From the mind of Sounds Of The Underground founder Johnny Zirkel, The Wildfires Projekt is post hardcore outfit that isn’t afraid to tackle controversial subjects like anxiety, depression, and addiction through self-exposure and truth. The project’s new EP, From Which We Came (out April 7th) arrives just when we need it most. Currently halfway through a run of tour dates with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Wildfires Projekt is also using their platform to bring mental health awareness to the shows, supporting Jake Luhr’s HeartSupport and encouraging fans to reach out if they need help.
With the EP out soon, we caught up with Zirkel to talk about The Wildfires Projekt’s new music, tour dates and plans for the rest of the year. Read the full interview now below.
Can you tell us a little bit about The Wildfires Projekt for anyone who might not be familiar?
The Wildfires Projekt is an alternative/post hardcore band that I started while dealing with a lot of personal issues going on in my life at the time. Aside from the music, we also support various mental health organizations to provide help to those in need.
You’re getting ready to release your EP, From Which We Came next month! What are you most excited for listeners to hear on it?
The second verse on our second single. That’s all I’m gonna say. You can pre-save the song on spotify now so you are the first to stream it! Just go here: https://bit.ly/3aDllrI
You’ve mentioned that From Which We Came is meant to break the mold of what artists are told to do and explore what happens when you’re honest with your songwriting – what inspired you to do that with this EP?
Think of it like getting your license for the first time. For years you wait and wait and wait to be able to have that freedom to drive, and then when you finally get the chance to you drive everywhere possible. This EP was getting that freedom for me, and within 6 songs we drove EVERYWHERE we could whether it was “accepted” or not.
Did you learn anything about yourself or your songwriting when you were able to write what you want and explore with your sound?
Yeah… I really like to yell things haha.
What was the most exciting or rewarding part of working on the EP?
I think the most rewarding part of working on any music is when you finally hear the masters and you go, wow I did this? It’s just a great feeling to create something you are proud of.
What was Ronnie Winter able to bring to the EP?
Ronnie brought a lot to this EP, however, I feel the most important thing was clarity and unity. Ronnie always knew what I was trying to say, and he helped to really get that message across clearly and directly.
The Wildfires Projekt also tackles heavy subject matter such as depression, anxiety and addiction. What would you like for fans who may struggle with any of these to take away from your music?
Not to sound cliché, but letting them know that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope. Lots of times when we struggle, we feel like no one understands, and often times the best medicine is knowing that people do. That’s why we also decided to support Jake Luhr’s HeartSupport on our upcoming tour dates because they have built a community around this idea.
You’re also currently on the road with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus! If someone is seeing you live for the first time at one of these shows, what can they expect from your live performance?
There’s nothing they can expect. Nothing is staged, and everything is true and in the moment. I also love to meet everyone at every show. So come say hi!
Do you have any other big plans or goals for 2020?
Believe it or not we are still writing in between tour dates. We plan on continuing to tour and release new music throughout the entire year.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Absolutely! If you’re reading this and struggling with something, please talk to someone! You don’t have to fight your battles alone. You can even message me on Instagram, and I will always do my best to answer you as soon as I can.
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