THE EXIES – AN INTERVIEW WITH FRONTMAN SCOTT STEVENS
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Exies were formed in 1997 by singer/guitarist Scott Stevens. The band’s first self-titled album was released in 2000 via Ultimatum Records. They received massive appeal when they dropped their two Virgin Records full lengths, Inertia (2003) and Head for the Door (2004). Both albums secured positions on the Billboard 200 chart. The Exies‘ third album, A Modern Way of Living with the Truth, came out in 2007 (Eleven Seven Music) before the band disbanded in 2010. After the breakup, Stevens continued to work as a songwriter penning songs for such illustrious artists as Theory and Halestorm.
Well, The Exies are back and have released a new EP entitled Closure. During the pandemic, Stevens began to realize his new material was perfect for a restart of The Exies. Speaking about the experience Scott espouses:
“Once I committed to writing and producing for others, I really went in,” he explains. “I just jumped in the ocean and didn’t think about writing for myself anymore. And that’s why it was so odd when I went for a walk in 2020—outside with a mask on—and all of a sudden I hear a melody in my head and I’m like, ‘Who’s that? What’s that?’ And all of a sudden I realized that that’s my voice. It was very puzzling in the beginning, and then it started happening more and more.
I don’t know what spurred it on or what caused it. Time? Not being able to work as much? Maybe my mind drifting a little bit more because I have to work. Nobody was coming over here because nobody was going anywhere. And I didn’t want to Zoom write, because although it’s kind of a way of life now and I love it, I was like ‘What is that?’ I really didn’t think about writing for The Exies again until it started haunting me.”
Closure is an imposing work of art. Every song blasts indie angst and sonic beauty. It opens with “For What It’s Worth” and it’s a monster track. Stevens’ vocals are brazen and filled with divine tension. The guitars flair with an edgy boldness. “Spirits High” continues the aural barrage with a relentless flow of grungy inflections. “s.A.D” is cinematic and definitely an EP highlight. Stevens’ voice is emotive and full of aural apprehensiveness. You can feel his high anxiety grow as the track progresses. “Euphoria” continues The Exies‘ social consciousness with its dark soundscape. “The Hill” is pulverizing and “The Closure” is the perfect ending with its anthemic textures. “Closure” is a beast.
Scott Stevens was kind enough to sit with AMP for this in-depth interview.
AMP: “Spirit High” released last year was the first song from The Exies in 15 years. What took so long?
SCOTT: It’s surreal, it’s something that I never thought would happen. It’s a second chance. And that doesn’t happen, so I am grateful.
AMP: Your new single “s.A.D” has a deep message. What was the impetus behind the song?
SCOTT: “s.A.D” was and still is real for me. Nothing feels like it did four years ago. Something is off and we all know it. But also that the world is not what I was led to believe it would be when I was kid.
AMP: The Exies long awaited EP is Closure. Can you give us some insights into the project?
SCOTT: Closure , is what it says … for me this EP is me closing that door on the past so I can move forward. There were tears when writing this one as it was making the statement that I have to let go of something that was so close to me. That shaped me and made me who I am today.
AMP: Where do you find your inspiration?
SCOTT: You never know when it’ll 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 right there.
AMP: You have pivoted in the industry by writing songs for other artists including Theory and Halestorm. Was that experience satisfying?
SCOTT: Yes. Very much so. Hatching something that you feel either alone or with multiple people is the same experience. It’s very rewarding when you know you have something that has truth in it.
AMP: What can your fans expect from the resurrected Exies?
SCOTT: I think growth. Time. Time makes you wiser, feel deeper. It focus’s you on what’s important. I have changed and am in touch with my thoughts and feelings like never before.
AMP: Do you feel the current Exies’ internal energy is as strong or better than part incarnations?
Scott: No eras are the same. They each have their power. This feels just as special as the other eras of this band. But the nostalgia factor and time … has changed things into a more accepting 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 have loved to collab with Sir Paul McCartney. And Leon Russell. They to me are song crafting masters.
AMP: How was your recent reunion show at the Viper Room and how cool is Matt Pinfield?
SCOTT: Matt Pinfield is the best. He’s music, every fiber of him oozes it. I love his guts as they say in Ireland. Having him introduce us was next level and full circle because he mentioned our name first on MTV. Playing that show felt like home. My truest self. And the guys felt the same. I hope we can do it again.
AMP: What’s next for The Exies?
SCOTT: I cannot predict the future but I know it’ll be bright ;).
The Exies current lineup is Scott Stevens (Vocals/Guitar), Freddy Herrera (Bass), Chris Skane (Guitar) and Dennis Wolfe (Drums).
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