Review Fix chats with Lucid Afterlife’s Caleb Sanders, who discusses the band’s origin, goals and creative process.
Review Fix: How did the project start?
Caleb Sanders: I was really concentrating on making music a career and trying to step away from being a concrete finisher. I put myself out there and was surrounding myself with people that have the same passion for music as I do. I happened to make friends with someone who worked on an SFU radio show and he offered to have me play live on the air. I went for it and as I was playing my last song Natjack and Thomas walked in for an interview. They said it was cool if I wanted to hang out, so I did. I just happened to have brought two acoustics with me so we improved a couple songs and it went really well. Natjack asked if I play bass and if I would like to jam with them, of course I said yes as this was the kind of opportunity I was looking for. The next thing I knew I was touring Mexico.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Sanders: When I write music I like to just pick up the guitar or bass and see what naturally comes out. If I come up with something that resonates with me I will record it. I found just recording from the start works best because when I’m in the moment it can get lost by the time I get the recorder out. I really like jamming with a drummer, having a real live person rather than a loop or a backing track sparks a lot of creativity and energy that brings out some cool music. I guess you could say I’m more about in the moment creation than composing a song on paper.
Review Fix: What’s your standout song?
Sanders: It’s hard to choose just one song that stands out. As I was preparing for our first shows I would start everyday with Lucid Afterlife. Each song has had its turn stuck in my head for a day or more, in a great way of course, and I still have not gotten bored of any of the songs. I would say Love is Beyond definitely stands out for me. There’s something about that song that’s just makes you feel good. DMT would be another one that I feel a deep connection to especially after my experience in Mexico.
Review Fix: How was it written?
Sanders: I’m not sure how Love is Beyond was written as it was before I joined the band but I believe it was written live from the heart as a band. I think the same type of scenario happened with DMT, something that just happened to come out. Of course the fact that it was recorded in Peru on a very spiritual level has a lot to do with the energy the song puts out.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2019?
Sanders: My goal is to get the music out there as much as possible. Play, eat, play some more and then maybe sleep if there’s time. Since I first joined Lucid Afterlife I knew that we just had to get out and perform for people and things were going to take off. Thom and Natjack are very talented people and I want to help deliver the music giving people an experience they won’t forget.
Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?
Sanders: I want our music to inspire people and get them to expand their minds about this reality that we are experiencing. I keep thinking back to a bass player I seen at a festival I went to one summer. He had his eyes closed and a smile on his face the whole time. I could really feel that he was right where he was supposed to be, living his passion, doing what he loved to do. It resonated with me so much that I knew that’s where I wanted to be. I want to inspire people to live their passion like that bass player inspired me to do. As a touring band we have an opportunity to bring a positive experience and message to people all around the world and I’m not going to let that opportunity go to waste.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Sanders: Keep the momentum up and keep building the energy and connection we have as a band. Promote the new record and play as many shows as possible.
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