Cynthia Todd, MavRadio News Director
The Seen is ready to take the stage.
The Omaha band is currently on its “Great Rock, Weak Raps Tour,” and ends its Midwest leg Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Slowdown in Omaha.
The band began as an acoustic and electric duo, but later formed into a quintet after adding three additional members. The Seen consists of Buck Blanc, Ryan Callinan, Matt Benson, Aaron Maxwell and Josh Soto.
The members took the time to talk with MavRadio about the music making process and upcoming show.
MavRadio: If you had to describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe it?
Josh Soto: It’s a far reaching, textural rock sound so we use the traditional rock instruments, loud crunchy guitars, big drums and fat bass. With Ryan’s keyboard elements and Buck and Ryan’s vocal harmonies, we add a richness that isn’t quite found in contemporary rock music; there’s different layers, different flavors and different compliments.
MR: What is the song writing/ music making process like for you guys?
Aaron Maxwell: Typically the process starts with Buck; he’ll come in with an idea on guitar or keys, and he and matt will work together to structure the song. Then Ryan, Josh or myself will come in and lay down our respective parts and we’ll take it from there. There’s no real formula or specific structure to the process. They all kind of flow their own way.
MR: Who are some of the band’s musical inspirations?
Buck Blanc: Everyone in the band has different musical inspirations. I’d have to say Josh likes groovy rock and roll, Matt and Aaron are definitely into metal, Aaron loves anything with delay in it and I like a lot of different stuff. I mean a lot of us like different stuff but everyone is definitely independently influenced.
MR: What was the reaction like to your self-titled album released last year? What went into making that record?
BB: I’d say pretty positive. We haven’t left a show without meeting awesome people who are stoked on what we’re doing. It’s not like we’re meeting thousands of people or anything, but the few we do are ready to get on our team and that’s something we can definitely appreciate.
MR: You guys are writing music for a new album, what can listeners expect from this album? When do you expect it to come out?
AM: Well, we’ve been playing together for almost four years so we know each other musically. It’s going to sound more mature and we’ll play off each other a lot more.
MR: What’s it like making music in Omaha? Do you like the music scene?
Ryan Callinan: Omaha is a special place. We are surrounded by incredibly talented artists and musicians. We love our city.
MR: What’s your favorite part of being in a band?
RC: These dudes are family, and we’re surrounded by an incredibly talented creative culture. The generosity and support of our local community is second to none, and at the end of the day it allows us to continue doing what we love and we’re grateful for that.
MR: Why would you encourage people to come out to the show?
RC: The Slowdown rules. Our great friend Steve Nichols is playing too. We’ve been looking forward to this one for a while.
MR: Any exciting plans for the next year?
RC: New records, more touring and shows and shows and shows.
