Alternative rock newcomers Lochaven saw their inception in late 2017 in Clarkston, MI. Since that time, the band has staked a name for themselves as a formidable and highly acclaimed live prospect, playing their high energy and heartfelt brand of melodic rock to venues across the state.

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

Gabriel Toth – Vocals/Bass

Jake Fultz – Guitar

PJ Twork – Drums

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

Gabe and PJ used to be in a band together called Teenage Wasteland, which Jake joined right at the tail-end of the band’s run. After being apart for a little while, the three of us came back together and started working on new music. And thus, in late 2017, Lochaven was formed.

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

Lochaven is the name of a road that’s nearby all of us. In a poetic sense, it’s “The road that connects our towns.” And no, there was never a name for the band before this one. In fact, it was the first name that was even suggested for the band, and we all dug it.

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?

We all contribute to the songwriting process in our own unique ways, and we all share the credit equally. But if we had to generalize, Gabe writes the lyrics and vocal melodies, Jake writes a lot of the riffs, and PJ is the “utility player” in the form of creating some of the riffs, as well as giving feedback on how to modify the songs to make them more unique and interesting.

For our debut album, the songs’ lyrics helped to tell the album’s story: that being a group of outcasts seeking to make change in their fractured society, encountering trials and tribulations along the way. These lyrical themes will almost certainly change over time, as we’re always looking to evolve. In fact, we’ve already begun writing music post-debut album, and these lyrical themes have a more poetic and personal feel to them.

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

There’s an ever-changing, ever-evolving rotation of artists that we listen to and feel inspired by, so it’s hard to narrow it down. That being said, bands like Led Zeppelin, Journey, and Soundgarden are some reliable influences of ours that, even if it’s not always super obvious, have some level of consistent impact on our sound. 

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

Not really, no. The inspiration mainly just came from a pure love for rock music. Although Gabe does have a poignant memory of watching The Beatles’ rooftop concert as a kid and thinking to himself, “That’s what I’m gonna do someday.”

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

We like to stretch out and warm up so that we’re limber and ready to put on a great show. Gabe also likes to find somewhere quiet to meditate for a bit. Then, right before we’re about to go on, we’ll often share some words of encouragement with one another to get pumped up and ready to rock. Oh, and the occasional pre-show drink never hurts either. 

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

Our debut album release show was a total blast and a big success, so that would have to be it.

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

Queen for the experience, U2 for the knowledge, and Motley Crue for the parties. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you like catchy rock music with a deeper message, you’ll probably like Lochaven. So give our debut album Change is Upon Us a listen. You won’t regret it.

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