Gemini Syndrome’s Aaron Nordstrom Working on New Music and Keeping It Together

Aaron Nordstrom from Gemini Syndrome give his view of the world

Interview conducted on February 1, 2018

By Daniel Locke

Gemini Syndrome is an American alternative metal band formed in 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The band currently consists of vocalist Aaron Nordstrom, drummer Brian Steele Medina and bassist Alessandro “(AP)” Paveri. Their debut album, titled Lux, was released in September 2013. Reviewers drew comparisons to bands like Mudvayne, Five Finger Death Punch, and Tool. Four singles spawned from Lux: “Pleasure and Pain,” “Left of Me,” “Basement,” and “Stardust,” which peaked at no. 19 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

The band released their new single, “Eternity”, on August 14, 2015. It premiered on Sirius XM Octane and was available for download on iTunes as well. Their second album, Memento Mori, which promises a heavier and more melodic side of the band, was originally to have been released on March 1, 2016, but was later released on August 16, 2016.

A post on the band’s official Facebook page on June 17, 2016 announced that Daniel Sahagún and Charles Lee Salvaggio had joined the band.

As of July 21, 2017 Charles announced his departure from the band – Wikipedia.

Band Members

• Alessandro AP Paveri | Dirty Low
• EndMeegs Rascõn | Guitars + Screams
• Brian Steele Medina | Percussion + Art
• Aaron Nordstrom | Messenger

UnRated Magazine: How did you find each other? Tell me about the development of the band?

Aaron Nordstrom: Through a turn of events more or less out of our control. There were a lot of mutual friends involved. We were all after the same thing at the same time and were willing to sacrifice to make it happen. We lived together, ate together, toured together. It was full immersion.

How did you pick your name?

It came to all of us in a dream the same night.

Tell me about your backgrounds?

We’re from all over the world. We have all studied music for most of our lives. Different forms and styles. Different instruments. We have all played in bands since we were young performing and writing for most of our lives.

You are from LA. Can you tell me about the music scene there? And what your favorite club to play in LA and why is it?

I’m actually from Chicago but lived in LA for 15 years. The scene really erupted when we were a young band finding a lot of our friends and ourselves signing deals and touring full time. To be honest I’m not in LA a lot anymore so I’m a little out of touch with the current scene. There’s a bunch of great places in LA to play. The Roxy, the Whisky, the old Key Club. Just to name a few.

How do you describe your music?

Spiritual. Intense. Honest.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

All types. I played classical and jazz piano. Eventually picking up guitar and getting into rock and metal. I listen to everything though. Anything from techno to rap to folk to Black Metal.

Who influences you and why?

Pretty much everything and everyone I experience has some influence on the songs and lyrics I write. Life itself is the inspiration.

You tour just end and you are back in the studio. How long will you be in the studio during your break? And is there any chance you can do a show or two during this time period?

It’s hard to say how long it will take. Hopefully not too long. We may have a show or two while in the studio but I’m not sure right now. I would prefer to just stay in the cave until it’s done.

How are the band’s cohesiveness/teamwork (especially with new members) sync; and artistic creativity for material? How is the new guy working out?

I’d say we’re very cohesive. We have spent so much time together and become very close. We all know just about everything about each other. Our newest member Meegs has been our close friend for many many years and he is a seasoned professional so there’s no problem there.

Gemini has been touring hard for a number of years now. How does your tour venue change over the past 7/8 years?

It depends on the tour. We have done everything from small club tours to arena tours to giant festivals. Just depends on who we are out with.

How does Gemini stay healthy while touring?

We TRY and stay healthy. It is a difficult thing though. Eating as healthy as possible, exercising when possible, and sleeping when possible. It’s a difficult thing to manage with all the travel and whatnot but we seem to manage.

Over the years you have only had three singles which had charted (in the US). Stardust in 2013 at19 on the charts. Remember We Die in 2016 at 24 on the charts and Sorry Not Sorry which charted in 2017 at 40 on the charts. And the rating has gone down. Why do you think this is?

It’s hard to say. The industry has been changing over the last few years. Radio seems to be taking a backseat to satellite radio and streaming so I think that has something to do with it. It’s also politics and money. Just like everything else. There are gatekeepers and greedy people in every industry and if they want someone to make it, they make it happen. If they don’t, they make that happen. It’s a sad reality.

By the way your last song with a video with a hit (Remember We Die) was directed by Brian Cox. How did you go about getting him to direct your video?

Brian has also been a close friend for many years. We also happen to love his work and vision so it was a no brainer to work with him. He also directed our video for “Sorry, Not Sorry”.

Why did you have Jessie Musmecci do a return in Remember We Die? They last time we saw Jessie was in the video Basement.

Again, Jessie has been like family to me for a very long time. Being that she also has albinism, she kind of plays a female role of me in the videos. She has always been fantastic to work with and I love her dearly. She also has an amazing singing voice.

Aaron on your Facebook page you said the following: I am the messenger of Gemini Syndrome. I am a student of philosophy, religion, martial arts, semantics, psychology, and all things beautiful. Are you saying that the band is like a religion?

No. I’m saying that I am delivering the messages that we have to share. That statement is referring to me and me alone.

Do you have any endorsements?

We have a few. Ernie ball music man, strictly 7 guitars, Schechter guitars, DW drums, Sabian cymbals, SIT strings, amongst others.

How did you get signed to the label?

Hard work. Being out there working. Touring. Putting in the time. Make yourself desirable.

Or pure luck. Who knows?

What year, made and model of bands instruments?

You’d have to ask the rest of the guys.

What are some of the bands you have open for?

We have had the privilege of touring with a lot of great bands.
5fdp, Sevendust, In This Moment, Avatar, Drowning Pool, Device, and the list goes on.

What type of clubs have you played in (size)?

Again, anywhere from small tiny clubs and bars to shows like Rock on the Range which is tens of thousands.

What music fests would you like to play in?

Any and all of them. We’ve played a ton of festivals over the last few years. They are always a good time.

Have you ever performed at SXSW?

Yes. Once.

What is your feeling of Van Warped Tour since 2018, is the last year for it?

It’s kind of sad I suppose. It’s the end of an era. I unfortunately never went to a warped tour but I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun.

The first time I saw you was at Rock on the Range, 2014. How did you get picked for that fest?

Magic.

How would you explain your live performance?

Energetic. Cohesive. Maybe other worldly.

If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?

Hard to say. Probably “remember we die” “Zealot” and “Say Goodnight” because it would show the diversity of the songwriting. However I think you could listen to any three and get that impression. We have never released a song I don’t like so. Also the acoustic versions I really love. You can find them on the internet somewhere I’m sure.

How do you see your band in the next 5 years?

Playing shows in outer space maybe.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

Probably. Like I said I listen to just about everything

What is on your bucket list?

If I told you my life story you would understand why I really don’t have a bucket list. I am happy to be here and experience whatever comes my way.

What is on your phone for music now?

I don’t have music on my phone but I’m listening to the Contortionist, Gojira, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, and our current project songs.

Anything in closing you would like to say?

Thanks for the support through thick and thin. We’re still here because you are. Spread the word.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.

My pleasure. Thank you.

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