Will They Follow?, the solo project created as an outlet for Canton, Ohio singer/songwriter Greg Haberek, has released a new single, Fjords. Fjords is the first single off of the second album, Brought Forth By Chaos, due out July 3rd, 2020.

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

My name is Greg Haberek. I actually write all of the music, record the tracks and do all of the graphic design etc. for the band.  This is an outlet where I can literally do and write anything that pops into my head. I used to have other members but with schedules etc. it never seemed to work out. This way, if there is anyone I want to work with, they can hop on stage and I would just edit the back tracks to reflect.

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

So, I started this project in 2011. Since then, it has gone on the back burner when I would tour with other bands but this was always a passion project. I was in a bunch of bands over the years such as: The Body Rampant, Fur Elise, Azimuth Dream, Our Resolve, The Murder Revolution, The Winter Project and have contributed to such bands as Shellshock Lullaby, Hydra Kyll, and others.  

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

The origin of the band name was a question that I asked when putting the music and lyrics together. People would see the artwork an be like, “What the f***?” because it was trippy or when I would read the lyrics, people would ask questions or be like, “What do you mean when you say this..?” The questions and comments were flowing at this time and I knew that my music and lyrics and art had a deep message.

I know the project has layers like an onion but will it be well received? Will they understand what I am trying to say? Will They Follow? This was the birth of the project and has been the moniker for almost a decade now. (Will They Follow?// WTF?) 

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?

As stated prior, I am the soul writer for the project. Sometimes I have friends or features on tracks (Matt Geise, The Grizzle etc.) but mainly it is me. The topics for these records are actually a part of a single theme or story line. I will be writing a total of 10 releases that will actually tell a poem with all of the Album titles. So far it reads:  “The inception, brought forth by chaos.” The Inception was about an upheaval that was sparked by the right person asking too many questions to the wrong regime. The information that was received through questioning the norm resulted in an uphill battle between the powers that be and the inner power of mankind.

The current EP picks up after the last one leaves off when a wave crashes over and kills a crooked king who came to power by less than legitimate means. Here we see the loss of what we knew to be reality and the stress and draining realization that what happened cannot be changed and the looming threat of the future is not here yet so all we have is the never-ending now. The story will progress giving way to new ideology but overall, the theme will be consistent. 

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

Oh man, too many. So… Loathe is killing it right now. Spiritbox, Portrayal Of Guilt, Slowtrip, Silver Snakes, Fever 333, NF, Tyler the Creator, The Contortionist, Sincerely, Greyhaven, Jinjer, Chon, Badflower, Unprocessed, Citizen, Balance and Composure. As Cities Burn, Just to name a few..  

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

My dad was in 80s hair metal bands so I was always gonna play music. I do think there was a show I saw when I was down on doing music, and it really pushed me to keep going and that was the RX Bandits. They were really doing a new blend that was hard to be received at the time and I watched the true love and passion they showed on stage and off.

They made me feel like if these guys could go from ska to this weird alt blend and catch the love of these people, then I can keep on this journey and create the music that sings to me whether it is too heavy or not heavy enough. i got this. ya know?  

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

When I play live as this project, I play drums while singing to the backtracks I recorded. I also have a projector behind me showing some wild visuals. Since I sing and play drums at the same time, I do breathing exercises that involve getting air into the lungs and cycle breathing with the diaphragm. This helps allow me to not get as winded while doing both. Since quarantine and the gym closures. I bought resistance bands to keep me strong and quick so when I practice my set, I can get through it without wanting to barf. Besides that, just running the set and vocal warm ups but yeah.. not too crazy.

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

Well, I actually did a collaboration for a song last year that ended up being in a movie. That was cool to see unfold.  I also helped write a track that was used by Kool Keith. It was out of my comfort zone which is what I wanted. Any other large scale things were done while I was touring in bands.

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

Ooo. If I could curate a bill it would Include: Deftones, The Used, Greyhaven, Spiritbox, Portrayal Of Guilt, END, Jinjer, Will They Follow?. That would be killer. All of these bands put in so much love and passion into what they do and it truly feels like their souls  come to life as they play. These bands embrace every second on stage and off and it definitely shows.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Support your local scene in any way you can. They can never see the light of day unless your love feeds them via shows and merch sales (when shows are a thing again). If you love what I am about and want to collaborate, hit me up @ www.thecardinalcoalition.com. Thanks!