Their producer was in his studio south of Lee, while another producer was in New Orleans. Despite being separated by distance, they were able to collaborate and create the song remotely.

What makes the upcoming album different from the band's 2016 release?

The upcoming album is considered the band's debut record, as it marks a new phase for them. Post-COVID, the band has found its voice and is focusing on newer tracks that reflect their growth and the band's evolution since their 2016 release.

How do collaborations with other artists like Spencer Chice and Bert McCracken influence the band's music?

The collaborations bring together elements from both the 'elder emo' world, with Bert from The Used, and the modern emo scene, with Spencer from Ice Nine Kills. This mix of influences has allowed the band to merge different styles, creating a fresh dynamic and expanding their musical range.

Are there any other collaborations planned for the upcoming album?

Yes, Lee mentioned that there may be one or two more collaborations on the record. He is particularly excited about one in particular, believing that their voices complement each other perfectly.

What is the typical songwriting process for the band?

The band's songwriting process often begins with Lee jotting down ideas or emotions in his phone's Notes app. These are not usually full lyrics but rather feelings or concepts. Once they begin writing a song, the band collaborates, and each member contributes their ideas and understanding of Lee's emotions to craft the song together.

How has the band's visibility and fan interaction changed recently?

The band's increasing visibility has led to a surge in fan interaction, with Lee mentioning receiving hundreds of direct messages on Instagram. It's a new experience for them, as they are used to being very hands-on with their fans, but now, due to their growing popularity, they don't always have the time to respond to everyone.

How has the band's touring experience evolved over the years?

The band has come a long way from touring in a broken-down Sprinter van and sleeping in parking lots. They are now preparing for their first-ever arena tour with Five Finger Death Punch, marking a significant milestone in their career and an exciting new chapter.

What are the band's upcoming plans for touring in Europe?

The band is excited to have signed with a European agent and is planning their first European shows. They anticipate touring either late in 2025 or early 2026, with potential festival appearances as part of their plans.

What is the significance of the band's upcoming arena tour with Five Finger Death Punch?

The upcoming arena tour with Five Finger Death Punch is a monumental moment for the band, as it marks their first time performing in large arenas. It signifies their growth and success, going from playing smaller venues to headlining major tours.