EXIES – Interview with lead singer Scott Stevens
Ralph Beauchamp
outlaw Formed in 1997 by singer and guitarist Scott Stevens. The band’s first self-titled album was released in 2000 through Ultimatum Records. They received huge traction when they dropped two full-length albums on Virgin Records, inertia (2003) and Go to the door (2004). Both albums have charted on the Billboard 200. outlaw‘The third album, A A modern lifestyle following the truth, released in 2007 (“Eleven Seven Music”), the band disbanded in 2010. After their breakup, Stevens continued as a songwriter, writing songs for notable artists such as Theory and Halestorm.
Excellent, outlaw is back and releasing a new EP titled closure. During the pandemic, Stevens came to realize that his new material was perfect for a reboot outlaw. On the experience Scott espouses:
“Once I committed to writing and producing for other people, I really got into it,” he explains. “I just jumped into the ocean and stopped thinking about writing for myself. That’s why when I was walking outside in 2020 with my mask on, all of a sudden I heard a melody in my head and I was like, ‘Who is that? What was that? Suddenly I realized it was my voice, which was confusing at first and then more and more.
I don’t know what stimulated it or what caused it. time? Can’t work that much? Maybe my mind wanders a little bit because I have to work. No one comes here because no one goes anywhere. I don’t want to write on Zoom because even though it’s a way of life now and I love it, I’m like “What is that?” I don’t really want to write outlaw Until it started bothering me.
closure is an impressive work of art. Each song is filled with indie angst and sonic beauty. It opens with “For What It’s Worth,” which is a monster track. Stevens’ voice is brazen and full of divine tension. The guitars are full of progressive boldness. “Spirits High” continues the aural barrage of grungy tunes. “sAD” has a cinematic feel and is definitely a highlight of the EP. Stevens’s voice is full of emotion and aural worry. You can feel his high level of anxiety increasing as the track progresses. The “euphoria” continues outlaw‘ Socially conscious with a dark soundscape. “The Hill” is heartbreaking, while “The Closure” is a perfect finale with its anthemic quality. “Close” is a beast.
Scott Stevens was fortunate enough to sit down with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: “Spirit High”, released last year, was The Exies’ first song in 15 years. What took so long?
Scott: It was so surreal, something I never thought would happen. This is a second chance. But that didn’t happen, so I’m grateful.
AMP: Your new single “sAD” has a profound message. Who was behind this song?
Scott: “Grief” was and still is real to me. Nothing is like it was four years ago. Something was wrong and we all knew it. But at the same time, the world is not what I believed it was as a child.
AMP: Exies’ long-awaited EP is closure. Can you give us some insight into this project?
Scott: closure , is what it says… For me, this EP is a door for me to close the door on the past so that I can move on. I shed tears as I wrote this because it showed me having to let go of something so close to me. This shaped me and made me who I am today.
AMP: Where do you find inspiration?
Scott: You never know when it’s going to hit or where it’s coming from. I just keep my ears open and my heart open to whatever hits me and makes me think…. That’s a song.
AMP: You’ve established yourself in the industry by writing songs for other artists such as Theory and Halestorm. Was that experience satisfying?
Scott: Yes. Very much so. Whether incubating alone or with multiple people, it’s the same experience. It’s very valuable when you know that what you have is a real thing.
AMP: What can your fans expect from the resurrected Exies?
Scott: I think it’s growth. time. Time will make you wiser and feel deeper. It lets you focus on what’s important. I had changed and was in touch with my thoughts and feelings in ways I never had before.
AMP: Do you feel that the inner strength of the current Exies is as strong as the partial incarnation or better?
Scott: No era is the same. They each have their own strengths. This feels as special as any other era of this band. But the nostalgia factor and time…have changed things into a more acceptable future than before. Before we were always trying to prove ourselves… now… we don’t have to.
AMP: If you could collaborate with any current artist, who would it be and why?
Scott: I would love to work with Sir Paul McCartney. And Leon Russell. They are songwriting masters to me.
AMP: How was your recent reunion show at the Viper Room?
Scott: Matt Pinfield is the best. He is music, music permeates every fiber of his being. I like his courage, as the Irish say. Having him introduce us was a new level and full circle because he mentioned our names on MTV first. It felt like home playing that show. My truest self. Guys feel the same way. I hope we can do it again.
AMP: What’s next for Exies?
Scott: I can’t predict the future, but I know it will be bright ;).
outlaw The current lineup is Scott Stevens (vocals/guitar), Freddy Herrera (bass), Chris Schoen (guitar) and Dennis Wolfe (drums).
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