The road towards the release of As Paradise Falls' new album begins today with a first step - releasing their new single "Star Blind". The track features brand new vocalist Shaun Coar (Vessel Born, Touring Vox for Feed Her to the Sharks, Bound For Ruin) and is a biting critique on the culture around "celebrities" in the modern era.
Tomatrax caught up with Shaun Coar, the band's new lead singer, to ask a few questions.
You have a new album coming out soon, how has that been going?
The process of making this album has been a long and difficult journey for the band. During the recording of the album back in late November 2015. Our guitarist Glen Barrie passed away in his sleep. As you can imagine it's not something you just bounce back from. But in the end we've finished the album and it's something we are very proud of.
When will the album be out?
The album will be out around mid June .
What will the album be titled?
The album is called Digital RItual , its about how the digital landscape has changed our lives and effects of that.
Your press release said the album will re-define what you thought you knew about As Paradise Falls, do you feel people had misconceptions about your music beforehand?
That was in reference to the changes in direction of the band that happened during the course of making the album. We Digital had a couple of member changes including a new vocalist (me ha ha). I definitely write differently than the previous vocalist, Ravi, and have a completely different sound. So people familiar with our previous material may be surprised compared to the previous release APF put out.
What made you pick 'Star Blind' as the album's single?
'Star blind', just had an epic nature to it that we all liked. We all enjoyed the chorus and felt it would resonate with people.
What was the inspiration behind the video for 'Star Blind'?
The clip is a metaphor for the unhealthy relationship we at times have with digital media. Often we separate ourselves from reality to escape somewhere else. The clip serves as a warning not to be trapped and disconnect a little.
You'll be touring with Trojans and Mirrors are all touring together on the State of Mind tour, what can fans expect from your show?
A lesson in physics and sonic bombardment.
Where did the name As Paradise Falls come from?
As Paradise Falls came from a game, xbox game I believe way way back.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Yes , it's like cooking a meal for yourself. What's the point of cooking it if your not going to eat it.
What other music do you listen to?
Lots of stuff !! I dabble in hip-hop, electronica ,pop, metal and all its sub genres of course and film scores. I feel it's important to have a wide range of influences so you don't limit yourself.
What do you have planned after your upcoming shows?
After the shows we will probably retreat to the riff cave and cook up some more music. I feel we only scratching the surface of what we can write and achieve.
