Having just released their new self-titled album on December 18th, MTN ISL are starting the new year with a bang. It comes as no surprise that the group is itching to get out on the road in support of their new release this year, and with good reason. After years of playing in different bands, MTN ISL know exactly what they want to create, and their self-titled release is a reflection of that.
Fans can pick up MTN ISL now and read the full interview below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about MTN ISL for anyone who may not be familiar?
We’re four old friends from Atlanta that enjoy playing music at high volumes.
You guys just released your self-titled album earlier in December. What goals did you hope to accomplish with this release?
We want to tour on it. We’re currently booking the first week of April up and back down the east coast. We hope to get someone to release it on vinyl as well.
Going on your third year as a band, how do you feel that MTN ISL has grown or changed with this new album? Are there any specific areas of growth that listeners can expect to hear on the album?
Our evolution has really been a product of being more selective and diligent in putting our best foot forward. Everyone in the band has such a wide variety of interests and skills that, at first, we knew what we didn’t want to do or be and that evaporated after we got in a comfortable rhythm again. It’s a silly way to start a band, but nearly everything to do with MTN ISL is silly. Seriously.
Alternatively, what would you like new listeners to be able to take away from the new album? What would you like their first impression to be?
I hope WHO CARES gets major awards for the phenomenal work he did. It sounds good because he and Carl Saff are the only people to touch it.
Thematically, was there anything you wanted to touch on with this release?
Not purposefully.
How do you feel the Atlanta music scene has shaped your sound or affected MTN ISL as a band?
As far as our sound, we’re Atlanta outsiders. There are so many good bands here, we just don’t sound like them. We get our fair share of love, though, and hope to get a bit more as we go along.
Having played in many different bands with one another, what makes MTN ISL different?
This is the first band Josh and Gene have been in together, and they pretty much write it all, at least the bones of each song. So it’s pretty different, both musically and in how we go about writing the songs, than any of our previous bands.
How have your past experiences in different projects over the years helped you with this one?
We’ve learned how to communicate exactly what we each want for the band and from one another. We know when to push and when to lay back. Overall, we’re better musicians and people.
What would you like listeners to be able to take away from your music or live performances?
Hopefully people will dig our melodies and their rhythms. Oh, and our drummer is fun to watch.
With the new album out now, what plans do you have for the new year?
Tour and write. Already got 3 new ragers and we want you to hear them.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Club up and calm down in 2016.
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