Review Fix Exclusive: Fable Cry Frontman Zach Ferrin Talks ‘Dead or Alive’ And More

Review Fix chats with Fable Cry Frontman Zach Ferrin, who discusses the band’s origin, goals for the future and their new single “Dead or Alive,” off their latest album,”We’ll Show You Where the Monsters Are.”

Review Fix: How did the band get together?

Zach Ferrin: I started the band back in 2010, but there was a pretty real reincarnation in 2014 when previous members left, and I was faced with the opportunity to rebuild and  expand!  It was at that time when I invited Scott Fernandez (bassist, and long time friend) to come out and play.  He wasn’t home, because he was on his way to my house to see if I wanted to come out and play.  We met on the way back, and have played music together ever since… Jo Cleary (violinist/vocalis) had just moved to town and was looking for somewhere wacky and unique to throw her talents – cue the mustachioed invitation of yours truly!  Finally, when Rachel Gerlach (drums, and co-worker of Jo’s) came out to see our first show, she insisted on being our drummer.  This effort took zero arm twisting.

Review Fix: How was “Dead or Alive” written?

Ferrin: I actually started writing it before we were a full band, and it was a huge reason for us becoming a full band.  I had always written our songs to be played by two people, but when I started “DoA” I knew we were changing – and I liked it!   I wanted to write a single song that pretty well encompassed our sound.  I wanted the lyrics/melody to be enjoyably horrifying and haunting.  I wanted there to be a breakdown.  And a waltz.  And a fast shred/solo.  And a catchy chorus.  All wrapped up in an array of textures that made it unique.  I’m happy with it, and think we accomplished that.

Review Fix: What makes you guys unique?

Ferrin: We are all so varied in our backgrounds and the genres that we like, and aren’t afraid, to cross genres in unexpected ways – and in ways that are difficult to decipher between.  Our music keeps you guessing.  You think you’ve figured us out, then we’ll throw in something extra unexpected.  You know, for shits and giggles.

Review Fix: What acts inspire you the most?

Ferrin: There are so many.  The bands that I tend to admire the most, though, are those that see themselves as more than just musicians, but as artists and entertainers as well.  Those that don’t just have great music, but also focus on the visual aspect as well – through videos and live performances.  David Bowie, Ghost, Rammstein, Queen, Muse, and Iron Maiden to name a few.

Review Fix: What’s the band’s creative process like?

Ferrin: It’s my little baby brainchild.  There’s a lot bouncing around in there and the process by which they come out honestly varies.  Most often the songs are built around a riff or a story I want to tell, but often times I get an idea for a video first, and write the song to that.  “You Ain’t My Baby No More” was a song I really wrote for the stage, because of the slide whistles, and bells, and vaudevillian way in which we perform it (complete with the crowd being cued to all clap their laps when Jo’s umbrella opens, simulating the sound of rain).

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2016?

Ferrin: Ideally, we’d love to just blow up.  That would be killer.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never listened before?

Ferrin: Like a smorgasbord of haunting tunes you can dance to with a smile.  You have a smile on your face, and you are also holding an enormous like separate smile that you can’t remember bringing with you.  It may be a little confusing at times but, overall, we think you will like it.  P.S. the smile’s teeth are kinda sharp…

Review Fix: How do you want people to be affected by your tunes?

Ferrin: We want people to have a good time.  And since there’s a lot to what we do, there are multiple things you could get out of it.  I think it’s important to have a sense of humor and fun, though, when facing some of life’s tougher moments.  Many of the horror themes that we incorporate are symbolic exaggerations of daily problems – fear, rejection, death, etc.  We try to make light of some of these in order to make them more bearable.  We take this band very seriously, and we work very hard, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.  We hope people can do the same.  We just want you to come out and play!  P.S. our teeth are kinda sharp…

Review Fix: What’s next?

Ferrin: Ideally, we’d love to just blow up.  But regardless, we’ll keep playing our music, touring, making music videos, and having a blast living our nightmarish little dream full of skeletons and gas station candy snacks.