Claiming Neptune

Everything I’ve learned about the band Claiming Neptune so far says “laid back”. I got this vibe as soon as I read their bio page and it started with, “We like to play rock n roll. We’re also from the planet Earth…the Austin, Texas part of it.” It shows they have a good sense of humor and are, well, down to Earth. It’s nice to see a band that is very straightforward and simple in their approach to making music. However the band is full of interesting characters judging by the little blurbs I read with some of their interests.

Their frontwoman is Lisa Borjon whose style is a product of her parent’s musical influences from the 80s and 90s as well as her brother’s classic rock albums. Derrick Yeomon, a lover of the oldies but goodies of music, and Robert Jenkins, a fan of hip hop and rock alike, both play guitar. Joshua Wuensche plays the drums, which he learned to play around the age of 16. Adam Barone, who once spent nine months traveling the Americas by motorcycle, plays bass and keyboard.

They released an album this year called In Times of Change which features a song called “Apparition”. This track is a fan favorite, with its steady beat and soothing vocals. It is about a woman who has become engrossed in a relationship to the point it’s all she knows and he is all she wants. Yet because of the manipulation she needs to let him go and focus on her own happiness.

But I won’t play these games no more
It’s time to throw you out and close that door
I see right through your apparition
From these chains I will break free
Consider me part of your collection
But it’s something that won’t change me
2X Your love is what I needed

The time has come for me to end it
So me and all my girls will have some fun
Sip a little; dance some more til the night is done
Now that I know better for myself
I won’t change a thing for anyone else
Cause I won’t play these games no more
Otherwise I’ll throw you out, and close that door!

In another of their popular songs called “Happening Now” we get some more background info about why she had to let this guy go. Apparently there was another lady in the mix.

And even though I don’t know her
It’s like I know her
Because you can’t forget her
Why can’t you just forget her?
Won’t you just forget her?

I feel like I’m reading someone’s diary that is going through a rocky relationship. There is an honesty and intimacy about them that I like. The album is definitely not a ruckus of guitar and drums but instead a mellow rhythm and dreamy tone. It reminds me of an acoustic rock version of Lana Del Rey and it also feels like it would fit right into the soundtrack of a coming of age movie starring Michael Cera. Those are my two cents, if it sounds like it’s up your alley then check out their album In Times of Change on SoundCloud or iTunes. - KUTE Radio

This site is not all about Metal bands, I do have a slightly softer side, so while exploring my 'softer side', I decided to interview American Band CLAIMING NEPTUNE. Indeed, their new album 'In Times Of Change' is rather good.

Hi from England and it is a real pleasure to be given the chance to interview you. Can we initially be introduced to the members of your band?
Hello from sunny Austin, Texas! We are Lisa Borjon, vocals; Derrick Yeoman, guitar; Robert Jenkins, guitar; Adam Barone, bass (and keys) and Joshua Wuensche on drums...

And how did you all come together to form CLAIMING NEPTUNE?
Derrick: It all began after a few sessions of jamming with fellow guitarist Robert Jenkins. We were wanting to do more from an artistic standpoint, and I’ve always been into female artists/bands for a long time so we decided to reach out to a friend of ours and see if she would be willing to collaborate with us. Things took off right away with a great chemistry in both songwriting and musical goals, so from there we added our drummer and bassist. With each practice, the creative vibe with all of us as a band was so in sync, and within a short period of time, I knew things were going exactly where we wanted.

Are any of you involved in any other musical projects?
Adam: No other current bands that I am aware of. (Any secrets, anyone?) We all continue to work on the musical projects that are ourselves as individual musicians. For instance, Lisa’s recently taken a liking to messing around with everyone’s instruments in practice. She recently got a TC Helicon voice box and now she’s going to get a sequencer, so that’s all going to add to her development as a musician...and, by default, the band.

How did you come about the name CLAIMING NEPTUNE?
Lisa: I so wish we had a cool story to tell about our name, but it came across my mind as I was jotting down ideas. (We, each, were supposed to come up ideas and then diplomatically vote for the best one.) So i guess you can say, it was fate that brought us to that name!

I know nothing is ever certain, but do you foresee Claiming Neptune to be a long term band project?
Adam: We’re treating it like it’s going to be. We believe it can be. We’re excited about the prospect of making a go of it! It’s been a year-and-a-half so far, and we’re working hard to continue writing great music and perfecting our stage show. The good news is we’re making great progress on both, and that requires a fair bit of discipline since we don’t get to spend a whole lot of time together each week. The five of us have a lot of our own stuff going on during the week. That means we must take a businesslike approach to all of our rehearsals, writing sessions and shows. So, yes. It’s important to all of us, and we’d like to make it our full-time careers.

For those unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe it?
Derrick: Like most artists, it’s hard to describe our music without using multiple descriptives, as each song seems to exude its own persona, so with that in mind I would say a Dreamy Alternative Power Pop sound with Folk overtones.
Lisa: I usually describe our sound as soft-indie with a little bit of throw-back 90’s. But I will second Derrick’s notion that each song takes on it’s own persona..beautiful how that works!
Adam: I agree with these two, and I will add “smooth and groovy.”

Can you tell us more about your debut album, that after having listened to it, is rather good!?
Derrick: Thank you, we were initially just going in to record an EP, but we already had so much material we decided to go with a full length album. Lyrically speaking, the tone definitely speaks about the rollercoaster of dealing with relationships.
Lisa: I feel as though our album definitely shows the progress that we’ve made as a band. For us to be able to go into the studio after not having been together as a group that long, was a good sign for sure...and the fact that we had so many good tunes to choose from, was even better. This was definitely a “project,” and I feel like our next pieces are just going to get better from here on out.

And who are the main songwriters?
Adam: We all share in the responsibility, but Lisa and Derrick are usually writing the lyrics...Adam, Derrick, Robert and Josh all contribute to how the music goes...it’s a pretty collaborative writing process.

Do you have any personal fave tracks on the record?
Adam: Apparition, Lonely
Derrick: Apparition, Misery
Lisa: Apparition and Two Worlds Apart are tied for my faves!
Robert: Let Me Let Go, Now You’re Gone
Josh: Now You're Gone, Happening Now

Where was it recorded and can you tell us what the studio experience was like?
Adam: The record was recorded at Austin To Boston Recording Studio in nearby Round Rock with Mark Donovan (who’s worked with Buddy Miles and Malford Milligan Band...among many others) behind the board and producing us. For three of the five of us, it was our first time ever working in a recording studio, so there was a bit of a learning curve. Some of the songs changed quite a bit from their original form while others did not. All in all, we learned a lot and grew a lot as musicians.

Regards the title of the album, can you explain its meaning?
Lisa: Lyrically, most of the songs describe the ups and downs of relationships. “In times of Change” was used to convey that idea in it’s simplest form.
Adam: I had some different ideas on the cover art. I also had different ideas on what we would call this record...none of which I remember anymore, however, as I’ve gotten on board with Lisa’s idea for the name of the record. Even though we’re lyrically dealing in the currency of relationships on this record, the themes are pretty universal. For me, this record is about metamorphosis...moving from one state of being to another, as we all do in life as changes happen. And it just so happens that so many of life’s changes are often linked to our pursuits of love and relationships.

What is the music scene like in Austin TX?
Robert: It’s pretty much like a melting pot of all sorts of artists, from your local garage bands to world class musicians. The variety of live music makes it enjoyable for everyone that goes out, not wanting to hear the same old tunes that we’re accustomed to hearing on a mainstream wave.

And what qualities does your band have that you think makes them stand out from the rest of the Alternative-Rock crowd?
Derrick: We tend to keep things professional in every aspect, from the practice room to the stage. We hold each other accountable, and we respect each other. Having the endurance and ethic to keep knocking on doors, and to keep moving forward to achieve all goals we have set for ourselves.
Adam: I think we’re developing somewhat of a unique sound. The five of us bring a huge range of influences into this band, and it’s been interesting to see the places that has taken us so far, but we’re only just getting started...

What bands currently inspire you?
Derrick: There tends to be a lot of West Coast artists that have inspired me as of lately such as, Best Coast, Cherry Glazerr, The Aquadolls, and other groups such as Mazzy Star and The Cranberries are still very inspirational.
Adam: Inspiration for me comprises such a huge compilation of everything I’ve ever listened to over the various stages of my life, which have been many. I have many soundtracks and to single anything out would probably be an inaccurate description of what’s really going on in my head musically, which I don’t always understand where it’s coming from, but it certainly transcends genres from my mother playing the organ in church growing up to hardcore hip-hop and rock. As a bassist, someday, I hope to get to meet Roger Waters, Billy Gould (Faith No More), Victor Wooten, and Eric Wilson from Sublime.

What hobbies do you have when not making music?
Adam: Riding motorcycles, writing, lifting weights, watching college football (GO OSU BUCKEYES!)…
Derrick: Movies, home improvement projects, running...
Robert: Eating healthy and clean, working out at the park, flag football, learning Spanish...
Lisa: Huge SF 49ers and as of last year I’ve become an addicted fantasy football participant so between Sep-Dec that occupies a lot of my time. ^.^ I also enjoy reading and watching Chopped!

And what music do you listen to when chilling out?
Adam: Older stuff like Pink Floyd, The Doors, Sublime, Led Zeppelin, lots of Reggae, No Doubt, Talking Heads…
Derrick: Interpol, Remy Zero, Best Coast, Christina Perri, She & Him, Amy Winehouse, and any oldies from the 50’s and 60’s
Lisa: My go-to pandora stations are 90’s alt. rock, No Doubt, Kings of Leon, and Sublime. I can listen to them every single day and not get tired!
Robert: Hip hop and R&B is my back bone, one of my favorite artists is Chamillionare. I also listen to alot of old school blues legend, Bb King, Albert King, and Lightinin Hopkins. John Mayer and Silversun Pickups two of my favorites as well.

If someone was to offer you a support slot with absolutely ANY band of your choice, what band or artist would that be?
Adam: My Morning Jacket, Incubus, The Killers, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, No Doubt...must we choose only one?
Lisa: I feel like our sound would marry perfectly with that of The Cranberries.. How epic would that be!?

Are there any gigs planned in the near future?
Adam: New gigs are always coming up...June 19 at the Lucky Lounge in Austin is currently on the schedule right now, but we are planning to tour soon (although specifics of these plans are fairly embryonic at the moment).

Many thanks for answering these questions for us. Is there anything you would like to say to the readers of this website before we sign off?
Lisa: Not to sound cheesy but we appreciate every single ounce of support that we receive. Especially in the stage that we’re in at the moment, it’s awesome to know that there are people that genuinely enjoy our music, so to have the support of our Neptuners, means the universe to us!
Dave Smith (May 10, 2016) - Ravenheart Music