Amarionette is far from a hidden gem, their dexterous and expressive rock sound is intricate and mesmerizing as they draw influence from indie, rock and pop, combining big hooks, delightful retro vibes and enchanting vocals.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Issy Berry - Vocals, Nick Raya - Guitar, Ron Wells - Bass, AJ Sarmiento - Guitar, Carlo Marquez - Touring drummer  

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Amarionette? How long has the band been around?

Amarionette has been together since 2010. Issy was in a pop rock band Louder Than Words, Nick was in a band called Erva, Ron was in At Lines End, AJ was in a metal band called All Light Dies in high school, and Carlo was in a band called Stolas. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name marionette has to do with puppets, and many years ago the original vocalist named the band Amarionette to basically symbolize freedom from being puppets to the industry. We like the name and still think it’s somewhat unique currently. 

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Nick writes the majority of the music, including chord structure and some lyric and melody ideas. Issy write the majority of the lyrics and any other vocal ideas. We don’t usually have any set themes. We’ve been inspired by a lot of 80’s retro wave synth pop that’s been resurgent, but other than that we don’t have any concepts we tend to write about.  

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

The Midnight, FM-84, Turnover, Minus The Bear, and DRMCTHR have been my (Nick)influences over the last few months. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

When this band first started in this form (including original lead vocalist Quin White) in 2010 we were very Saosin, Circa Survive, Paramore, and DGD influenced. We definitely wanted to be a Post-Hardcore outfit that suited that era I suppose. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

Before shows most of us try to relax and hangout. Either grab a beer, watch other bands, or hangout in the van and try to get rest. When we are touring we tend to travel almost nonstop, so for the most part we try to conserve our energy to give it our all for the show that night.  

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

That’s a tough question, but I would say the highlight of our careers so far would be playing SXSW or just the fact that we are able to tour somewhat consistently on our own with the help of our agents at Artery Global. Also, being signed to Kurt Travis’ label Esque Records certainly helped us get to the point where we are now. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Currently, I would say touring with Paramore would be insane. That would be an awesome accomplishment. Bands I would love to tour with now that I think would make sense are Emarosa, DGD, Bad Rabbits, Circa Survive, and The Midnight. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having us Kill The Music. Everyone be sure to check out our new single, “Chemistry”.