Hi Max and welcome to Grande Rock webzine! Since Lost Hearts is a brand-new band, do tell us how did you come up with the band’s name?
M: The band name came from one of the first songs that we wrote together called “Lost Heart”. We haven’t recorded that one for release yet, and we haven’t decided if we will. The song is about the feeling of not knowing where you fit in the world.
You released your new (second) single “Night to Remember” today. How do you feel about it?
M: I’m very happy with the way this one turned out! To me it is more upbeat and poppy than our first song “Hate Yourself”, but I love both.
The new song was produced by Johnny K (3 Doors Down, Plain White T’s, Disturbed). How did you decide to work with the specific producer? How was the whole experience?
M: Victor and I had both heard of him through separate sources. When it came down to picking a producer, he was the first one we thought of. We started working together and we’ve been very happy with how things turned out! We feel that Johnny has a really good understanding of what we want our band to sound like.
What was your favorite moment or memory from the song recording process?
M: I always enjoy recording guitars; we all get super into tones and which guitars, pedals & amps to use. Another thing that I’ll never forget is hearing song mixed and mastered for the first time, it’s amazing to me to hear all of the parts we’ve worked on come together!
Almost a month ago, you released your debut single “Hate Yourself”. How is the fans’ reaction so far?
M: It seems like most people have enjoyed it! We were very happy with the response it got, especially with us being independent and it being our first song.
How have you been collaborating with your bandmates and team during the pandemic?
M: I didn’t know any of these guys during the pandemic, but I definitely wrote a lot of music
during it.
Do you plan to put out a new single every month or so?
M: Absolutely! Our next song is scheduled for early June!
Do you intend to release a full-length album in the next years?
M: Eventually! But for now, we will continue to release singles.
Would you like to work with a music company? What do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?
M: We definitely would. I think for any band or artist to succeed, they need a great team around them.
What inspires you to write music in general?
M: Mainly life experiences, and just the joy of playing guitar and coming up with new ideas.
What are your favorite lyrical themes?
M: I am not really sure! I just write what comes to me naturally.
Given that you are all young guys, how do you see the music industry today? What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
M: I think any time you’re in a business dealing with intellectual property, things can get strange. Of course, the music industry is very different than it was in the past, but there are a lot of positives to the changes. One of the coolest things about the music industry today is that it’s easier now to be an independent artist than ever before.
Which is your beloved rock music era?
M: I love all eras! But if I had to pick probably 80s. There was great rock and roll in the 80s, but there was also so much Pop, New Wave, and other genres that were fantastic at that time.
Apart from the music, it appears like you are taking the proper steps in terms of publicity. I mean, you have a management team and a PR label to conduct your business on your behalf. Do you think this is the right way to do things? Most bands try to handle things on their own and are frequently let down by the low reverberation.
M: As I said before, I think for any band to succeed they need a solid team around them. It is so much work to learn an instrument, learn to sing, write songs, create content for social media, rehearse, play live. It can definitely be overwhelming if not handled properly. Having support from experienced people is really important.
How easy is it these days to be in a band? Do you hope to be full-time musicians in the near future?
M: I think like anything it just takes a lot of hard work. People tend to think it’s just fun and
games, and some musicians even treat it that way. But overall I enjoy it more than anything I’ve ever done in my life.
Have you given any live shows yet? Do you plan to perform at some point? If so, where and when?
M: We have played a few so far, including The Whisky A Go Go in LA and Count’s Vamp’d in Las Vegas. We have plenty more and hope to be on a tour soon!
Are there any dream venues or festivals you’d like to play in the future?
M: I would love to play the Walnut Creek amphitheater in my hometown of Raleigh, NC. This is where I saw my first concert (KISS) when I was 7 years old. I have a lot of memories at that venue and it would be a dream to play there!
It’s time for our “Strange Questions”!!! Are “social media” a “compulsory part” of music biz these days or bands, artists & labels can do without them as well?
M: I think social media is essential for any band or artist today, but it’s only a piece of the puzzle. I feel like you still need to be balanced that with writing, recording, and touring.
What do you think about the “downloading & streaming issue” of our time? Do you prefer the streaming services more or not?
M: I think it was inevitable, people do the same thing with movies and almost all digital media now. It is a shift in the industry for sure, but artists are adjusting to the shift and figuring out how to navigate the “new normal”.
Which music kind can’t you bear to listen to at all?
M: I like almost everything! I don’t tend to listen to newer country, but I love old 70s outlaw country.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words:
M: Rockstar: Mick Jagger
Rock & roll: Keith Richards
AI: Inhuman
Music Realities: Great for some people! I’m not sure if I would like to do it or not, I have mixed feelings on them.
Which are the best 3 Hard Rock albums according to you?
M: Guns n Roses – “Appetite For Destruction”, Black Sabbath – “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath”, The Stooges – “Raw Power”.
Fill in the phrase… “Hard Rock wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
M: Van Halen…
Which is that band that you’d like to be part of (any time & era)?
M: The Rolling Stones…
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
M: “Pyromania” by Def Leppard, it is the perfect balance of soft songs with hard rock songs.
Put together the best rock line-up of all time. Who plays what?
M: Tommy Lee on drums, Geezer Butler on bass, Michael Schenker on guitar and Sebastian Bach on vocals.
Who is the sexiest female Rock Star of all time?
M: Debbie Harry…
Which do you consider to be the best female & male vocalist in rock history?
M: Female: Janis Joplin, Male: Steve Perry.
Which is the most underrated musician/band of all time?
M: John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
M: The Future. I would love to go to the past, but seeing the unknown future is more exciting to me.
What are your thoughts on A.I.? It appears to have taken over the world in every part of our life over the last few months, and this is just the beginning. What are your thoughts on the AI-created music?
M: I think like anything it’s a good tool. It is another part of technology that will inevitably become a big part of human lives, but you will never be able to replicate the human element of music.
That’s all for now Max. Thx for talking to Grande Rock. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care dude!
M: Thank you guys!!! Hear our new song “Night to Remember” out now on all streaming platforms!
