-Interview- Writing In The Skies (10/9/17)

Writing In The Skies talks about their "Metamorphose" album, the East/West Massachusetts music scene and much more.


From: Belchertown, MA
Sounds like: Instrumental Progressive Metal

1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “Writing In The Skies” and is there any meaning behind it?

Writing in the Skies actually started as a side project for Zach and Wes in 2012. They were originally in a power metal band called Tides of Time when Joel contacted them to see if they would be interested in starting something more on the progressive side.They brought in Chris to fill out the sound. Eventually Tides of Time dissolved and Writing in the Skies became the main project for this quartet. Wes was the one who thought of the name for Writing in the Skies and it means nothing.

2. What do you want people to take away from your "Metamorphose" album?

We think (and we hope our listeners will agree!) that "Metamorphose", our first full length album, showcases how our sound has developed and matured since our EP "Aphasia".


We are an instrumental prog metal band that weave mystifying guitars, labyrinthine bass, and inconceivable drums into a deranged and mesmerizing sound that will tug on your heartstrings before tying them into a gordian knot.

4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?

We would love to have the opportunity to tour with Plini, Haken, and/or Valence.


Wes: "Images & Words" - Dream Theater, "Sink or Swim" - Gaslight Anthem, "Hanasakajiji" - Anathallo.

Chris: "Moving Pictures" - Rush, "Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes, "Choose Your Weapon" - Haitus Kaiyote.

Joel: "Language" - The Contortionist, "Sound Awake" - Karnivool, "The Mountain" - Haken.

Zach: "Known/Learned" - Arcane, "Watercolors" - Pat Metheny, "Putting the Days to Bed" - The Long Winters.

6. What’s your take on the current state of Metal?

Metal is more diverse than ever before. Thanks to the power of the internet, niche genres have been allowed to flourish. We certainly might not have found our audience otherwise.

7. What’s the current music scene like there in Massachusetts both locally and state wide?

The music scene in Western Massachusetts is absolutely thriving. Thanks to the hard work of local promoters, we have lots of really good bands in our area. More importantly, everyone in the scene is supportive, friendly, and not competitive in the slightest. Walking into a show, whether you're playing or just attending, feels like you're coming home. Interestingly enough, we haven't had the same experience in Eastern MA. There are still plenty of good bands, but the crowd seems less willing to stick around to support all the acts.

8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?

We don't have a strong stance on the issue. Personally, we make very little money in this business regardless. Would it be cool if you bought our music instead of downloading/streaming it? Absolutely. That being said, it's not going to pay our bills either way. Although it's a shame that music has became devalued as an art form, this is the reality that we now live in.

9. What’s next for Writing In The Skies?

We're currently in the throes of writing our next full length. We're also preparing to record a new single and have quite a few shows booked for November.

10. Any shoutouts?

First and foremost, we have to thank Jeff and Patty. They not only birthed and raised Joel, they also have let us practice in their basement once a week for the past five years. We wouldn't be a band without their love and support.

We'd also like to give a shout out to Promotorhead Entertainment. They are, hands down, our favorite promoter to work with and they have been instrumental in fostering a supportive, friendly, and successful music scene in Western MA.

Finally, we'd like to recognize Rodney Walsh, who will be working his music wizardry to record our upcoming single.