Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
The name is a portmanteau of the words “dissonant” and “persona”. In the past, Dissona made more regular use of dissonance in the music but in more modern times, it serves as more of a metaphor for our approach and ideals with the music and art we create. We strive to keep things unique and unexpected while still making the experience as engaging as possible for the listener. Dissona has been active since 2009 and we have two full-length albums: the 2012 self-titled and 2016’s Paleopneumatic. Our newest musical offering, a 3-song EP called “Dreadfully Distinct” was very recently announced and the first single and music video “The Prodigal Son” is available now EVERYWHERE.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We’re all in the Chicago area but in different suburbs about 20-30 minutes apart from each other. Dissona “began” almost 20 years ago when Matt (guitar) and Craig (bass) met in a high school guitar class. Matt had a project of his own and was looking for a bassist to fill in on an upcoming gig, for which Craig agreed. The musical connection between us was immediate and steps were taken to build up the rest of the band. Craig recruited David as the singer, having played with him in other projects for years as well as knowing his considerable talents. The three of us went on for years with different drummers and other instrumentalists before we miraculously found Drew, a recent St. Louis transplant, via a CraigsList ad. He auditioned and we immediately knew: this was it. That was roughly 2009 and we consider that to be the formal beginning for what is now Dissona.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
We all have separate favorite artists and genres I think we lean towards. Opeth, Ahab, Tool, and Blind Guardian are just a few that we all share an affinity for but I’m not sure how much those artists have an effect on the music we create. We never EVER write a piece of music with the intent of it being “in the style of” so and so or what not. The track needs to tell a specific story and it’s through the grappling with the musical fundamentals that are available to everyone that we sculpt those stories.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
I think I can confidently say that this was a very natural life transition: the life of a musician. We treat it with responsibility so we all have our day jobs and expect no financial return, but the process is never any less sweeter because of it.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
I’ve been doing the ol’ “go to artist radio” function on Spotify as of late and I usually have Opeth as the starting point. But I will admit, there’s quite a bit of flowery acoustic stuff that comes through so using that method isn’t the best for holding my attention. Constant spins for me would be Opeth’s Still Life or Edge of Sanity’s Crimson II. Cynic’s Traced in Air is a wonderful, tight listen as well.
Do you sing in the shower?
If I do, it’s probably me creating a song out of something I need to remember to do that day. The forgetful mind of the creative gets tough, haha!
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Big plans! We’ve got two other singles from the new “Dreadfully Distinct” EP that are coming out in the next several weeks and another THREE videos with those songs! So it’ll be a fierce push on all of those until the end of the year. Then we’ll be planning and securing performances for 2024 starting at the end of this year as well. So follow those socials and stay tuned!
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Sure do! Our newest single and video “The Prodigal Son” can be found everywhere RIGHT NOW! And then the rest of the “Dreadfully Distinct” EP will be released in singles and videos within the next several weeks via Earache Distribution.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Red Rocks Ampitheatre in Colorado sure does look like a good time!
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
I couldn’t choose. My tastes change all the time and seem to come and go with the seasons. I will say Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of the Holy” was a cornerstone album in shaping how I feel the music and an album should be.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
At one point it may have been Lady Gaga’s music but these days, I think it’s healthiest to stay away from that pop music!
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Oh man, let’s call it Prog Giants Unite and it’ll be classic era Opeth, Symphony X, Cynic, and Tool playing only slammers.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
I remember it like it was yesterday. Walked right into Target with a gift card and bought the Spider-Man Original Soundtrack. Fell asleep to that for probably half a year at least. Sadly, I don’t still have the record.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
If you’re already a fan of Dissona, you have my complete gratitude. Keeping things exciting and real for you is what we are here for. If you haven’t given Dissona a chance yet, we ask that you give it focused attention at your time of choosing. We truly believe there is something magical here and all we ask is that you give the new single a spin, and go from there!
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
You can find all the links you could possibly need at our Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/dissona. And as a backup, our official website can be found at: https://www.dissonaband.com/. Please be sure to follow us on all socials, watch “The Prodigal Son” on YouTube, and stream it wherever you get your music!
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
We are beyond humbled by your interest in what we do and who we are! The incredible flow of support from organizations like The Metal Asylum and all of our amazing fans gives us unimaginable inspiration. WE THANK YOU!
This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum