NYC alternative rock duo Black Satellite have quite a bit of experience under their belts. Having written music together for almost six years, Larissa Vale (vocals) and Kyle Hawken (guitar) have not only developed a unique sound, but also an unbreakable trust and loyalty that will see them writing together for years to come. Their upcoming effort, Endless (out July 7th) is the product of years of hard work and honesty – a story about finding balance amidst the chaos.
Listen to Black Satellite’s new single, “Blind” and read about the upcoming album below.
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
Can you tell us a little bit about Black Satellite for any readers who might not be familiar?
Black Satellite is an alternative rock duo based in NYC comprised of Larissa Vale and Kyle Hawken. Black Satellite launched their first single Valkyrie from their upcoming full-length album Endless in April 2017. Endless is thought-provoking, modern, and tastefully aggressive. This is especially showcased through Vale’s often haunting vocals paired with Hawken’s foreboding guitar riffs and instrumental. The band just released their follow-up single Blind on May 12th 2017.
You’ve been writing together for about six years now. Over these years, what are some lessons you’ve learned from one another that you feel makes you a stronger musician and songwriter?
We learned that it always pays off to be honest and straightforward with our opinions instead of beating-around-the-bush. We have achieved a unique dynamic that really works for us. In addition to that, we have established an unbreakable trust and undying loyalty to one another that definitely comes across in our music.
Later this summer, you’ll be releasing your new album, Endless. What inspired this release?
Over the last few years we have overcome some significant tribulations. Endless was a way for us to express how we felt during that time and enabled us to reflect and move forward. It was also very much a period of artistic discovery. Endless truly portrays who we are as artists and showcases our dynamic range. We couldn’t be more proud of the work we put into making this record.
Did you have any major goals in mind when working on Endless?
We wanted this record to live up to everything we were inspired by growing up. There were no limitations in what we set out to accomplish. The whole process really came full-circle for us when we had the opportunity to work with Ted Jensen who also mastered the records of all our favorite artists.
You’ve mentioned before that Endless is about finding balance amidst the chaos. What does that mean for you specifically?
There will always be chaos and calamity that you have to deal with. The problem is learning how to navigate and find solid ground; there is strength in adaptability. Endless portrays a kind of tonal arc in which we slowly realize where we stand and how to progress. It’s very much about self-acceptance and emotional growth.
You recently released “Blind” from the album. Can you tell us a little bit about the story behind this song?
Blind was a way for me to deal with a very negative person in my life. There comes a point in time when you don’t have the time and energy to deal with someone else’s bullshit, especially once it starts to become toxic. Since I’m rarely confrontational, it was a way for me to say everything I always wanted to say but never did.
Is there anything you’d like listeners to be able to take away from the songs on Endless?
We feel that we really opened up while making this record, and that it shows a lot of different sides to us emotionally. We truly hope that listeners can find a certain level of relatability and find their own meaning in our music.
With the album dropping this summer, do you have any plans to hit the road?
Absolutely! Our main priority after the launch of our record will be playing out and touring. More announcements on that later!
What is the rest of 2017 looking like for Black Satellite?
We already have so much new material to work with and have a secret project underway for a new single in the near future. We have also received a lot of requests from fans to perform in their cities, which we will definitely try to honor. There is going to be a lot to look forward to!
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We are so thankful for all of the positive responses so far, and are so excited to finally share Endless with you all on 7/7/17!
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