How did you come up with the name, Blue Helix?
I wanted a name that represented a person born for music. I found some articles about the Blue Chakra representing creativity, music and inspiration, Blue also was the color that represents the Voice. The Helix is the physical representation of the human D.N.A. So eureka! Music Human. Blue Helix
What style of music do you most closely relate to?
I like to think I write melodic rock songs. I always have thought we are a great modern continuation of the mid to late 90’s sound. We have a modern hard rock vibe, but also a very melodic alternative rock side to us as well. Bands I think we sound reminiscent of are Muse, The Smashing Pumpkins, the Foo Fighters, and Filter. Our newest single Anti-Social Butterfly reminds listeners of Marilyn Manson’s best song “The Beautiful People”. I love hearing that.
Can you give us some overall background on the band?
I started the band in 2008. I struggled for many years to find members that wanted to tour, and really give it a go. In the last two years, I have been able to get my hands on some great musicians. Marco Bicca our drummer is from Osasco, Brasil. He is one of the most versatile drummers I have ever met. Arman Birang, a Seattle native, one of my closest friends in the world has joined the project, also Brandon Wolf Gebhardt on bass, probably one of the most talented players I have ever met.
Can you tell us the meaning behind your powerful new single, ‘Anti-Social Butterfly’?
This song is an anthem against bullying. I was bullied as a kid, and it sticks with you. It puts a chip on your shoulder. Makes you tougher. I feel even today as an Indie artist the music industry can even be a bully in its own right. I wanted to create something that gives hope and inspires those who have suffered from bullying.
How would you describe it in just TWO words?
How about one word. Unapologetic
What was the writing process like?
Much like all the songs I write. I pick up my Taylor 814 CE, and start messing around on the guitar. The song lyrics came to me in a dream.
What was the recording process like?
I will give you guys some insight that nobody knows. When an artist writes a song he is feeling that emotion of the song that moment. Sometimes it’s hard to reconnect with that emotion during tracking. When I went to NY to track the vocals for this entire EP, on day 2 of tracking I was having trouble emoting. I was singing a song on the Ep called “Anodyne” and my producer David Caggiano had said some things to me that at the time I had no idea that he was saying it to spark a fire. He purposely was offending me. He said the following “ Go back to your hotel, and just call it a day. Not every song you write is a good song, and maybe it’s just not in you”. When he said that to me, it hurt. That entire night, and the entire morning before our session, I felt the anger, the disappointment, the sadness I have felt over the years with my journey in the music industry. The next day I recorded the main vocal track for both Anti-Social Butterfly and Anodyne on the first take.
Is the song off a new EP?
Yes, Anti-Social Butterfly is also the name of the EP.
Will you be hitting the road in 2018 / if so, where are you headed?
Yes, the band is heading to Brazil. We will be touring from March 15th till Early April.
What would be your dream festival to perform at?
Rock in Rio and Lollapalooza
What inspired you to get into music?
I saw a video on MTV from a band called Nirvana. The song was “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Are you a signed to a label?
No, we are fully Independent.
Who are your 5 biggest musical influences?
Chris Cornell, Stone Temple Pilots, The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead and Failure.
What inspires you to write?
People do. Nothing is more interesting than the interactions you can have in one day with another person. I write songs inspired from pain, sadness, and frustration. However, the songs always end on an uplifting and positive sentiment. I believe in perseverance.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 years?
Playing festivals and touring the world. Hopefully making an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel and Fallon.
Besides music, how do you spend your time?
I love spending time with my beautiful wife Renata. She is the greatest thing to ever happen to me. Together we do all the things we love, traveling, movies, car shows, football and going out to new restaurants.
If you could collaborate with one UK-based artist/band who would it be?
Radiohead
If you could collaborate with one US-based artist/band who would it be?
Nine Inch Nails
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Honestly, from my step father who just passed last week. He always told me to “Believe in yourself, because once you stop, nobody else will believe for you”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Learn the ways of the force. Meaning record your own music. Stop paying studios to do it for you. The magic is in the Mix and Master. Learn how to track and produce your own music, and find a good team to put the cherry and whip on top.
What quote or saying do you try to stick by?
Perseverance wins the race.
When performing, what are the 5 things you cannot forget?
Stay in the moment
Don’t forget to engage with your audience
Check tuning on the guitar every other song
Communicate with the band
Include the band when engaging the audience
What are your social media accounts so new fans can follow you?
Website
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
