An Interview With The Florida-Based Cinematic Rock Band, TIDES OF MAN!

Meet the instrumental cinematic rock outfit from Tampa, Florida, Tides of Man! On August 3rd they released their latest album, “Every Nothing.”

“Static Hymn” was the first track released from the collection. You can check that out here – https://youtu.be/BjwUJ3Oxrq0

 In case you’re unfamiliar with Tides of Man, their new record is a collection of 12 meticulously arranged post-rock compositions that builds on the band’s 2014 full-length, “Young and Courageous.”

The synergy throughout the album allows listeners a serene experience that highlights the band’s creative growth while staying true to their foundational sound that led to such a dedicated international following for the band upon their previous release. Every Nothing explores the theme that sometimes the most insignificant moments, one takes for granted, can be the most important. When looking back, these small moments can be life-defining. Sonically, Every Nothing shows a darker and more brooding side of the bands writing – creating an atmosphere that reflects their artistic maturation over the past four years.

Tides of Man came to prominence as one of the torchbearers of progressive rock through their initial EP and first two full lengths (Empire Theory and Dreamhouse). After parting ways with their lead singer and label, the band was reborn as an instrumental post-rock project with the crowdfunded release of their third full-length, Young And Courageous in 2014. Their music has been described as layered, with mesmerizing tone textures, beautiful in a way that allows listeners to attach their own experiences and emotions to the music. After several well received tours of Europe and North America and appearances at End of the Road and Dunk! Festival, the band went into the studio to record their second instrumental album, Every Nothing. They worked with producers Mike Watts at Vudu Studios (As Cities Burn, The Dear Hunter, As Tall As Lions) and Spencer Bradham at Cleartrack Studios.

 Learn more about Tides of Man in the following All Access interview:

(Answered by Dan Miller, Guitarist)

Thanks for your time! What is on tap for the rest of your day?

No Problem! I just got back from tour so I’m just spending time with my son, who I haven’t seen in 3 weeks!

All Access Music is currently compiling a list of our artists favorite songs this summer so what is YOUR song of the summer?

Nearer My God by Foxing. Just got to see them twice while we were in the U.K and they are incredible.

How has 2018 been treating you all? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year?

2018 has been the most incredible year for our band so far. We accomplished 3 major goals we’ve had for the last few years, and that is 1. Release our new record “Every Nothing, 2. Play Dunk! Fetival in Belgium, and 3. Play Arctangent Festival in Bristol,UK.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? Has anything surprised you about this ride so far?

Well I tried out in 2010 for them, so when the guys asked me to come on tour with them after that, I thought I had a chance! Haha. We’ve had tons of ups and downs and twists and surprises in the last 8 years since then. But I am always blown away when people come out to shows to see us play something that we created in our little practice space in Florida. That always blows my mind.

How did you come up with your name? Was it easy to come up with one that you all could agree on? What other names were you possibly considering?

I wasn’t around in those early days, but from what I’ve heard from the other guys, it was the only thing someone in the band didn’t hate. I tend to believe them, because naming albums and song titles and getting everyone to agree is always insanely hard!

How do you think your hometown has influenced the sound and how you all carry yourselves in this group?

I don’t know if our hometown has sonically affected our group, but us all being here together means we could find each other to play music together so that’s a huge factor haha. And we all are fun and easy going guys. We try to embrace everyone’s quirks and needs and be respectful of each other, especially since we spend so much time together on tour.

What it was like releasing your newest album, “Every Nothing”? How does the sound of it compare to your previous and third album, “Young and Courageous”?

We wrote and recorded this album over the course of 3 years, so finally, FINALLY releasing it was the best feeling ever. We are very proud of it. I think its a little darker and moodier than Young And Courageous, but listeners can tell its the same band and i think if they dig one, they will dig the other too.

Can you talk about the inspiration behind some of the songs on this collection? How do you they show how you have all grown as a band? Typically how do you about writing your songs? Altogether or separate?

We are always inspired by other music we listen to. Often times we will hear something unique in another song and want to explore our version of something like that. Often, the song writing process is different from song to song. Sometimes it starts with 1 guitar or bass riff, sometimes 1 person has a very well put complete idea together, other times we completely jam ideas out together. But we are very democratic when it comes to what we choose to make it to the final recorded version.

Why did you decide to separate ways with your label and become an instrumental project? What was it like crowd-funding your previous album? What did you learn from that experience that you took into releasing “Every Nothing” independently?

It was out of necessity. We split from our previous singer, and tried out many and just didn’t find anyone that was a good fit. We all loved instrumental music so we decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. We started an indie gogo campaign to get funding, and our fans came out with overwhelming support. We are so thankful for that. What did we learn? Well, how to release a record, haha. Maybe we should start a record label?

Where do you think you are all happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere?

I love being in a band. And I love all of the different processes. I love recording, I love playing, and I love the downtime on tour in between shows. That may be the best, just traveling, having fun with friends, and then getting to play my music for people.

Do you have any upcoming fall tour dates you would like to share with our readers?

We will have more to announce soon!

How do you think being musicians and in this band still gives you the most joy in life today? What would you say is the most challenging part about it?

The reward of having a finished body of work that we are proud of, and feeling the love and support of fans is the most incredible feeling. I also love playing live. The most challenging part is to just keep at it and work hard so that we can keep getting bigger and better opportunities. Its very hard work, but very fulfilling too.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period? Or do you think it doesn’t? Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate? 

Our band isn’t a politically motivated or influenced band. We want to invite all types to listen and we believe the world is a big diverse place. We’d like to see a little unity for once instead of dividing people along political lines.

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? What artists have really been inspiring this group and your music since day 1?

So many! I think we’d all love to tour with Circa Survive, Thrice or Animals As Leaders. Radiohead is definitely number 1 for all of us.

If you guys were all going to be stranded on a deserted island, what musical item would you want to take with you and why?

I guess a guitar so we can at least write music. Josh (our drummer) can at least bang on some coconuts or something.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs? 

I want our message to be of hope in seeking happiness. Life gets tough but we like to think challenges can be overcome, and I think that shows in our music.

(photography provided by ngagency)