Unsigned Spotlight: Phoenix Code
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
-Leo///38 (“Leo”) - producer, composer
-a/SCO (“Scorpio”) - vocalist, lyricist, concept author
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to PHOENIXCODE? How long has the band been around?
Scorpio: We were both members of a Progressive/Hardcore band called The Observer, and that came to a close in September of last year. I was the vocalist in that band, and Leo was the guitarist and primary song writer. PHOENIXCODE was formed right around the time The Observer called it quits.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Scorpio: We went through a couple of ideas in the early stages, but we settled on PHOENIXCODE relatively quick. The name is rooted in the concept that supports the music. And without giving away too much, PHOENIXCODE alludes to a way of thinking and a morality that keeps the fire burning.
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?
Scorpio: Leo composes the songs, and I infuse them with lyrics and a formal story. Check out our Patreon for a full overview of what we are doing in that respect:
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Scorpio: I tend to think we are mostly set in our ways at this point. There are bands out there whom we have a lot of respect for and may have been inspired by at one time, but I think we are following our own path now. That said, I really love the new albums put out this year by Dillinger, Russian Circles, The Black Queen, and Perturbator.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Scorpio: I think if it weren't for The Dillinger Escape Plan’s impact on us earlier on in our careers, then we likely wouldn't be making music together now.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Scorpio: A typical show prep experience is as follows: Struggle to find the venue, move gear back & forth aimlessly, tune 3000 times, double knot my shoes, and recite the best quotes from Keith Buckley’s Twitter. Other than that it's mostly flexing.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Scorpio: I think just getting an album recorded that we are extremely proud of and are willing to bet our futures on is the biggest highlight. Also, it was very rewarding to shoot our upcoming music video for “Beneath the WAVes.” That was a quick high after the long and arduous process of making the album, and it was my first experience as a director. It was nice to see something go from concept to finished product in a matter of a month.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Scorpio: For me, I think it'd be Dillinger again. It may not be the best fit musically, but I would love to have the opportunity to pick Ben Weinman's brain each & every day. They did something that was so radically different that people couldn't help but notice, so there's a lot to learn from figures like that. Also, I definitely look up to Greg Puciato as a front man and a vocalist-- balancing both Dillinger and The Black Queen (and others) is a helluva feat.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It's been a pleasure, guys! Definitely don't forget to check out our pages and support the project in any way you can!
https://phoenixcode.bandcamp.com
https://www.patreon.com/phoenixcode