Introducing Northern alternative rockers The Firelight Opera who are here to make you feel ‘Alive’ with their new single release. The single is taken from the bands forthcoming album Communication Breakdown, that is self-released on the 29th May 2017.
The band are not your conventional alternative rock band. They have four vocalists, so you never know what you’re going to get from one song to the next! New single Alive’ is a huge track, packed full of diversity and unique style. It’s the perfect debut offering from the forthcoming album and showcases the deep emotions that the band put into making their music. The band consists of Dan Foster – Vocals/Guitar, Lee Hardy – Vocals/Guitar, Ben Craigs – Vocals/Bass and Kyle Martin – Drums.
We caught up with the band as they talked about their latest single, upcoming EP and more!
How has the release of Alive gone so far with fans? Tell us a bit about the single.
The feedback for the track and video has been absolutely amazing so far! It’s connecting with a lot of people and we’re really proud of it.
How pumped are you for the release of Communication Breakdown?
We can’t wait! It’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait to play the album live at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Friday 9th June!
What is your favourite song from the release?
Dan: My favourite song from the release is ‘Communication Breakdown’. It’s full of energy, each individual part was written really well and just listening to the bass and drums in the second verse makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. We’ve got a really talented back line. I love Chris’ vocals on the track too.
Lee: ‘Little Rocket Man’. It’s personal to me and I love how it’s turned out with the four-part harmonies and Dan’s lead guitar.
Kyle: It changes day by day but at the minute it’s probably ‘This Mystery’.
Ben: My favourite song is ‘Communication Breakdown’.
Chris: ‘Addicted’.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Dan: I’d love to work with an R&B artist one day. One of the best concept albums for me was Linkin Park and Jay Z. The two collaborated perfectly to create a masterpiece.
Lee: I’d write a song with Biffy Clyro. Their songwriting blows me away! I love their vocal melodies and relate to a lot of their lyrics.
Kyle: I’d love to work with Dave Grohl on a rock song. He’s a big inspiration and a living rock legend.
Ben: I’d work with Paul Simon as he’s an amazing songwriter and I would try and steal some of his magic.
Chris: Sir Elton John. He’s had a massive career in the music industry which has lasted decades and always produces timeless classics that everyone can relate to. I see our songwriter, Lee’s songs in the same light.
How is it working with Al Groves? Has he helped you out a lot?
It was great! Al had a lot of great ideas during the recording process which really helped the songs. He’s on our wave length and has the same sense of humour so recording with him was a breeze. We feel like we’ve grown as musicians and songwriters after working on this album with him.
Will there be a tour this year?
This is something we’re currently looking into and definitely plan on doing! We’ve done some great shows in the North East and we’re ready to take our music further afield.
Who has the best fashion sense out of you guys?
We don’t have any fashion sense. To be honest, we don’t care! We wear clothes to be comfortable and avoid being arrested, not to impress people! Ben often turns up in shorts and running trainers, ready for a marathon. We’ve actually had a few people comment on how we don’t dress ‘like a band’ on stage. We find that ridiculous considering we are a band. And we’re not naked.
What has been the funniest moment while recording your latest release?
When we were recording in Liverpool, Ben decided to do a forward roll down a full flight of stairs because ‘he hadn’t tried it before’. We were creased. It was caught on camera and it’s still hilarious after watching it 100 times!