Review Fix chats with Ovtlier’s Joey Arena, who discusses the group’s inspirations, creative process and musical bucket list.
Review Fix: How did your project start?
Joey Arena: OVTLIER began in 2014 with just myself (Arena) traveling to and from Cleveland over the course of a year writing for the record. Planning to just create a foundation to find like-minded musicians to play with or fill in for shows.Â
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Arena: Like many, I picked up my first guitar when i was 11yrs old after listening to a Nirvana on repeat. Took some lessons from musicians of different backgrounds, couple years of music theory and decided i wanted to do this the rest of my life.Â
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Arena: Thus far; i usually write a bunch of ideas for hooks and potential riffs, bring it to the studio and do most of my writing there. Im able to give my undivided attention into each song.Â
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Arena: Everything i go or have been through. It all comes from personal experiences, from overcoming what life has thrown my way and anxieties to betrayal from friends and loved ones.Â
Review Fix: What makes this album special?
Arena: “What Doesn’t Kill You” is very special to me cause it not only maps out the beginning of Ovtlier but also was a true test for me of how this band can operate. It also provides a positive message that though we all go through traumatic experiences that could forever manipulate ones integrity we bear the ability to choose our own outcome. What Doesn’t Kill You is an open-ended statement that allows you, the listener to decide what you will choose as the outcome of situations.Â
Review Fix: What’s the standout track?
Arena: To me, each track stands out. They all offer something a little different from one another but sit collectively so well on a record.Â
Review Fix: What’s on your musical bucket list?
Arena: To see as much of the world at the expense of music. To play every festival. To touch the lives of as many people as possible.Â
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