All Hail The Altermind

Starting a new project is never easy. We know that simply writing some songs with friends and playing them around town will only get you so far as a beginner band. No matter how many years you've played your instrument, or how successful your last project was, your current band is still a new band. Doing it right and preparing a proper recording, image and brand for your band before you hit the public are all great steps to start with.

Michael Murray has been working on his new project, now called, "Altermind," for over a year, and that's not counting all the time he has put into writing the material. We had a chance to have a quick interview with Michael about his new project.

Hammer Records:
When can we expect the reveal of the new band?

Michael Murray:
We finish recording our debut EP on June 17th at Raincity Recorders. We have everything ready to go right now (as far as merch, social media, websites). We are just waiting until the EP is finished to release it all to the public. So, I'd say, it's safe to say June 20th will be the big day when we FINALLY, officially reveal Altermind to the world. We are super stoked and anxious for it!


Hammer Records:
Can you tell us the line up?

Michael Murray:
The line up consists of myself on both rhythm/lead guitars and backing vocals, Kame'e Alise on lead vocals and piano, Jeff Reiter on drums and we are currently on the look out for a new bassist.


Hammer Records:
When will we hear an album?

Michael Murray:
June 20th. We will release the single for the EP and in the following week or so you can expect to be able to purchase the entire EP off iTunes or our social media, or a physical copy from any of us!


Hammer Records:
How does it feel to have written most of the material for the album by yourself?

Michael Murray:
As for the writing of the debut EP, I'd say we all put in equal amounts, pretty much. Yes, I'm the main songwriter, but I let Kame'e do her own thing with lyrics and she writes all the piano parts. Which, she does an absolutely amazing job at. Jeff's an incredible drummer, so, I give my suggestions to him as to what I hear for the rhythm sections and he takes my ideas into consideration, adds his own spice to it and then a song is born. We all write 100% from the heart. We definitely hope our music will reach out to people and that people will relate to our music. To be quite honest, I think you can hear in a lot of the songs that they have a deep meaning to all of us.


Hammer Records:
What other bands can we compare your new band's sound to be like?

Michael Murray:
As for our sound, it's tough to say. We're not metal, we're not hard rock. It's like an infusion of the two. I think the best way to describe it would be an angry and heavier 'Evanescence' meets 'Halestorm.' You can hear all of our influences in it though. Lots of Metallica, Three Days Grace, Evanescence and Breaking Benjamin type vibes for sure!

So there you have it, be on the look out for this new album and be sure to catch them live when you have a chance!