A Q&A with Chasing Apparitions

Hard hitting 3-piece Chasing Apparitions, whose three members now hail from Indiana, Louisiana and Sweden, have a new EP out – here’s a chat with guitarist Josey (pictured above)…

How did you get the title of your latest single, and what does it mean to you?
The title of our upcoming sophomore release is ‘Am I Worth Saving?’. The title is taken from a line in ‘Tradition’ by Thousand Below. He says: “Am I worth fixing, is all I really have to say” and that line just hit me. I felt that it accurately portrays everything I wanted to cover in the EP.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest thing was finding a vocalist. With Javin leaving back in 2016 it left some big shoes to fill and ultimately that’s why it took so long to get this release out. I must’ve had at least 20 different vocalists audition before I heard Justin and was like “Holy S**T! I need this guy.”

Who produced the release, and how would you say they helped shape it?
Jonathan Dolese produced the release over at Konkrete Studios. Jonathan helped Chasing Apparitions tremendously. Jonathan was actually the one to recommend Justin to me. Without him, none of this would’ve happened.

What do you want the listener to take away from hearing your music?
I want them to know they’re not alone. Someone, somewhere out there in the world has/is feeling what you’re feeling now. Is questioning what you’re questioning. Just hold on for brighter days.

How does a track normally come together for the band? Can you tell us a bit about that process?
So typically there is a two-step process when it comes to how we write a Chasing Apparitions song. First, Jacob and I will send files back and forth until we decide that the song is perfect instrumentally. Then, I will send the files to Justin and we will discuss where we should go lyrically and what we want the song to be about.

How would you say that the sound of your band has changed over the last year?
Originally back in 2016 we sounded like an Asking Alexandria cover band, but now we’re getting more comfortable in our own shoes and we’re deviating from the path. Giving the listeners something new instead of a different version of another band.

What bands/artists have influenced you the most since you started your own band/project, and why?
In the beginning Asking Alexandria & I See Stars were my biggest influences. I loved the sound they had and the aesthetic of their looks. They just looked like rock stars and I loved it. Lately though, I find myself drawing inspiration from Thousand Below, Architects. & Northlane lyrically and musically.

Chasing Apparitions vocalist, Justin Stubbs

When the world is back to normal, where would you really like to tour, and why?
When the world gets back to normal I would love nothing more than to play a show at The Hoosier Dome with the homies in Soulseeker & Relics.

If you could only pick one track for our reader to listen to, to get a taster of your music, which one would you go far, and why?
Go listen to ‘L’appel Du Vide’. That is my favourite Chasing Apparitions song hands down. Musically it’s heavy and in your face. Lyrically it’s deep and it accomplishes everything that I dreamed of for this EP. If there’s one song I want people to fall in love with, it’s that one.

Where do you see your band in five years’ time?
Still the same Chasing Apparitions just with five more EPs under our belt. I have such big hopes for the band and our release schedule. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’re working on.

The EP ‘Am I Worth Saving?’ by Chasing Apparitions is out soon. For more info visit chasingapparitions.com