VanEpps from the band Glass Image shares on his creative tastes, being inspired by Radiohead and new song “Again”
Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Connor VanEpps from the band Glass Image out of Central New York. The name “Glass Image” comes from our desire to tell stories about the true human condition. Stories of vulnerability with transparency
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Music has always been my calling. Music has been an integral part of my life since I was very young. My family was very connected to music. We used to have an old organ that I would mess around on and make noise – not necessarily good noise – but noise nonetheless. What sparked my pursuit of songwriting and musicianship was the first time I heard The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The sheer creativity of that record was groundbreaking for me, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
Our newest song is called “Again.” The song was arranged and produced to pay homage to the intensity and style of the classic “spaghetti western” sound, which I’ve always loved. I don’t think the guys necessarily share in that love with me, but I’ve always been drawn to the style and sound of the old west, there’s just a charm to it. The lyrics tell a story of a person going through a tribulation with someone they’re close to who is “going down a road” they shouldn’t go down, and it’s left fairly ambiguous on purpose since any listener could relate this to any number of different subjects – a relationship, an addiction, etc.
What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?
I think our sound is hard to pin down, but in the best way. The album we’re releasing in July explores a lot of different sounds and influences in itself, so pinpointing one genre might do it a disservice. I think we fall under the “alternative rock” label really well in general though. Our music is unique because we as a band collectively try to stay away from “tunnel vision.” In other words, we try not to put our sound in any particular box. We’re fully ready and willing to go any direction musically.
Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d say there are three major influences on the band. The first and probably most important would be Radiohead. As any Radiohead fan knows, they’ve always been at the forefront of pushing what music can do and they pair it perfectly with mastering what has already been done. They really are the full package musically. Another huge influence on us is Queens of the Stone Age. Their “wall of sound” mentality is so infectious, but also more recently the’ve become more adventurous. They weren’t afraid to go a completely different direction than they were known for – and it totally paid off in my opinion. Their 2013 release “…Like Clockwork” is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. One last influence I’ll mention, and this is more of a personal one more so than one for the entire band, is Dawes. Dawes is a folk rock band out of California who started in 2009 when folk rock music wasn’t necessarily blossoming, and they did it because they had a true love for that music. Their lyrics are so personal and so endearing, and with each release they get more and more adventurous with their music. If anyone hasn’t heard of them, I definitely recommend giving them a listen. I’d love to collaborate with any of these artists!
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
I’ve been lucky to have been a part of a lot of different projects in my short time of being alive. One of the coolest was when I was in college, I got to score a short film for a student from another college. It definitely threw a loop into my usual process of writing music considering there were obviously no lyrics and you had to tailor the music to each scene. I ended up being nominated for some awards at a couple of college film festivals for the score! It was a really great experience and I’d definitely like to pursue that side of music more.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
I don’t think there’s really ever a time that music isn’t on my mind in some form, it has become so intrinsic to my being over the years that I’m always thinking of the next song or whatever record I’m obsessed with at the moment. Not to say that I’m totally absent in the other aspects of my life though. I’m lucky enough to be a guitar teacher as my job, so I’m totally allowed to have music on the mind for practically two thirds of my day.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
As cliche as it sounds, always work to your fulfillment. Don’t make music because it sells well, make music because of the effect it has on you. Tell your stories, express yourself. I think music is such an integral part of society because it helps us relate to other people so well, and it wouldn’t be that way if music was meant to be impersonal. I think what draws fans is your ability to be vulnerable and human through song.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
A massive thank you and a sincere request to stay with us. We have so much to share and we want anyone who wants to be involved to be involved. The support we’ve gotten so far is unbelievable and we want to work to keep pushing that boundary!
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
Right now, all of our attention is dedicated to the record. We have two more singles planned for May and June respectively, and then the release of our record in July. We’re excited for everyone to hear what we’ve made!
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