A Q&A With Fire The Humans

Evocative solo project from St. Louis…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Burned Alive’ is a sexy and sultry song I wrote about a special evening with my wife. She was captivating and I had to take people there musically. It’s very personal and I believe everyone can relate to such an evening. The anticipation in the room was palpable. There was tension. We were talking with our eyes.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Many Fire the Humans songs have more of a ‘digital’ pop feel as the bed. Intentionally I wanted this song to feel a hair more organic, as if you can hear the guitar strings rattle, the bass notes to hum and for my raspy voice to feel like it’s happening in the room wherever you are. I brought in a couple friends, Chris Hobbs and Brian ‘PookeeJones’ Smith from the band CAVO to play those parts I needed. The anticipation of getting in the studio to lay those parts was the hardest part. I do not like to wait. 🙂

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do enjoy most about producing your own material?
I produced the song and recorded it with another longtime, well seasoned pro named Rich Criebaum, who not only engineered the song, but co-produced as well.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Authenticity. It’s honest, real and who I am. In regards to ‘Burned Alive’… have a cocktail, listen to this at 1AM and tell me you don’t melt into a puddle.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Everything is surrounded by the melody, the hook. If I cannot get the melody out of my head, I know there’s something to it. In this case, I began writing my own personal moment into this rhythm, tempo and overall feeling. Built out these tracks with Rich, then laying the vocals and then bringing in Chris and Brian to round it out. Came together perfectly. Makes it easy when you have professionals around you. Everyone just does their job and they’re incredible.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Rival Sons, The Neighbourhood, Coldplay. These are top of mind currently. All very real, very talented and unapologetic for playing melodic music in the world for us to sing to. All incredible.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I love the UK… I’d also love to play in Sweden and Japan. Many Fire the Humans fans in those countries and I’d love to share some moments together with my like-minded friends.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Oh wow… I love them all… start with ‘Burned Alive’ and work your way back to the start. You’ll love them all for different reasons.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Artistic freedom. Not money, not fame. Just freedom.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thank you. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without them. Just as I say ‘Thank You’ for having me today! Truly appreciate it.

Find out more about Fire the Humans at youtube.com/@FireTheHumans