Apostasy is a special release for Baltimore prog-rock/post hardcore band Megosh for multiple reasons. Not only does it mark the first full-length release from the band, but it was also crafted with care, as Megosh ventured to a Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina for three weeks to write the album, learning quite a bit about themselves in the process. Most importantly, the seclusion gave the band the opportunity to focus solely on their music, making for their strongest material to date and an incredibly strong end to 2016.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Megosh for anyone who might not be familiar?
The first thing you should know is that we are all extremely handsome. Second, we are a rock band from Baltimore, MD, and we play sometimes progressive sometimes poppy hard rock and we all sing so our stuff has lots of harmonies and stuff.
How did you first get involved in the music scene? What drew you to this merging of sounds that you’ve created as a band now?
The “merging of sounds” really just happened because our primary influences (individually) are so varied. I think from the beginning we all recognized the value of having different backgrounds musically, and that it is a strength… despite the fact that it can lead to… um… disagreements about direction sometimes.
You guys are about to close out 2016 with the release of your new album, Apostasy on December 16th. What was the most rewarding part about working on this collection of songs?
Well… we hope the reward comes in the form of recognition leading to wider exposure! But speaking before the album release… there is certainly great reward in the form of satisfaction. This album was an incredibly challenging undertaking for us, but we finished it, and we created something that we are fiercely proud of!
You travelled to a Cherokee Indian Reservation for a few weeks to record Apostasy. How did the setting and your environment affect the songs on the album?
It’s hard to say. We can say with certainty that it had a very significant effect. For one we were able to write songs at a much faster pace- something we could never do with the goings on of daily life in the mix. It was great to have the music be the only thing, and that we could give writing our full attention. And just being away from all the normal life stuff certainly had an impact on the songs themselves- we were more relaxed so maybe we were perhaps seeing things more clearly? At least it felt that way.
Why was it important to you to record the album where you did?
Well for the reasons just mentioned, but also in more practical terms, just to get it done! Its frustrating to coordinate the time in between day jobs and such- you don’t feel like you’re making progress and that definitely has negative effects on the process in general. In Cherokee, we were averaging a song like every two days.
The first single you released from the album was “I Stole From The Dead” – can you tell us a little bit about the song? What is the story behind it?
The song is about bettering yourself, overcoming the guise other people may have dressed you as. People can change and it’s broad enough for anyone to relate to it in their own personal way.
Are there any songs in particular that you’re excited for listeners to hear?
All of them really. We don’t feel like we put any “weak” songs on the album. We are very curious to see what songs become fan favorites!!
You’re hitting the road for a short run of tour dates with Thank You Scientist in December – what are you most excited about on those upcoming shows?
Oh man, well we already played one show with them in DC and it was great! We sometimes feel like we’re not heavy enough on certain bills, and occasionally we feel like we’re too heavy for the bill. But we felt like the people that came to the Thank You Scientist show were our kind of peops. We got a great response and we’re totally stoked for playing the other dates with them in Columbus and Chicago!
What has been the highlight of your year so far?
Finishing our album? Signing with Outerloop Records? Playing with Thank You Scientist? Hard to pick just one!
Do you have any big plans for 2017 yet?
Tour tour tour. We are hoping to tour a lot. We have toured quite a bit, but we are even more eager to do it now that we have a full-length out! There is nothing solid scheduled yet, but hopefully soon.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Be… excellent to each other.
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