The Eastern Sea possesses an emotive sound which blends light rock strings and percussion with a familiar indie essence composed of deep personal narratives, funneled through conversational but melodic vocals. The combination of these qualities makes for extremely relatable tracks, not merely through the lyrics but from the very intentions and feelings that emanate from their music. Despite being met with mishaps and setbacks, the band released two albums last year and is eager to share the fruits of their passion and perseverance.
Coming all the way from Austin, The Eastern Sea will visit The Frequency this Friday night. Joined by Nashville’s The Kopecky Family Band, the show is bound to be a beautiful blend of folk rock with a southern twist. Last week, we touched base with lead singer Matt Hines to discuss the band’s origins, struggles, inspirations, and growth.
How do the band’s Texas origins relate to your music?
I’ve always thought our music mimicked the places that surrounded us. Being in the Austin area means we get the drama and dynamic of the hills as well as the consistency and loneliness of the plains. Best of both worlds you know. I’ve grown up all over Texas and the landscape has shaped my imagination.”
I’ve read that while you were recording Plague, you encountered some major obstacles — including studio closings and even a major fire. How did these setbacks affect the band and/or the music?
“It was a blow to morale in a lot of ways. I got really depressed as the process wore on and a few members decided to leave the band and pursue other stuff. The music may have come out differently had we worked in one big chunk, there’s no doubt about it. But the size of the audio palate required a large and drawn out mix. And the way I work, it’s not done until it’s done.”
Your most recent release was a Christmas album titled First Christmas. What role has this album played for the band?
For the band as a whole, it was a lightning moment. We all got to have fun making a record instead of stressing, which is good for me especially. But on top of that, it was also an opportunity to work with some new people in front and behind the microphone. A lot of new musical collaborators had a voice on that record. It was fun. Anyways, after making a record as dense and challenging as Plague, a light easy to listen to project was necessary for our audience.”
What sorts of influences (musical, personal, or otherwise) most prominently shape what has become The Eastern Sea?
“There are a few bands that have shaped what I consider the soul of the band: The National, Pedro the Lion, Broken Social Scene, The Get Up Kids, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, etc. Those are the more traditional influences on the core of the band, but there are other more radical influences that have influenced the musical process on the whole, including Nine Inch Nails, The Notwist, Daft Punk, and a lot of pop music. I draw from crazy amounts of places when I think about it. Even a lot of soul music and R&B.”
What can Madison expect when you pay us a visit on Friday?
Madison can expect a band about halfway through a long tour hitting a stride with energy and emotion. We’ve got five people on this tour, and we’re playing some new material that we’re really excited about as well. It’s gonna be a really unique and energetic set for us.”