BLACK HEART SAINTS – AN INTERVIEW WITH MARK SEAN
Black Heart Saints is an Austin based band that have just released a ferocious new single entitled “Human Xstacy” (Cleopatra Records). The band is comprised of Josh Ross (Vocals), Mark Sean (Guitar), Nathan Flores (Drums) and Ian C.G. (Bass). Since 2014, the band has been dropping audacious singles and hard driving albums with their latest full length being Live From Sweetwater Studios. BHS have also built an incredible fanbase due to their constant touring and incendiary live shows.
“Human Xstacy” is a blast of propulsive kinetic energy. The song features dynamic riffs, rapacious vocals and an all devouring timbre. Ross’ voice is full of fury with monstrous intonations. Sean’s guitar is blistering. C. G.’s bass is aggressive while Flores’ percussions snap with authority. The entire track is a sonic barrage of pure unadulterated verve.
Mark Sean was kind enough to take the time to sit with AMP for this cool interview.
AMP: Tell us a little about your latest single, “Human Xstacy”?
MARK: We recorded it here in Austin, Texas. It was produced by Geno Lenardo from Filter and mixed by Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal ( Guns ‘N Roses, Asia). It’s received a great reception so far. It’s a great rock track with a cool riff.
AMP: How did your association with Cleopatra Records come about?
MARK: It was actually through our manager, John Gomez. He’s the mastermind behind the whole thing. He has a good relationship with Brian Perera, the CEO of Cleopatra. It came about quite organically.
AMP: Do you believe your new material is an evolution in musical style from your previous work?
MARK: I think so. We are definitely honing our craft as far as the music goes. The new material has a more anthemic rocker feel. We have dabbled in southern rock and tiptoed into more acoustic ballads but with this new song, it’s more straight ahead hard hitting rock.
AMP: How would you describe your sound to someone who’d never heard you before?
MARK: It’s the next level of anthemic arena rock. That’s our goal. It’s like Queen. Just imagine playing to thousands and thousands of people. That’s the vibe we want to recreate. We are also influenced by everything else around us. It’s the best of the new married to our rock & roll influences.
AMP: What is the one message you would like your fans to take away from your music?
It’s not that complicated with us. Just have a good time and rock out. We want to offer an escape for our fans. We are not here to preach to anybody. It’s all about celebrating rock & roll and taking a break from reality. Let’s have fun.
AMP: What has been the crowning point of the band’s existence so far?
MARK: Honestly, I think that’s yet to happen. That is what fuels us. There will be many crowning points in our future. Each one better than the last.
AMP: Austin is a bastion of innovating music. Do you feel the city has aided in your success?
MARK: Yea! There are a lot of musicians and organizations that have helped us along the way. One organization I would like to give a shout out to is “Health Insurance For Austin Musicians (HAAM)”. They’ve helped us with our health insurance. It’s a relief to know that we can stay healthy on the road. It’s a great city and an incubator for all types of amazing music.
AMP: You guys look like you know how to have a good time. What’s the worse trouble the band been in?
MARK: Man! Without getting into much detail, the worse trouble has been some flirtations with the law here and there. Hitting some gigs unprepared and people finding things that shouldn’t be in our bags. Getting kicked out of places. It’s a little bit of this and that. All part of the rock & roll life.
AMP: If the Black Heart Saints were a pharmaceutical prescription, what would you cure?
MARK: It would probably cure depression. All kind of illnesses. It would be a panacea. That’s our aim. Just show people a good time for one night. Have them forget their financial and physical woes and enjoy the moment.
AMP: What’s next for the band?
MARK: We have a couple of tour dates with Steel Panther coming up. Also, we will be supporting the Winery Dogs here in Texas. We will be doing a bunch of biker rallies which will give us a ton of exposure. We are playing Sturgis as well as Hot Springs in Arkansas. Kansas and Florida may be next.. Trying to cover the country. We want to play great shows and expand our fanbase.
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To learn more about Black Heart Saints, Check out the Website!
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