Review Fix Exclusive: Before Nitrogen’s Sean McGibany Talks ‘Floodplains’ And More

Review Fix chats with Nitrogen’s Sean McGibany, who discusses the band’s signature sound. goals 

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Sean McGibany: We all grew up together, but never had any idea of starting a band. Sean (our lead singer) was seriously involved in music starting at age 8 playing guitar and writing songs, and he started performing as a solo act in high school. Jack (our guitarist) also played throughout high school, but didn’t really have time to continue in college. Joe (sample pad/drum machine) had no previous musical experience whatsoever but has been Sean’s friend since Kindergarten and always involved in his projects. Eventually, the stars aligned and we all got together to start Before Nitrogen.

Review Fix: How did the band get together?

McGibany: Sean started floating the “Before Nitrogen” idea back in 2016, and Jack was one of the first to sign on, but we could never tie down the rest of the lineup. Joe had been involved as a “creative consultant” throughout, and Sean wanted to bring him into the band but there was a problem: Joe didn’t play any instruments. So, we envisioned a role for him as the “machine master” – controlling our electronic beats and synth sounds from a sample pad. Joe’s addition was what really got the band off the ground and gave us a unique sound and image.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

McGibany: Lately we’ve been trying to make sure each song/project we put out is part of a larger narrative. Our message as a band is “Hope is Not Lost,” and we want that theme to be present in everything we do. For instance, on our new EP Elements we follow a character through the four seasons as he reflects on a lost relationship. Despite the fact that it’s more than likely that the cycle will repeat again in his new relationship (just like the seasons themselves), he refuses to let it get him down and looks to future with optimism. And who knows, maybe this time it will work out. That’s the kind of story we try to tell.

Review Fix: What makes Milwaukee music special?

McGibany: One of the best things about Milwaukee music is that there’s so much waiting to be discovered. Milwaukee isn’t known as a center for music, which means so many bands slip under the radar. This can be annoying for a band trying to get attention, but it’s great for listeners looking for new music. The Milwaukee scene is incredibly eclectic, and you’ll find something to love no matter what you listen to. Not to mention all the musicians here are incredibly nice and so many of them have been willing to talk with us and take us under their wing!

Review Fix: What inspires you?

McGibany: Stories of perseverance are very inspiring. This band has been a long time coming – we didn’t form overnight, and this EP certainly didn’t either. But we think we have a story to tell, and we’re going to try our best to get it out. So many of our favorite bands like twenty one pilots, Green Day, and Luke Combs have experienced similar struggles and came out on top. We find that very inspiring and hope to follow in their example. 

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

McGibany: We can comfortably be described as what would happen if James Taylor was produced by Owl City.

Review Fix: How was “Floodplains” written?

McGibany: “Floodplains” is the really key song on the new EP Elements, it’s where the “Hope is Not Lost” aspect comes in. Our character has just been through three songs of crushed dreams, but on “Floodplains” he’s got a new person in his life and it’s making him believe that he might have someone on his side now. Is he right? We don’t know, but he’s taking the leap anyways. 

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

McGibany: We like to have fun onstage and really push ourselves to be dynamic performers. The EP will give you a great baseline, but we really encourage folks to come see us live – we put a lot of work into creating the show. We try to give the audience everything we have and find ways to get them involved at every turn.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2019?/What’s next?

McGibany: We have a batch of shows lined up around Milwaukee this summer, which will be our first time playing full setlists together as a band. It’s been a lot of work getting all of our new songs prepared, but we think we’re ready. After that, we’re hoping to be back in the studio for a new project in the fall.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

McGibany: If anyone in the Milwaukee area happens to be seeing this, we’re very excited to be playing July 12 at Bastille Days, and we’d love to see you there!