Exposed Vocals interviews Stenosis
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Stenosis: It can’t be said that Stenosis grew up in any one place or at any one time. Everyone, in some way shape or form, carries a piece of Stenosis inside them. This is the very reason as to why Stenosis became an artist. It is the pieces which we all share, yet refuse to show, that created the essence of Stenosis…
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Stenosis: In medical pathology, Stenosis is defined as, “A narrowing or stricture of a passage or vessel.” It can also be defined by some of those who’ve experienced it as a means of horrific pain which sits in the depths of your mind telling you that tomorrow and today are the same form of Hell. A person is not made to experience pain on such a level for such an extended period of time. Stenosis, as an artist, is the product of what it means to be pulled through the cold and jagged corridors of emotional, neurological and physical pain; coming out on the other side very much alive, yet bearing the ever-present scars which the lips of death placed upon our hearts…
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Stenosis: Online music sharing is a curse and a blessing to artists and listeners, alike. Before music sharing became the standard, fans were more attentive and eager. Fans were more invested in artists and subsequently, music was put on a much higher platform of respect. However, it was harder for a band or artist to gain a fan base due to the lack of potential exposure which has been brought upon by online music sharing. Now that online music sharing is the norm, bands are more prevalent and less popular; while fans’ attention spans are much shorter and the number of artists they listen to is greater. Everything is a give and take; where one area rises, another will fall. Music from Stenosis has been given away in the past for marketing and promotional purposes. Ultimately it is far more important, for bands trying to further their fan base, to focus more on the number of listeners over the number of album sales…
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Stenosis: Do something different. Throw the cookie cutters in the trash and be original. If your true goal is to be successful and not wash up on the shores of musical failure, then study those who have gone before you. See what made the successful ones successful and the failed ones fail. Do that, interpret what you feel and create your own truly original answer to the equation.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Stenosis: Songwriting will always be best when material is spilled out of someone’s shadows. Songwriting is nothing like building a house. You can’t just grab some words and some music and put them together. Within every instrumental song are lyrics which you can’t hear, but you can feel. Spend the time to listen…
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Stenosis: The official Stenosis website is www.stenosismusic.net. Stenosis is also available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @stenosismusic. If you would like to see the videos from Stenosis, please visit YouTube.com/StenosismusicNet.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Stenosis: It would be very gracious to receive half a million dollars and a year off; however, Stenosis would respectfully decline in taking a year off. Music will only remain relevant and therapeutic if the train keeps roaring down the track. Taking a year off would be equally as destructive to Stenosis and the great fans. Regarding the half a million dollars, Stenosis would focus on artist development, touring, growing a great product for great fans and give back to those in need. If we no longer help each other, then we will all fall…
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Stenosis: The greatest promotion will always be word of mouth. The best method for Stenosis has been the connection between the music and the fans. When someone hears their own shadows in your music, they will remember you…
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Stenosis: Continuing to grow will always be the mountain on the horizon. Stenosis will keep moving into new minds and showing more and more fans that they are not alone…
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Stenosis: This is a question which Stenosis cannot answer. Music is the blood which flows through our veins, so to imagine a life without it defies all present understanding. Music is the one medium which is common among friends and enemies. Stenosis without music would be merely mist in the wind…
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Stenosis: It is an ever-evolving battle; while also being one in the same. Just as an athlete makes their routine and training a part of their daily lives; Stenosis surrounds life with music and music with life. Staying ahead is solely up to the listener…
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Stenosis: Stenosis will continue to push into the music industry. Combining a mixture of past experiences with new adventures, Stenosis will strive to bring a different and deeper level of connection for the fans of music than the skin-deep custom which has plagued the music industry for years…