As much as you think it might be an easy task, it’s not always that simple to showcase new, up-and-coming artists. We mean, usually when it comes to these things if you aren’t familiar with the artist’s name, what’s going to make you click on our story versus the 25 Best Ways To Make Your Spring Break Less Shitty? Yeah, not always that simple.
However, putting all doubts aside, we’re going to do our best to start highlighting emerging bands we believe in. Bands that stand out against the tiring monotony of our music scene. You know, bands like emerging Australian act The Faim.
Already making a splash with scene staples like John Feldmann, Pete Wentz, Mark Hoppus and Josh Dun, this Aussie four-piece is undoubtedly primed for stardom – after just one listen to their infectious debut single “Saints of the Sinners” (which was produced by Feldmann and co-written by Wentz), you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.
Now, doing our best to get to know frontman Josh Raven, we reached out to the young vocalist to find out exactly how The Faim came together to create such electrifying music.
To check out our chat and discover your newest pop-rock obsession, be sure to see below. Afterwards, for more from the band, head here.
Where did you grow up? And was there a music scene where you grew up?
I grew up in Perth, Western Australia. There wasn’t much of a mainstream music scene that I experienced. There were always a few festivals and big bands that made the effort to go the extra distance but [as for] the local music scene, although sometimes hard to find, it was full of the most talented and unique individuals this world has to offer. Locally, the amount of passion and dedication musicians put out in Perth is really inspiring especially because it’s so hard to find avenues of expanding in such an isolated city. Everyone’s constantly working hard and looking for their next goal as a band.
Who or what influenced you to start playing music?
I’ve always been drawn to public performing and writing, especially seeing how music positively affected my parents and other people in my life. Ever since I was younger, I’ve had incredible support from my teachers and family and it’s always helped me find my niche within music.
How do you feel about the digital age? Do you think it’s helped or hurt musicians?
I feel like it’s helped musicians who are open-minded when it comes to songwriting and performing. Personally, I think it’s one of the best things to happen to musicians not just on a sonic perspective, but on the idea that bands don’t need to be dragging around massive heads and amps for tours. Especially for people in Australia who need to fly a lot. It’s an exciting direction and I’m curious to know where it leads.
If you could collaborate with any artist of your choice who would it be?
That is a question that could have unlimited answers but to narrow it down, at the moment I would love to write with Barns Courtney. I’ve always had a soft spot for solo artists with the acoustic. There’s something authentic in the way he constructs his concepts and his talents as a musician and songwriters would be privileged to learn from him.
What’s the best live performance you’ve seen?
When I was around 15 or 16 I took my brother’s ID and went to a Slipknot concert and ever since I fell in love with the energy and connection that comes from a live performance. Even what music can make you do, being in the position of really wanting to hear songs from your favorite band and then having an urge that pushes you to go outside of your comfort zone so you can hear the music you want.
What have you learned since being in the music industry?
Amongst everything we’ve learned about music and life is through a process of elimination. These experiences have taught us how to be the best versions of ourselves.
Are there any recent releases or performances that have inspired you?Watching Fall Out Boy live recently really inspired me as a vocalist. Patrick Stump is one of the most talented singers I’ve ever seen. There are no cheap tricks or effects that could ever replicate the theatre and emotion he portrays in his performance.
If you could have one of your songs be on a TV show or movie of your choice what would it be?
It’s always been my dream to have on of our songs or our band featured on South Park. That would be the funniest thing in the world.
What would you like to be remembered for? Musically or not.
I would like to be remembered for being authentic to who we are and how we started which is as friends who got together and started a band simply because [we] love music. Amongst all our experiences as a band so far that’s always been our focus.
Best piece of advice anyone has given you?
One piece of advice my mum gave me that really stuck is “You can’t change someone’s response to what you do, but you can change your reaction.” For me, this was a piece of advice that got me to focus on myself and not what the rest of the world is thinking. Even when negativity comes into the mix, you hold all the power to react in the best or worst way possible and learn.
Three bands that would be your dream to tour with?
Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Coldplay and Muse.
The best thing currently on YouTube is?
Early videos of U2 live.
