NUMBA9NE – Artist spotlight and in-depth interviews
Ralph Beauchamp
This is number 9 is a founding member, bassist and primary songwriter of Boston giants Octavate. He has just released his latest solo project titled i am energy. This is number 9 is the alter ego of talented multi-instrumentalist Joshua Prost. Last year, AMP introduced Octavate via WaveRadio Boston DJ Rick Fleck, and although the band’s current lineup has only been around for a short time, they’ve already made huge waves in the Boston rock scene.
i am energy It’s the second one This is number 9 Studio album, recorded at Amoeba Studios in Littleton, Massachusetts, and produced by Trevor Boggs. The full length exposes another unique mix of songs and showcases the creativity of parody This is number 9, i am energy Filled with alternative time signatures, non-standard tunings, song arrangements that didn’t follow any rules, and thoughtful lyrics that he felt needed to be conveyed. You’ll hear metal alternative, post-punk, rock-folk, EDM and a poppy feel, all of it This is number 9 Sound and atmosphere.
This is number 9 It is an honor to be interviewed by AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: What got you started in music?
Number 9 is: When I was younger, I would play with my Legos around the house while my parents blasted Led Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. They were all avid music lovers, and because of that, music penetrated my soul. They also played a lot of Beatles stuff. That’s how it started. Also, my uncle was in a band. He actually opened for Aerosmith around 1969. He used to play a double-neck guitar with one hand and a piano with the other. And he also sings. This surprised me. My family has always had a love of music.
AMP: What determines whether a new song will be placed on Octavate or on one of your solo projects?
Number 9 is: This is a good question. It all depends on where the band is at and whether they have time to learn new material. If things are really complicated, they may not have time. For example, “Midnight Riding” is the first song on the album. i am energy Not easy to play. Most of my songs don’t have normal time signatures. It all depends on how long it takes them to absorb it.
Therefore, the simplest tracks are easier for them to master. Usually, I leave everything on the table and let the orchestra decide if they can get it right. I try to transfer it to the band because that’s my gateway to being able to play the songs live. I will do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. My goal is to play as many songs as possible live.
Amplifier: i am energy Covers many musical genres. How would you describe your sound?
Number 9 is: I am Generation X. At the same time, metal was born and I was there. I was there when Metallica released their first album and Sabbath became more and more popular. I was there when rap came out of the womb. So, our generation was exposed to all these vibrant genres of music. I was about thirteen when hair metal took off. In college, it was grunge.
I grew up with all these different styles of music that were constantly coming to me. No other generation has experienced this amazing journey. So, it’s all in my spirit. I can’t call my music metal, alternative or rock. I can’t attach myself to any particular genre because the variety of music I’ve experienced is amazing.
Amplifier: i am energy is a musical masterpiece. Can you give us some insight into this release?
Number 9 is: This is a song that Octavate was unable to record due to time constraints. Additionally, songs like “Thanos Was Right” are not suitable for Octavate mode. Another example is “Inspire me.” I once did a show on WaveRadio in Boston. BTW, I love all of these people, including your cousin Rick. So, I was on Pete and John Anthony’s show and they asked me how I write songs. I told them that a lot of the time I would be with a specific band. Most recently it was Deftones. This is where “rescue” comes from.
Well, they wanted to know if they picked a band, could I write a song about the band’s theme. They challenged me to write a song that had a similar vibe to “Royal Blood.” I listened to them for weeks. I analyzed their songwriting and wrote “Enlighten Me” in two days. It’s signed in 5/4 but still has grooves. song on i am energy From all over. They come from crazy ideas and dreams. I would wake up at 3am, hear that unique bass, and rush downstairs to the studio to wash it out.
AMP: This is a great continuation, what is your creative process like?
Number 9 is: It starts with an idea, which can come from many places and voices. I used to get ideas and then wait until later to start working on them in the studio, but sometimes I forget what they were when I started recording, hence the 3am quote from the last answer. Once I settle on the initial idea, I start layering other elements into the tune, such as riffs or choruses. Then I put down other instruments and it ended up being my working demo.
I then share it with the band or my producer to flesh it out to its full content. If it’s scheduled for one of my solo projects, my producer basically just remixes it for me to get my approval. If it remains in Octavate, the band will continue to work. On the first Octavate EP, SV sang my compositions. On the second Octavate EP, I am a machine With the new band members, SV once again sang all the lyrics, and there were 3 songs where the band overdubbed their parts.
AMP: What themes are embedded in your songs?
Number 9 is: I’m a lyric snob. I don’t usually write songs about relationships. I tend to write about things that I observe happening in the moment. My music is not only about art, it is also a tool I use to express my feelings and emotions. You heard me singing about climate change and how humans are the real virus. That’s where my song “Viral” came from. “Thanos Is Power” is about us destroying the world. I write about how we infect our ecosystems and oceans. These are things I truly believe. I do this to express my beliefs.
AMP: Is there a song on the new album that keeps you coming back?
Number 9 is: I wish them all! “Enlighten Me” would be my choice because it has a “poppy” feel to it. “Attitude” is an instrument with EDM qualities. It comes from my love for My Chemical Romance and their technical leanings. I shared this album with several friends and other musicians, and everyone had a different favorite. Not every song is for everyone, but they all enjoy the musical mix.
AMP: Is there an artist you would love to collaborate with?
Number 9 is: Dave Grohl because he knows so much about music and songwriting. I’m a huge fan of Nirvana and Foo Fighters. He is a drummer, guitarist and singer. I really felt like we would be a good fit. I would probably keep asking him questions. He is also a dynamic and diverse musician. When you listen to the Foo Fighters, you hear metal, rock, and even bluegrass. I also wanted to draw on the wisdom of Bowie and Hendrix to absorb their creativity.
AMP: Dynamics play an important role in any artist’s makeup. Do you find the dynamics of Octavate different from your solo work?
This is number 9: No difference! My art and music come from my heart and it doesn’t matter who is performing my songs. What matters is the vision I want to achieve. This is one of the reasons i am energy It’s a personal project. The band can’t commit to another album, and I’m fine with that. I need my vision to be my vision, otherwise it won’t be perfect in my eyes. As a musician in a band, you need to be able to compromise, and as long as the band is creating the material together, I’m fine with that. But when this is my vision, I don’t want anyone to try to change it.
Rick Rubin once wrote that the artist must create what the artist feels and feels, and no one should stop or change this determination. Trent Reznor said the same thing. This kind of validated my feelings. I feel a little unsafe. Should I let go of control so other people have a say, but I decided that wasn’t where I wanted to be. My vision has to be created the way I want it to be. So, whether it is Octave or This is number 9the dynamics remain unchanged. This must be what my soul wants to say.
AMP: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Number 9 is: Octavate is nominated for a 2023 New England Music Award in the Best Metal/Hard Rock category. That’s really cool. We didn’t win, but the whole process was exciting, especially being together for only 11 months. Additionally, when you see other artists like Sepsiss (the winner) being nominated, you feel honored to be in such outstanding company. I’m very proud of our achievements.
AMP: Any touring plans? i am energy?
Number 9 is: No. Not suitable for this project. It was purely a creative endeavor, basically to get these songs out. These tracks beg me to let them lose. I would love it if the Octavate project got back on their feet and they wanted to play some of these songs.
AMP: Any final words for your fans?
This is number 9: Keep listening to indie music. I’ve learned about a lot of new and exciting artists from your site and other sites. That’s where it is. People like you and Rick really love bringing new sounds to the public. I want people to know that there is a thriving independent scene for every music genre. You just have to look around for fresh artists with amazing vibes and visions. Listen to new bands. Don’t always look back to the past, but look to the future. We create because we love it, which is why the whole scene is so dynamic.
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