Unsigned Spotlight: Byland
Alie Byland, known often as BYLAND, offers the powerful vocals similar of “Brandi Carlile” met with the simple, provoking cadences of “The National’s” alt rock. Her alluring voice takes you to another place, while her honest lyrics invite you to feel something.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Alie Byland: Writing, Vocals, Keys, GuitarJake Byland: Co-WritingKristian Haynes: Drums, Vocals Ian Nesbitt: Bass, VocalsJoel Gloetzner: Guitar, Push/Synths, Vocals
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Byland? How long has the band been around?
I have been playing music since I was a kid. I was lucky to have a mom that would hide money away from the grocery budget to pay for my piano lessons. By 13, I was singing and playing keys for the church band. But it wasn’t until 2014, that I began performing and writing under the name “Byland”. Since then, my sound has grown and evolved along with my bands. I performed in Seattle as a solo act, with a violin and cello trio, and ultimately landed on the large, cinematic full-band sound I had always been after. I recently moved back to NM from Seattle and now perform with some of my childhood friends I first started playing music with over 15 years ago.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
I never really wanted to be a solo artist or perform as ‘Alie Renee’. After my husband and I began making music together, it was an easy decision to call it, “Byland”, which is our last name.
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?
Most songs are written by myself and my husband, Jake. I love writing melodies (and choruses), and it comes naturally to me; while Jake‘s strength is writing verses. Being vulnerable and creating together is often challenging, but can also be extremely rewarding. Writing lyrics is something I’ve had to practice, get comfortable with, and learn to trust myself on. The songs I write alone are usually ones I'm most proud of, because they are something I had to work for.
My upcoming record also includes invaluable contributions from my producer, Nathan Yaccino, and my drummer and life-long friend, Kristian - the first person I ever wrote a song with.
Our first record took a reflective and sentimental approach, as I stepped into creating music from my grief after the loss of my father. This upcoming album, Gray is far more introspective. It is my attempt at giving a voice to internal conversations. Writing songs about my messy experiences is healing, although it is a strenuous process. I see that my experiences are not all bad or all good. They are both. They are gray.
I hope that the topics change overtime as my focus and perspective changes.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
The first person I think of is Brandi Carlile. I’m inspired by how grounded she is, despite her profound success. She has stayed true to who she is at her foundation and has worked her ass off playing the long game. Her family is her band, and they've stayed true through the test of time. She’s not allowing life to happen to her. She saw what she wanted, knew it could take a long time and kept going…and still is.
Manchester Orchestra: “I’m like a virgin losing a child” was one of two cd’s I had in my car growing up. Their music is big, cinematic and atmospheric, but also extremely tight rhythmically. Their sound is something I’ve always wanted to emulate and is embedded deeply in my soul.
I grew up listening to Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Keith Green, Tom Petty, Amy Grant and they still influence me today.
Lastly, I have to mention The National, The War On Drugs, and Big Thief. Their music sits with me. It's often simple, brilliantly layered and textured with tonal interpretation.
I made a playlist, which can be found here:
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I saw mewithoutYou play a show when I was 13. Their concert made me want to tour and write music. It was possibly one of the most powerful musical experiences I’d had up to that point (also: my first time moshing…)
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
A few things:
I try not to drink alcohol during rehearsals or performances, but I make sure to keep the band fridge fully stocked...because...you know...
I go to the green room before performing and do my vocal exercises, as well as hydrate - not just a few hours before, but at least 24 hours before. It takes a while for the water to reach your vocal cords. Look it up.
Before rehearsals, we all take some breaths together to help remind us to be in our bodies. And then, we bounce around to get the energy moving.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Probably selling out my record release show, which was the first show my full band had ever played live together in Seattle. We raised money for a local Grief Center, an organization that really helped me after my dad died. It just felt like a huge amount of work and was really worth it!
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Oh my gosh. I'd say - Brandi Carlile for sure. Also - Manchester Orchestra, The National or The War On Drugs. I am a huge fan of all their work and I feel like my music could really blend well in a live show. Playing shows with musicians of this caliber would be an honor.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Check out my first music video, "Albuquerque" that we put out in 2018. I made it with friends from my hometown in New Mexico and I’m super proud of it.
Lastly, I recently announced the release of my second record, GRAY, coming out October 2nd. I’d love it if you would follow @bylandmusic on instagram for all the updates. Thank you!
https://www.facebook.com/bylandmusic/