Central Florida rockers Cinema Stereo, like many artists, found creativity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the creation of the band, who released their first single, “No One Needs Your Love (Like I Do)” just last year, the trio – made up of Ian Rayha (Lead Vocals/Bass/Synthesizers), Sebastian Borysek (Lead Guitar) and Luke Pate (Drums) – had never even played more than a handful of shows collectively, but now, they’re celebrating the release of their timeless debut self-titled record, and they couldn’t be happier. With the album combining the sounds of classic blues-based rock n’ roll with modern pop, their sound is both refreshing and nostalgic, a perfect nod to the exciting artists that they grew up listening to.
With their debut album out now, we caught up with vocalist Ian Rayha to look back on the creation of the album, the band’s growth since their inception, and plans for the future. Listen to the album in full and read more below.
Prelude Press: Cinema Stereo is a relatively new project, which you guys started in the midst of the pandemic. How have your musical backgrounds and prior experience to this project affected the music you’re writing now?
Ian Rayha – Cinema Stereo: None of us have really ever played more than a handful of proper gigs prior to the creation of Cinema Stereo, but being in a globetrotting rock n’ roll band has always been the dream. We each grew up listening to different styles of music and dreamt of one day creating songs that impacted people the same. We are so eager to create music that writing songs is no longer a conscious effort. The music we write is an enthusiastic stream of consciousness that stems from years of listening to music we love.
Is there anything you wanted to do with Cinema Stereo that you haven’t done in the past?
This band is going anywhere and everywhere, but we’re just gonna see where the music takes us.
You started releasing your first music as Cinema Stereo last year, with your debut single, “No One Needs Your Love (Like I Do)”. What has the reception of these songs been like so far?
The overall reception of the music has been immensely positive. People can’t believe that we are so young writing and performing the style of music that we do. We get the biggest kick out of hearing what other people think our musical influences are or what we sound like because everyone’s impression is different, but their admiration is the same and that means we’re doing something right.
What has been the highlight of the past year for you?
Everytime we step foot in the studio. Composing ideas, recording, and playing them back is the best high there is because you’re creating something out of nothing. There’s a real sense of gratification you don’t get elsewhere.
You’re now just releasing your debut self-titled album! What are you most excited for fans to hear on it?
I’m most excited for it simply to reach their ears because music is really only 50% complete until someone hears it. Once the album releases the focus is really gonna shift to recording the next one.
With it being your first collection of music that you’ve released, did you have any major goals in mind when you began working on the album?
We didn’t go into it with any expectations other than to make something that we were proud of.
How do you feel you’ve grown as musicians with the writing and recording of the album?
We have grown so much. We learned an extraordinary amount from our producer Luke Beaulac because we were like sponges the entire time. He was able to corral our ambition and channel it into the music. The music we are writing now is a direct result of the knowledge we gained in regards to composing parts that compliment and lift each other up in the mix.
What have you learned from one another during the writing and recording process?
I already knew these guys were talented, but now I know the sky’s the limit.
What was the most exciting or rewarding part of creating the album?
Blasting it through the car stereo and hearing the once broken and incomplete songs play flawlessly from beginning to end.
Do you have any other big plans for 2022?
We plan to make multiple music videos, tour around the country, as well as write and record new music. This past year was just the beginning and now it’s time to really amp things up.
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