Fahran namesake Josh Fahran talks about the band
Interview took place on December 12, 2017
By Daniel Locke
If you have been in and around the UK recently, you may have heard of Nottingham based Hard Rock band, Fahran.
Having two successful albums behind them and having played prestigious UK festivals such as Bloodstock, Reading Festival, Hard Rock Hell and many more, Fahran have also just announced they will be adding Amplified festival 2018 to their extensive festival repertoire.
Now, the midlands based Hard Rockers are back with their new single ‘State Of Mind’.
State of Mind addresses the issue of mental health and has been created from a two point perspective. It delivers an interesting narrative and visually fast paced video combining performance with storyline. Matt Blacks unmistakable gravely vocals power through and complement some heavy, catchy riffs and crushing grooves. This track ticks every box for what you’d want from a great rock track, the guitar solo is the icing on the cake!
The track boasts heavy riffs, huge choruses and soaring vocals and they do not disappoint!
Fahran consists of Matt Black (Vocals), Jake Graham (Guitar), Josh Fahran (Drums), Josh Ballantyne (Bass) and Chris Byrne (Guitar).
“The brand new single State of Mind is from the forthcoming album VAPOURS that will land Summer 2018. As a band, we have definitely stepped it up and developed a heavier sound to our music. State of Mind is like a bridge between our previous album Chasing Hours and what we are going to release in our next album. The song is told from two perspectives. The first is from the place of someone who’s depressed, low, and anxious. Then it switches to the outside perspective of wanting to help that person because you understand what they’ve been through from your own experience.”– Josh Fahran
This is a subject that is very prevalent in the music industry at the moment and we think it’s great to see more and more bands addressing the subject of mental health through their own experiences. This is a very brave thing to do as it is not an easy feat to admit that you have suffered with mental health issues and we commend Fahran for sharing their personal experiences through their music.
Unratedmagazine: How did the band get together? And tell me about the development of the band?
Fahran: Jake and Josh were in previous bands before Fahran and decided to start a new project. Chris was brought in from Jake’s university and Josh was a friend of Chris’. Matt we knew about for ages in various other bands and wanted someone with a strong voice to join, so we approached him when the original singer left. As a whole line up, we have been together for almost 4 years!
How did you pick your name?
Fahran band shot from Facebook
FAHRAN came from the German verb Fahren, meant to drive/to go somewhere.
Who is in the band?
Matt Black – Vocals, Jake Graham and Chris Byrne – Guitars, Josh Fahran – Drums, and Joshua Ballantyne – Bass
How do you describe your music (Fahran)?
Heavy Rock, Alternative Rock with a modern edge. It is hard to pinpoint our music but you imagine Tremonti, Asking Alexandria and Shinedown.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
We all have different tastes, but myself (Josh Fahran) I listened to Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath. Nowadays I am more into Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, and Meshuggah.
What is the music scene like in UK?
What do you feel the direction the rock music is heading in the UK?
I personally don’t think the direction that rock music in the UK is going has changed. There is still a massive market and a great fan base of people.
You new single just came out “‘State Of Mind” How is it doing? And is there a tour set behind it?
The response from State of Mind has been awesome. We are getting so many good comments back and there are more dates and festivals being confirmed off the back of it. We can’t wait to release more!
So the brand new single State of Mind is from the forthcoming album VAPOURS that will land Summer 2018. Do you have a release date for the album or time period?
We are aiming for Summer 2018 for the album release.
How did your last two albums do?
Both great outcomes from the previous two albums, although the first features the original singer and bass player, they have been a stepping stone for what we have become.
How did you pick the person to produce your album?
All our material has been produced by our guitarist Jake. We are lucky enough to have someone with the knowledge to produce such great sounding tracks!
What made, model and year of instruments does you and your bandmates play?
Fahran playing live from facebook
Gibson Les Paul’s, a 98 standard and a 1990 custom, both loaded with Bare Knuckle Pickups. Also Fender Custom Shop Strat for a different sound. Jake uses PRS Mark Tremonti Signature guitars. Josh is with a company from the UK called Kingdom guitars which make his bass that he’s been using for the past few years. JR uses Sonor drums, Vater Sticks and Saluda Cymbals
You have appeared at prestigious festivals including, Bloodstock, Download Festival, Hard Rock Hell, Isle of Mann. A lot of people have heard of The Download Festival and Isle of Mann. How did you get booked for those festivals and can you give me a funny story on them?
We worked with a great agent for Download and with the Isle of Mann, we planned a tour with the promoters for the festival over there. We are/were lucky enough to work with such great connections and continue to. Hahaha I don’t think there’s any funny stories that are deemed suitable to be honest! I will just say one word… EDINBURGH.
Have you looked into doing a US tour?
We would LOVE to tour the US, but we are so busy in the UK at the moment that we don’t have any plans just yet.
How would you explain your live performance?
Adrenaline filled epicenes with a shit load of hair and sweat. Haha.
Who have you opened up for?
Heaven’s basement, Kamelot, The Answer, Phil Campbell.
So of your influences have been Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, Shinedown, A Day to Remember and Tremonti. Any plans of opening for them?
No plans but I can assure you, we would love to.
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 songs would you tell them to listen to and why?
Take This City Alive, State of Mind and A thousand Nights. These are our most popular and give a good idea on what you can expect from us.
How do you see your band in the next 5 years?
Constantly gigging. It’s all we have wanted to do since we can remember. Just being busy touring all over, every day of the year.
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
So many that we aren’t guilty about to be honest haha. What would you class as guilty?
What is on your phone for music now?
Mine personally? Led Zeppelin, Nothing More and Fragile Things.
Anything in closing you would like to say?
Check out all our social media and see you on tour!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with Unratedmagazine
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