An Interview With the Groove-Indie Rock Quartet, FORMER FACES!

Photo Credit- Ian Flanigan

Former Faces is a groove-indie rock quartet based in the music hotbed of Silver Lake that creates fluid, cerebral sounds reminiscent of Tame Impala, The War On Drugs, Jim James, and Deerhunter, to name a few. The band couples their music with compelling imagery and dream-like visuals – connecting their listeners’ eyes and ears for an unparalleled ethereal experience.

After releasing his debut self-written & produced EP Swimming in Circles in June of 2017, vocalist & founder Ryan Parmenter enlisted the skills of David Lee (guitar), Brian Blake (bass), and Abraham Kim (drums) to join the band and create Foreign Nature – a collection of inventive, colorful, and immersive dreamscapes that make up Former Faces’ first full-length album. Foreign Nature is set for release in Spring 2018.

Learn more about Former Faces in the following All Access interview with them here:

Where does this interview find you today?

In Los Angeles enduring a brutal winter’s day – it’s partly cloudy with highs in the upper 60s.

What is one song that you are loving right now?

Digging “Feel It Still” by Portugal.The Man.

What is a song that you all disagree about loving right now?

Wajatta – Runnin’

So first things first, what all are you most excited about for this year?

Excited for what we’ve dubbed “phase 2” of Former Faces. Planning on releasing at least 13 songs and several music videos this year!

How did this group first come to be?

It first came to be when Brian and I decided to explore some musical ideas that had been floating around in my head.

Can you recall the moment when you all thought you could be in a band together?

The first time the four of us hopped in a rehearsal studio, I knew we had something special and could work together very easily. Everyone’s flexible, tasteful, and egoless.

Was it hard to come up with a name that you all thought fit your sound and who you are?

I think I’d settled upon our name before I’d even met the guys or established our sound… But I definitely think it fits the music and our collective vibe.

How do you think this band has been influenced by the city you are all from? How does that particular music scene affect you all?

Well lyrically there’s no shortage of references to Southern California – mountains, beaches, sand, and sun in fragile harmony and occasional conflict. As for the indie scene in L.A., it’s crowded and complex. Everyone’s driven, competitive, and quite capable. It reminds us of the importance of being humble, sincere, patient, and prolific.

Let’s talk about your newest track, “Forc# Fi#lds” from your debut full-length album “Foreign Nature.” Where did the inspiration for this track come from?

Inspiration for Forc# Fi#lds came from a desire to reconcile the past and open up to the future. It is a song about letting your guard down and being “wide awake” to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.

As one of the first songs that you created as a band, what was that experience like for you all?

From inception to completion, this song took us on quite a journey. Being one of the first I wrote for Former Faces, it inevitably took on a meaning far greater in scope than just its lyrical one. It became representative of the challenge of getting a new project off the ground. Finishing it feels as relieving as it does rewarding!

How do you think this song prepares listeners for more music from you? How does “Forc# Fi#lds” compare to the rest of the songs found on your forthcoming first full album?

I think it’s a nice introduction to our vibe and a representative sample of the album’s overall sound – bold drums, groovy bass lines, killer guitars (yes, guitars!), and ethereal synths. That said, each song on the LP has its own unique story to tell.

Ryan, I am curious what’s it been like transitioning to being in a band and working with other people to make music and not be on your own? Do you find that you prefer doing one over the other right now?

It’s been awesome! There is no shortage of talent amongst the guys are they are amazing collaborators. It’s an incredible luxury knowing that the smallest seed of an idea can blossom into a unique song. I still enjoy coming up with new ideas on my own, but there’s no greater feeling than bringing a song to life with your friends.

Where are some of your first shows in 2018 going to be? Where can people see Former Faces perform next?

As I type this we’re just starting to line up shows, so stay tuned! We’ll be hitting all your favorite L.A. haunts.

Who would you love to work with in the future? Who are some of your favorite artists right now? What would be a dream collaboration for this group?

I’m not tired of these guys yet, so I’ll stick with them for awhile! But we would love to collaborate on some remixes and have some dream team members in mind…

While this may be difficult to answer, where do you think you are all happiest- on stage performing, in the studio recording music or elsewhere?

Photo Credit- Ian Flanigan

I get great joy out of being in the studio, our rehearsal room, and most definitely the stage. But a simple walk on a sunny beach in Big Sur with my beautiful wife and doggy is pretty hard to beat!

We are living in a crazy and at times rough world right now so I am curious how you think being in this band gives you the most joy in life today? Do you think that new music being created today is going to reflect these difficult times?

Former Faces provides an avenue for creativity, focus, and productivity which are all positive forces and worthwhile distractions. I think music has always been reflected of the time in which it was created and today’s new music is no exception.

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

I hope our music conveys that there is beauty in uncertainty and that it provides a soundtrack to endless journeys.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

Thank you all for listening to our music, I hope it makes you feel!