Lucid AfterLife

Who is Lucid AfterLife?

Nathaniel Jack (vocals), Diego Avila (guitar), Kyle Arellano (bass), and Matthew Shearlaw (drums) are known for their genre-bending sound, which mixes metal, hip-hop, and spoken word, among others. The four-piece is revered for their theatrical live performances, consistently captivating audiences on tours across North America. They have released a handful of tracks, as well as an EP, Meltdown. Now, the Vancouver-based progressive rock band gives us a deeper look into the depths of their souls with their new album, I Am.

Funky, introspective, and laced with thick lines and squealing riffs, the eight tracks on Lucid AfterLife’s latest effort play seamlessly, flowing from dark places to lighter ones both sonically and metaphorically.

I Am opens with its title track, with the band affirming their presence through groovy verses and powerful shouts over heavy, hard-hitting riffs. The song, idiosyncratic by way of Rage Against The Machine, descends nicely into “Mother” — a slow-burner with sexy plucks and even sexier female backing vocals.


Lead singer Jack’s spoken word is nothing short of poetic over emotive strums on “A.O. (Alpha Omega),” a track originally released in 2013. Though it’s likely the most well known song off the album, it’s not the biggest highlight — “Lillith”, which follows with a hair-raising guitar solo and pummelling drums, also leaves a great impact as it slowly builds up and down and back again.

I Am’s final three tracks almost act as extensions of each other — whirlwinds of intense emotion with narratives that seemingly pick up where the last left off. “The Price is Right” considers the allure and cost of fame, leading into “Dope’n Dhamma” — another album standout — that has Jack urgently whispering, “everybody’s doped up” over bone-rattling percussion and eerie bass lines that emulate the destructive tendencies that come with celebrity.

“Love Is Beyond” brings the journey to a harmonious close with a nine and a half minute opus of contemplative riffs and atmospheric arrangements. Optimistic lyrics remind us that there’s always light after darkness and suggest that maybe Lucid AfterLife is, like their music, just a beautiful combination of many different things.

Lucid AfterLife’s I Am is available on Bandcamp. - VAN CITY BUZZ

Lucid Afterlife's LP I Am isn't easy to categorize as it incorporates so many genres from heavy rock to first video's hip hop beat. On Itunes - The Province Newspaper

Vancouver, BC – Lucid After Life is doing something a little different out here on the West coast. Taking their brand of progressive rock / hip-hop to the next level the group links with Giuliano Jack to drop the video for their track “A.O (Alpha Omega).”

Lucid After Life will be premiering their new joints at the Rickshaw Theatre on July 17th with their album I Am dropping the same day. Peep the new video after the jump. - HIP HOP CANADA

During the 8 weeks since I have started this blog I have been relishing in the meeting of local musicians and being able talk to them about their music. The inspirations of what drives them to be musicians, creating sounds and lyrics that affects the mind, body and soul is indeed a heartwarming gratification. This post takes me to a new genre or should say multi-genre. I invite you to join me in venturing into a rabbit hole also known as Lucid After Life, once you experience their multi-paths of music styles you will be left wondering like Alice in Wonderland waking up and saying "It was a curious dream", but then she skips off thinking that - for a strange moment - what a wonderful dream it was.

Lucid After Life is more than a music band, its part spiritual revival, part theatre, part music festival that can’t be classified as one genre, their broad sound covers rap, heavy metal, spoken word, with a touch of hip hop vibe. It really is like going to a music festival and hearing a collaboration of genres, there’s something for everybody. That’s the beauty of music, the rabbit hole with it's many paths it leads to new discoveries into our human psyche awaking our subconscious to look at reality and see what is really important to our existence. Nat Jack is a very charismatic front man or possibly a shaman, his preamble includes a visual connection with the audience, his gaze seeks to draw you in to fill you with his essence and invites you to open your mind and feel the music.


This post really began last summer, even before I knew I was going to start a blog. I attended Rock the Dock music festival coordinated by Nat Jack, it was a two day event with a fantastic array of local bands including one of my many favourites, Dead City Scandal. Festivals in Vancouver or anywhere in BC are catered more to the main stream music heard on terrestrial radio and rock music is treated like the rebellious step child that families are oblige to acknowledge, but don’t like to take anywhere. I think these families secretly wish they were more like that rebellious child who has the guts to stand up and live for their beliefs instead of conforming to an ever growing oppressive society that is trying to squash freedom of expression and individual creativity. Rock music is truth and like Jack Nicolson’s character Col. Nathan R Jessep in the movie A Few Good Men says “You can’t handle the truth”, or Lawrence Fishburne's character Morpheus in The Matrix “You take the blue pill and the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I’ll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes." The Rock the Dock festival was a showcase of Vancouver's rabbit hole music scene, one such pathway is Lucid After Life who have a truly unique poetic style. Nat had contacted me about a month ago to come see Lucid After Life at the Hindenburg on West Cordova, recalling what I felt seeing them back in August I said yes to the red pill, I'll be there.
A Lucid After Life show can make you feel as though you are partaking in a cosmic spiritual carpet ride, a Lucy In the sky with diamonds moment. Your mind opens and is ready to receive the secrets of the universe. That’s what music does to us, it takes us to a place where we are free to enjoy this nirvana of pure freedom and happiness sensation in our soul, all that negative vibe of this toxic world dematerialises. Lucid After Life is a more like a musical theatre, it tells a story of how to over come despotic beings , there’s a cast of characters, on drums Matt Shearlaw AKA The Hammer, lead guitarist Dyego Avila who moved from Mexico to Vancouver with his impressive riffs and licks and Kyle Arellano with his enthralling groovy style and then there's the Retarded Owl who takes centre stage during the performance, it’s a journey of self discovery with no limits other than what you put on yourself.
Lucid After Life music sounds like the type of music that Allen Kovac's new label Better Noise is about. I have been following his record label Eleven Seven Music, on twitter and facebook for almost a year now. This label has some of Rock musics finest talent; Motley Crue, Escape The Fate, Nothing More, Papa Roach, Hell Yeah and their General Manager Rose Slanic, who I think has the coolest job in the music business. Mr. Kovac has now created a sister label, Better Noise, here is a link to an article written by Christa Titus for Billboard regarding the launch of Better Noise,
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6495118/allen-kovac-better-noise-apocalyptica
Mr. Kovac's new label represents bands that are a bit to the left of centre. I believe If or when Mr. Kovac comes to visit Vancouver he will witness our style of left of centre bands, such as Lucid After Life and experience the vivacious ride of what Vancouver has to offer the world with it's multi- genre music that clearly is just Better Noise.

https://www.facebook.com/lucidafterlife
http://www.lucidafterlife.com/
http://www.reverbnation.com/lucidafterlife888
https://soundcloud.com/lucidafterlife
https://instagram.com/lucidafterlife/
https://twitter.com/lucidafterlife

Posted by Dana Tunney at 13:48 - Live2RocknRoll

LUCID AFTERLIFE with guests were live to perform their new single, the Cover of Ten Years After's 1967 hit "I'd Like To Change The world" .

Lead singer Nat Jack has magic on stage and off, his positive attitude towards life and everything in it resonates in their version of this iconic 60's classic. I have to say they did great honor to Ten Years After's song with their modern Rock version.

Nat Jack's killer vocals, Matt Shearlaw's hard hitting Metal drum style, Diego Avila on guitar and Kyle Arellano on bass, this Rock foursome is a great Canadian Rock band destined to stardom. Their live show just knocks everyone off the floor! Their genre is self titled.."Heavy Mellow Rock".

The set included many of Lucid Afterlife's originals, Alpha Omega, Aerophobia, The Price Is Right and the classic cover I'd Like To Change the world with many more super songs. Nat's brother, Giuliano Jack, theJack of Diamonds, joins them on stage at the shows to sing Alpha Omega with the band, a song he co wrote with Nat.

They have toured western Canada just last year, have a very insane video for Aerophobia and even a DVD of their live show last year at Vancouver's famous Rickshaw Theatre.

The Show opening Artists were 'Just Off The Grid' and Critical Junction...They Got the crowd rocking. Two more raucous Rock bands. The music has to be loud and it has to ROCK!

Great Show last Saturday Night!

Enjoy the pictures. I will edit and tag

The las couple of shots I had help by a young fan, it was her 20th birthday in two days she said and asked to help me, she braved the front to get the band up close. Her name is Darlene Keeper. Not bad, she may have some talent there. Thanks Darlene. Great Pictures.

Thanks Lucid AfterLife

Paul Fitzgerald- See It LIVE Canada. - SEE IT LIVE CANADA

Unfortunately, there are not a whole lot of all-ages music festivals in the heart of Vancouver – let alone one celebrating the emerging rock bands our city has to offer. It’s understandable; putting together an event like this is hard work. On top of having no major cooperation sponsors or prior festival planning experience? Even harder. Cue Nat Jack–vocalist of rock act Lucid AfterLife, and the brains behind the first ever Rock the Dock festival.

The inspiration behind Rock the Dock stemmed from Jack’s lifelong experiences with the port side community. “I grew up in a Longshoreman family: my grandfather, father, and three of his sons–including myself–are or were dock workers at the East Van Ports,” Jack shares. “The port side community has always had picnics and hockey games, but I felt we could do something truly amazing. That’s when the vision for Rock the Dock came to me.”

Dubbed “two days full of music and fun,” Rock the Dock is scheduled to take place outside the newly renovated Waldorf Hotel from August 23rd to 24th. 100% Canadian, the lineup includes local rockers Lucid AfterLife, Bridges to Royal, Within Rust, and Mouthful Of Daisy, indie rock act Little India, hip hop artists Giuliano and Attikus, Chilliwack grunge trio Chilled Clarity, and Nanaimo metal band No Operator. Bands from outside the province include Edmonton’s A Hundred Years.

With so much talent based in and around Vancouver, Jack admits it was difficult deciding which acts would make the cut; even after the festival was extended from one day to two, “there are still a few bands I’m sad we couldn’t fit in.” Nevertheless, Jack gives credit where credit is due, noting that local production company Magnetized Productions helped snag some talented local acts for the festival—many of whom participated in this year’s FOX Seeds competition.

When asked which acts he is, personally, most excited to see play, Jack singles out recently formed Vancouver rock band Red Thieves, and 2014 FOX Seeds finalists Little India. “I had the opportunity to see Red Thieves play their debut show in Vancouver (which was just last month), and already they will be taking the stage at Rock the Dock,” says Jack. “People will be amazed by them.” Jack also believes Little India is a band on the rise—and we can’t help but agree! ”I think they will have a great vibe for an outdoor block party kind-of-show,” Jack tells. He could not be closer to the truth, considering the trio will also be taking the stage at Rifflandia this September

Jack is unsure as to whether Rock the Dock will become an annual festival—fair enough, since he hasn’t witnessed the final product of his efforts yet. “This is my first attempt at something like this… I kind of feel like the Wayne’s World guys with the way everything is coming together,” he explains, though grateful to all the people who have helped him along the way. “I love music and I love Vancouver so you never know; let’s flip a coin.”

Rock the Dock is an all-ages event, though there will also be a V.I.P beer garden. Jack hopes that all attendees will appreciate the festivities, and be brought together by their sheer love for live music. “This is the rock and hip hop community coming together without any other purpose than to turn East Vancouver into a two day full-on frenzy of live entertainment, and you will feel that authentic energy when you are there.”

Doors open on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, with the festivities going on until 11pm on Saturday and 10pm on Sunday. Tickets are available for online purchase here, and can also be bought from any of the bands playing.

If you would like to volunteer for the event (rather, be surrounded by amazing music for two days straight), be sure to contact Jack or let him know via the Facebook event page! - Permenent Rain Press

Get to experience one of the greatest live bands in your own home! Lucid AfterLife is releasing the Live DVD "AFTER LIFE IN THE FLESH" on December 13th. Here is the last song of Lucid AfterLife's set at The Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver, Canada.
http://www.lucidafterlife.com
http://www.facebook.com/lucidafterlife - Get Right Music

If you have not heard of a Lucid AfterLife then you have not had your ears to the Streets in Western Canada, your also missing out on a one of a kind musical, theatrical and emotional experience that can only be delivered by the boys of Lucid AfterLife. Having been together for just a single year they have toppled the Vancouver scene, packing venues and being main support for top 20 billboard artists like Stonebolt and Multi Juno winner Moka Only and other gold record touring acts. Lucid Afterlife incorporates so many different genres they are almost a genre of there own. They are heavy at times but mellow when it’s needed. With there singers deep penetrating vocals it always raises hairs when they switch to a freestye rap jam it, blows away crowds when they find out the whole song was spur of the moment. - 4/20 Vancouver Music – 2015

Lucid AfterLife has taken the Canadian underground by storm with their electrifying stage show and unique mix of Heavy and Mellow grooves. After only being a band for one year they have played with multiple top 20 billboard artists and pack theatres and bars in there hometown of Vancouver with loyal Lucid AfterLife supporters. Lucid Afterlife makes music from the heart and from the balls, there is no comparison out there and when you see them live you will be elucidated. Lucid AfterLife has released the Meltdown EP and is currently recording their debut LP plan for release this March - Entertwine

Honing their signature brand of progressive rock with a little bit of soul, Lucid AfterLife is back with their latest effort, I Am. The seven-track album features “A.O. (Alpha Omega),” a song that was originally released in 2013, but remains as groove-inducing as ever alongside a new video directed by Sergio Luca Loreni. I Am, in addition to the inventive video, can be streamed below.

Lucid AfterLife consists of Nathaniel Jack (vocals), Diego Avila (guitar), Kyle Arellano (bass), and Matthew Shearlaw (drums). - The Permanent Rain Press

Summer of 1974, I was crouched down by my parents stereo with my ear to the speaker listening to the man I was going to marry. Donny Osmond, he was singing “Puppy Love”. That is the earliest memory I have of hearing a singer that affected me in a way that shut out the world and only heard the voice. It's now 2015, I didn’t marry him, it was puppy love and since then I have been in love with many other voices. I have listened to hundreds since that summer and many of them still shut out the world when I hear them sing: Robert Plant, Tom Keifer, Steve Perry, Kenny Shields, Mark Slaughter, Sebastian Bach, Jonny Hetherington, Chris Robinson, Dallas Smith, Ian Astbury, Dean Martin...yes Dean Martin. All with gifted voices that make this world a better place to face. Singers offer a comforting voice when a relationship ends, words of encouragement when others say we can't do something and good old rock anthems to set the mood for the weekend. Since moving to Vancouver, in the summer of 2009, this list continues to grow with very talented Vancouver lead singers who were inspired by others they heard for the first time. The power of music and the lure of the voice brings us all together to face everything and rise up.

Now let me introduce to you some of the finest Vancouver lead vocalists that are creating first time memories for others: James Guest - Bridges To Royal, Dave Gorman - Aviator Shades, Imaad Dalal - Liars and Lions, Natalee Fera - Marry Me, Brooklyn Chase - Kiss Of The King, JB Mason - Dead City Scandal, Nat Jack - Lucid After Life and Johnny de Farias - Mob Machine.

Dana Tunney: Can you remember the first time you heard a lead vocalist that captured your attention and was this person a reason why you sing today? List 3 of your inspirations or favourites?

James Guest - Lead Vocals, Bridges To Royal.



The first time a lead vocalist captured my attention was about 15 years ago when I heard Zeppelin One for the first time. After hearing that album I knew that I had to find a way to make people feel the connection to music that I had just experienced. There have been five vocalists that have inspired me the most and I couldn't leave any two out. Robert Plant - Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney - The Beatles, Dave Grohl - Foo Fighters, Jay Buchanan - Rival Sons and Chris Cornell - Soundgarden.

Dave Gorman - Lead Vocals and Bass Player, Aviator Shades




I sure can, I was still very young and it was Michael Jackson singing Bad. He was the first artist that I ever got into and had on cassette. It was just the vocal's and melody at the time for some unconscious reason that I liked. I can't really tell you why because I was too young to know why, but was just drawn to the sound. Can I say he is one of my inspiration's? Not so much, but he was the first that captured me for sure, and was an amazing singer, musician and songwriter. The one that really made the hair's stand on my neck though really was listening to Freddie Mercury for the first time. I was on holidays with my family in 1994 and Queen Live at Wembley was on TV at the resort we were staying in. I remember watching them playing We Will Rock You and We are the Champions and that was it, I was hooked for life. Freddie was the greatest, such passion power and prowess on the mic of course just a fabulous musician/frontman over all.

Imaad Dalal - Lead Vocals and Guitar, Liars and Lions



I started singing pretty early in my childhood, while learning how to play the guitar, at that time there wasn’t really any one artist or vocalist that influenced how I sang. I used to sing Beatles songs, some Elvis Presley. It wasn’t till my early teens that I really started being influenced by certain people. The first of those was Matthew Good. I was taking guitar lessons at a small guitar store in Burnaby, and my guitar teacher happened to be Dave Genn, who was in the Matt Good Band at the time. He taught me a bunch of Matt Good songs, and I became a pretty big fan pretty quickly especially when I started hearing the songs I was learning on the radio. I was captivated not only by Matt’s style, but by the content of his lyrics, and his lyricism. After that I got into the Foo Fighters, and Dave Grohl became a big influence for me, the raw emotion he can convey with his voice, going from whisper-quiet to a roar, completely blew me away. Myles Kennedy from Alter Bridge/Slash and the Conspirators is another vocalist I really admire, I’m totally jealous of his range! Recently, because we’ve started really getting into more progressive bands, Spencer Sotelo from Periphery is another singer I admire, though I have no hope of hitting his range either! I try and draw inspiration from each of these vocalists, and may others, but I don’t consciously try to emulate any of them specifically.

Natalee Fera - Lead Vocals and Bass Player, Marry Me




The Beatles and Motown stuff captured my attention as a kid. Hearing John Lennon rip it up on "Twist and Shout" absolutely arrested me. I admired Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder for their vocal melodies. As a pre-teen I discovered R.E.M. (Michael Stipe), Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Kurt Cobain, and Tom Petty; these bands/musicians still inspire me today. Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and Jack White are also my faves.

Brooklyn Chase - Lead Vocals and Guitar, Kiss Of The King




Some of my most earliest memories are of sitting in front of the television while watching "The Nightmare Returns" on VHS. It was my favorite Alice Cooper live performance and to this day. I think it is the corner stone of the reason why I wanted to forever chase my dream of being a songwriter. Yes, to this very moment Alice Cooper is the #1 inspiration to my dreams. His legacy still lives on and he has paved the way for most of my favorite bands. Aside from my love of the Coop I do credit Tom Delonge (Blink 182/Boxcar Racer/Angels and Airwaves) and Kris Roe (The Ataris) to my hearts most respected top 3 musicians.

JB Mason - Lead Vocals, Dead City Scandal



I’ve always been surrounded by music and grew up on the Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, but the first band that really spoke to me in that way was Stone Temple Pilots. Scott Weiland’s metaphorical lyric style, his melody and phrasing grabbed me write away. I got their first album when my step brother gave it to me as a hand me down. I wore that cd out. Then when Scott Weiland went on to join Velvet Revolver that really cemented my love of rock n roll and is one of the main reasons I play music now. Freddie Mercury in my opinion is the greatest rock n roll front man and showman who ever lived. His voice, his musical ability and his song writing pared with an undeniably engaging presence on stage made for something that will never again be recreated.
Lastly I have to say it’s a tie between Steven Tyler and Axl Rose. Both have incredible presence on stage. Each have their own unique voice that is unmistakable and both write incredible lyrics that tell a very vivid story.
Freddie Mercury in my opinion is the greatest rock n roll front man and showman who ever lived. His voice, his musical ability and his song writing pared with an undeniably engaging presence on stage made for something that will never again be recreated.

Nat Jack - Lead Vocals, Lucid AfterLife




I was a young kid in the back of my dad’s 91 Astro Van, on the radio came a song called Bad to the bone by George Thorogood and the Destroyers, I loved it! I would even scrunch up my face and pump my fists when I sang along to it. I have only been singing for a few years now, never took training. I could say men like George inspired my desire to be an entertainer but I never imagined myself being a lead vocalist in a band like Lucid After Life. Just 3 to list is hard: Freddy Mercury, TuPac and James Brown.

Johnny de Farias - Mob Machine / Red Thieves




DIO was the first one to capture my ears and he is definitely one of the reasons why I started singing. I was around 13yrs old when my brother gave me the album "Lock Up The Wolves". I remember pushing play and sitting in front of the stereo and the opening track was already a slap in the face. Such a powerful voice, incredible range and lots of emotion on his delivery! Later on I came across Myles Kennedy and Chris Cornell, which are probably my biggest influences. But the list of favourites goes on and on: David Coverdale, Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach, Oni Logan, Bon Jovi, Ian Astbury and the beautiful voice of Sarah McLachlan.

What is the most moving or emotional song for you to sing, be it one of your own or someone else's or both?

James Guest: I couldn't really pick one song over the next, when we play I look at our set almost as a single song. It is all tied together and each song plays a role to complete the experience.

Dave Gorman: I don't have any particular favorites as I like to give it my all no matter what we play, but definitely doing Thin Lizzy covers get me going. Being from Ireland I take a lot of pride in playing these songs and delivering them as best we/I can. Phil Lynott is a hero to me, so I like to do justice to the work of an Irish legend that opened the door to the world for Irish Rock n' Roll.

Natalee Fera: It's not really moving or emotional, but singing "Sexy & Suffering" and sharing that memory and feeling with an audience makes me feel vulnerable...and excited.

Imaad Dalal: “Pirates” or “FYI” would probably be the most emotionally charged ones that I sing. Both are about opening your eyes and seeing the world around us for what it is, and not how we’re told to see it. They’re about questioning the status quo, being courageous and bold, taking risks and standing for something that will change our world for the better. Similarly, some of the Rage Against the Machine songs that we’ve covered at our shows have that same kind of empowering, adrenaline-inducing quality, and they’re a joy to sing!

Brooklyn ChaseC: Hands down thee most emotional song I've ever sung was a song I wrote in my previous band (Secret Revolution) you can find it on YouTube, its called "If You Hate Me". I wrote it about my father and thats all I will say. I will add that my father is in my life now and I do consider him to be the best dad anyone could ever ask for.

JB Mason: One song that really speaks to me and I love singing is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man. At times it can be overwhelming, dealing with work, relationships, money, life in general. This song speaks as a reminder to just be true to yourself and believe in the man (or woman) you are. The confidence you can find within yourself will carry you through any difficult time you may be going through.

Nat Jack: Singing a song is an emotional act all together, the witch doctors and shamans of the past would portray particular spirits in the performance and through song and dance conduit the ethereal forces and bring the energy to life. Every song for me is a ritual of intense emotion whereby I employ this emotion to tap into the particular energy that will be released by that song. Every Lucid After Life song has a different energy, a different feeling but they are all of an equal potency.

Johnny de Farias: "Before tomorrow comes" by Alter Bridge is a very emotional song for me and it triggered a huge change in my life. Also 'Alegria' by Cirque du Soleil! Makes me think of my idol and best friend, my dad.

Choose one of your bands songs and tell how that song came to be, from idea to stage.

James Guest: Gun Fire, it came very organically and just started as a simple acoustic jam session. Amrik had a riff idea and Cody and Aaron were quick to jump in on their parts. When playing around and creating the melody I had an idea about a bounty hunter in the old west who was in his final fight as the law was catching up to him. It kind of went with the feel of the song and next thing we knew it had structure and a story.

Dave Gorman: Our songs all generally go through a process of one of us bringing in the riff or melody, maybe a basic structure of a song and sometimes not, but from there we all start to add bits and pieces and try different idea's until the song eventually grows arms and legs and walks it way on to the stage itself. We do like to have a song well rehearsed before putting it in our set though so you won't ever hear me say on stage that "We wrote this song today, I hope you like it”

Natalee Fera: I'll stick with Sexy & Suffering. I had this picture in my head....the Granville strip, girls dressed up in the pinchy-est heels, tighest outfits, choosing wow-factor over comfort, and their drive to do anything to attract the one they want. It started with a strut-type riff from Danny, then mixed with my lyrics & Kenny's beat. It fell into place so perfectly, and it's one of my faves to perform.

Imaad Dalal: “FYI” is probably our newest song right now in the sense that it was completed most recently. But the main riff for that song has been around for quite some time, it was actually part of another song that I had written with a former band mate several years ago, which our drummer (Frazer) had heard. The riff stuck with both of us through the years, and we just started jamming it one day, and within a few hours, the basic structure of the song was done. At that time, it was just Devin, Frazer and myself in the band, and we worked together to figure out each individual section. When Nick joined the band we added some parts to fill everything out. The lyrics and vocals took a little bit of time to nail down, just because I wanted to make sure I got the vibe of the song right, especially the groove in the verse. The song has actually changed considerably less than others since we wrote it.

Brooklyn Chase: "Victim" which has blown up as our first single was a song that started out as a riff by my main man Justin Sarris. That intro progression was an idea he ran by me and I remember when I first heard it, I knew it was going to be massive! He took the reigns musically (I only added some lead guitar in the chorus and bridge) but it was the energy that I took from his creation and used it as rocket fuel for the lyrics. Victim is a song I wrote to the people who in my life throughout the years never got to hear what I truly wanted them to know. So many times in life I have been judged and I was sick and tired of the bullshit people throw about so I decided to write a song telling them all to "f" off essentially ;)

JB Mason: The songs that I’ve written with Dead City Scandal vary in influence and back story. The one I believe I captured the most honestly was off our first record. The song "IFL" was written about someone I used to play music with and with whom I had a rather bitter falling out with. I remember lyrically that song came to me very quickly and I wanted to not just express the anger I felt about the situation, but also bring light to the ridiculous nature of how things ended. In a lot of ways the song is satirical as well as angry. I will also never forget recording that song. I was able to bring myself emotionally back to they way I felt when I wrote it. I remember the physical and emotion change I felt in the vocal booth and I believe that energy was captured in my performance. Performing it on stage, although we haven’t played it in some time is always fun and a bit of a release.

Nat Jack: I was away for a ten day silent meditation in the hills of Merrit BC. On the 7th day of not saying a word and intense introspection a buried piece of me opened up and I became quite aware of how sad I was inside about some peoples drug use in my personal life and how I have been hiding that sadness and pain even from myself. As I continued to walk through the trails and contemplate further, I did come to the conclusion that all people, when you think of it, are on some sort of dope. Dope comes in many forms whether it be Narcotics, Pharmaceuticals or even more so the dopamine we release in our own systems, our body is a biological meth lab pumping out all sorts of dopamine and they are a reason and reinforcement for many of mankind’s perversions. I immediately started coming up with lyrics in my head to a piece the band and I had previously arranged in the studio. Pens where not aloud at the meditation retreat so I wrote the whole concept in my head and held it until I could return home to the band in Vancouver. When I returned the band was digging the concept and we recorded that day at Aurora studios. The songs title became "Dope & Dhamma" the recording process was another story all together as it is a long song with many special instruments and features but I won’t get into that now, quite your mind and listen for it yourself.

Johnny de Farias: One of Mob Machine songs (soon to be released) called "Halo" was originally written and roughly recorded in Portuguese, about 7 years ago. I was a vocalist and song writer in a Brazilian band before moving to Canada, and the song was originally called, "Cold Summer Afternoon", in Portuguese. After many changes and re-written parts 'Halo' took it's form, but it was completely derived from that song. It is amazing how many melody options one can find using the same few chords. AC/DC anyone?

Watching you all on stage there is such emotions that you exude when performing, are there times when you feel a song more on stage than at a previous show, can you explain why or do you try to improve on past performances?

James Guest: I always try to improve on past performances and to me that is one of the beauty's of my role and just being a musician in general. We will never stop learning or improving, our limitations are only set by drive and determination.

Dave Gorman: There are lots of factors really, the venue, the sound, if the band feels on, but most importantly for Aviator Shades it's just having an awesome crowd giving us back as much as we fire at them. That gets us in the zone and helps us deliver great versions of songs.

Natalee Fera: I always think and feel the music and lyrics onstage, which naturally makes the song come across more passionate and emotional than just singing words.

Imaad Dalal: Each of us is a perfectionist, and we’re our own biggest critics, so we’re continually looking to improve our live show whether it’s how cleanly we can play our individual parts, or how tight we are as a group. We love the music that we write, some songs more than others, but overall we enjoy what we do so hopefully that comes across when we perform, But when the crowd gets into it, and people are singing along or moving to music, that really gives us energy because they’re enjoying watching and listening to what we do. It definitely does happen that certain songs end up “feeling” better or worse from one show to the next, but that usually because the perfectionist in each of us is pissed off that mistakes were made. That being said, I think we do a pretty good job of recognizing and understanding the mistakes and we do our best to improve.

Brooklyn Chase: Before I go on stage I always run through the set in my mind, I go back to the places and feelings that were abundant when I wrote the song. So depending on my day or how my life is going sometimes a certain song will have more "umph" to it but I always give it a hundred and ten percent for each song. "Victim" in particular is a song though that I always feel more than others. I can see the fans connect with every word and it fuels me to sing my heart out! To be honest our whole debut ep "The Dawn of Sacrifice" is an open hearted look into my heart and mind so with that fuel the fire rages on!

JB Mason: Performing on stage can vary for me. It often has a lot to do with the audience. Regardless of the size or energy of the audience I always give the best performance I feel I am capable of. But sometimes I need to dig a little deeper emotionally for certain performances and it’s those ones when I really try to put myself back into the head space I was in when I wrote the songs. Other times the audience feeds me the emotion right back and it becomes a lot more effortless.

Nat Jack: Before a show, I make sure to take time backstage to meditate, become one with the flow of the universe. When I am performing, I do not have many thoughts, and when I do I try to return to the nothingness of just being. The songs I write are mostly written from the view of a fictional character loosely built from a fragment of my persona, the becoming of this character is a ritual for each song and each song fills my body with a different ooze of emotion and can bring me to a raging anger or to my knees in tears depending on whom I allow myself to become for that 5 minutes. I am always learning, always improving, I just let any growth that may come be natural.

Johnny de Farias: I'm constantly looking for improvement and always try to sing or play with the same intensity and passion at every show. I think we all want to give our best in what we do, be it music, sports, science, politics - Oh wait... Maybe not in politics. But yes, there are times I feel a song more than at a previous show. That could happen for several reasons such as crowd responsiveness, poor sound mix, or even because the whole band is sucking (or amazing) at that specific moment.

Describe what your are feeling before you go on, during and after a show. Is there any better feeling?

James Guest: I can't give away all my secrets but, before I go on I take one minute to myself completely isolated from everyone. I remind myself why I'm here doing this and the sacrifices that I have made getting here. Once I am ready to go on stage I just let the emotional connection to the music guide me and enjoy the experience.

Dave Gorman: Before: Calm before the storm. Just let me F**king up there!!

During: Don't F**k up, Don't F**K up...also damn...this is fun!!!

After: It's done...that was a BLAST!!!...when can we do it again?

There is no high in the world like it!

Natalee Fera: It's pretty exciting before a show, whether we are going on in front of a few people that we know or a crowd of strangers. The fact that I love our songs and performing them makes it electrifying to show them to others, whether they want to hear them or not. After a show, the genuine response we get back from people saying they loved our performance feels awesome. It's not a big ego boost awesome, but their appreciation of something personal that you shared kind of awesome.

Imaad Dalal: For me, being on stage and sharing our music with other people who like it, is like nothing else. There’s no better feeling than playing a song that you’ve worked hard to craft into something that you feel is good, and have a positive response from people who hear it. And being able to pour all that emotion out on stage is so cathartic, especially when our fans get into it. I used to get very nervous before shows, and I still get nervous but I think I definitely handle it better than I used to. People like to point out to me that I seem to get really antsy and talk too much before shows or get too caught up in small details, but it’s just nervous energy and I can’t wait to hit the stage. Everyone has their own way of dealing with it, I suppose. But there’s so much running through my mind before a show that it gets to a point where I just want to get on the stage, plug in my guitar and go – no more thinking, no more worrying about details, I just want to play. And as soon as that first song starts, the nerves are gone!

Brooklyn Chase: Before I go on stage there is nothing but anticipation! I hate waiting to get on stage, usually 15 minutes before we go in I enter into this "Chase Mode" where I become Brooklyn Chase.. much like Alice Cooper I have needed to control that part of me and harness him. The stage is where he gets to take control. On stage I explode. Brooklyn Chase gets to rule as king and rule he does! The stage is his and my home forever. After a show its literally like what it feels to have had the best sex ever.. I need a smoke and a drink and I'm ready to party!

Nat Jack: Before a show, I feel as I always do, nothing out of the ordinary. When I get on the stage something comes over me, one side of me finds the situation to be hilarious the other side of me takes this moment very serious. I laugh because the people who are new to a Lucid After Life show have no idea how mind blown they are about to be and I am serious because every Lucid After Life show is more then song and dance, it is a musical ritual designed to shake out negativity and raise the vibrations of those present and I know it will take every inch of my soul energy to deliver that, and I will give it all if need be. After a show I am tired, spent, sweaty, covered in filth, sometimes bleeding and really just want to chill out with the Lucid crew and supporters.

Johnny de Farias: I tend to be really focused before going on stage, and frequently feel my best performances happen when I don't think too much about my feelings. I don't like to worry about anything on stage. I just go with the flow, and normally it works. I always feel very thankful to be doing what I do, and humbled by the presence of my audience. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is always there after every show, and that is what fuels my prospective career as a musician.

The voice, pure raw energy, passion, vulnerable and humble, everything that draws us to their voice and fills us with excitement, vitality, confidence and humility. Jonny Hetherington once replied to a tweet I posted and he sums it best, "we are all in this together". Each feature of this series has shown me how music brings us all together and that no one person in a band is more important that the other, we all need each other to achieve our dreams. Thank you to all the bands that have allowed me to delve into your minds and hearts to show the world how awesome Vancouver musicians are. - Live2RocknRoll

A new Vancouver project fronted by vocalist Nathaniel “Nat” Jack which brings a heavier sensibility to pop music. - The Province

Lucid AfterLife creates an unbounded assortment of rock based orchestrations that touch the soul. With the unique ability to jam sensational improvisations in many diverse styles, no concert will ever be the same.

Their debut EP was released in 2013, thereon followed a rapid transition from a local pub band to quickly becoming the go to band to open for major label artists and headline their own theatre events in their hometown of Vancouver, Canada. The band’s eclectic style that includes so many genres they found themselves sharing the stage with platinum selling and top Billboard bands from numerous genres from rock to hip-hop.

They did this interview with us.

How would you describe your music?

Its Dope

Tell us about how the history of the band?

Our criminal history? Sexual history? Not sure what you want here. We are dudes who love to rock, met up and made some music.

What are you influences/ musical heroes?

The guy who plays spoons down town Vancouver on Granville st, that guy is our hero

What inspires you?

Drugs, Dreams, Dope & Dhamma, whatever that means

Do you write on the road? or do you prefer to write in the studio?

We write all over the place, forget on the road or in the studio try composing a song while astral traveling on the moon with half naked double headed demon hookers, that’s how you do it.

What is your favorite song to perform live?

We like making stuff up, ask for an idea from the audience and just go off in the moment.

What would be your dream tour to be a part of?

We don’t care about names or whatever, our dream tour is the opportunity to reach, inspire and lift as much people as possible with our music.

What are you current thoughts on the music industry?

We are ignorant really, we have managers, publicists and all that but really don’t know exactly what’s going on around us, don’t really worry bout that, give us a stage and we are in. It would be stupid for us to comment on the industry we are really just doing this all by heart and intuition.

What is the funniest/weirdest experience you have had on tour?

Since this question is asked in every interview we your readers a run for there money, one of the following is true.

We got paid for a show in multiple ounces of drugs
A girl stripped on the stage and offered us all “special favors”
Nature called in the woods by the highway and one of us got lost
All of the above
What are your future plans?

We are about to release our new EP Occult Mafia Mistress so just brainstorming on some music videos. Nat is looking to start teaching our fans how to astral travel, apparently it’s easy, we’ll see. Stay tuned. - LOUD STUFF

Lucid AfterLife spent some time touring through Canada in the summer of 2014 and were surprised to see how well their live shows were received. Building a name as one of the most amazing live bands in Canada is a serious goal for the Lucid boys and few to none who have seen a show will disagree that they are earning a name in the ranks. We chat with the band to find out how it all started for them, whilst discussing their new album ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ in depth.

Who is answering the questions?

The whole crew is here to hang out, Thom Tuner (lead guitar), Miles Morrison (Bass), Matt Shearlaw (Drums) & our lead Singer Nat Jack.

Can you tell us about the formation of Lucid AfterLife?

Thom: Nat Jack was floating through the Aether in search of a way to express the truths that this existence affords us. During his time of questing he came across Matt, our drummer, and together they sojourned on. They began to flesh out the main vehicles of expression that would connect with all of us. Once the skeleton had been formed around the brain of LAL the muscles appeared in the form of myself (Thom) and our bassist Miles. Finally, as a whole being we began the work that is our purpose. Very similar to Voltron, but with humans and not robots.

How did you get to the band name Lucid AfterLife and what does it mean to you?

Nat: Just popped into my head one day when I was casually looking for the simplest way to communicate the infinite possibilities and boundlessness of our life here on earth. To me, it is like a password that when meditated on can link you to the “organic internet” of the mind. I feel that’s where the tunes are all coming from, the source. I often see all the stress going on in the world and feel the best way to feel good is to stop fearing death, while at the same time living your life to the fullest. To die every day and let all things in the past disintegrate while remaining in body, aware and vibrant. That my friend, is a Lucid AfterLife.

To an unfamiliar reader, how would you describe your sound?

Thom: We have adopted the moniker “Space Rock”. It is apt as our sound relies on atmosphere and drama to support the lyrics. If I had to pin it down, take equal parts Progressive Rock, Stoner Metal, Hip-Hop, Blues/Jazz and blend it together with a heavy dose of the theatrical. The being that would come forth would be very good friends with our music.

What bands have influenced you over the years, and why?

Matt: I love bands like Deftones, Converge, Meshugguh, Russian Circles, some old and some new but they are bands that are truly mesmerizing and the drummers are all incredible.

Miles: I love some of those prog metal bands. Guys like mastodon, and opeth, as well as some 90s industrial and grunge music. I take great influence from Paul Barker of ministry, and Troy Sanders of Mastodon, as well as a few jazz and funk players like Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, and Charles Mingus.

Thom: Oh man as a group bands like Black Sabbath, Minstry, Queen, Porcupine Tree, Wu Tang Clan, Dream Theater, Monster Magnet, Kansas, Graveyard, A Tribe Called Quest, Crowbar, Engineer, Genesis and Tool to name a few.

Nat: Micheal Jacksons heart, Freddy Mecureys poise, Iommi and Geezers connection to the music & David Bowie’s insightfulness

How did you get to the album title ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ and what does it mean to you?

Nat: The album celebrates in different ways the unseen truths that may be a secret to some, so we chose the word Occult. I feel that our listeners are a unified collective of people around the world who expect substance, stories and passion to be at the forefront of their music so I used the word Mafia. The most powerful forces we humans have are constantly ridiculed or shamed by the mass stampede of sheeple. The feminine aspects of the psyche and the power of our unadulterated sexual energy are things not yet fully liberated so we use the word Mistress. The Occult Mafia Mistress is the woman who we find safe haven with, the woman the weirdos and saints come to kneel before. She is the inner love untampered by thought, here womb gives birth to a Lucid AfterLife.

Can you elaborate on some of the main themes and influences that run throughout ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’?

Thom: We are always interested in supporting the search for higher planes of being. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean like Astral Projection (Although it sometimes does) or something like that. We as people are constantly looking to progress our understanding of ourselves and the whole of existence. Now this can be achieved many ways. It can be done through meditation or intimacy or self-destruction or rebirth. That is what we are dealing with thematically. We also are not into leading the listener. If we write a song that is explicitly about sex, you better believe it isn’t actually about sex. It is through very simple metaphors that we attempt to get our point across.

What can you tell us about the recording process for ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’?

Thom: The majority of the tracks were done in various studios around Vancouver BC. The process was very interesting. We are big on jamming. We love to go in and just go at it – see what comes out. But, most of the tracks on this record we had the main vocal and most of the arrangement almost done before we even really jammed it out. It was different for us but, we feel it added a whole other dimension to these songs over our last record “I Am”. Like sculptors we could see the finished piece but, we just needed to chisel it out. Nat would come at me (Thom) with a full verse or a full chorus and I would do an arrangement around that and he would fill in the rest and demo it. Send it to the other guys and then next practice it would be done.

What song means the most to you from ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ at the moment, and why?

Miles: I would have to say ‘this is real’. I just had so much fun recording bass that I have to choose it.

Nat: the story I wrote for ‘In All That I See’ was an interesting process, it comes from a plethora of real life experiences and it was one of the first songs I wrote that took me a long time to manifest.

Matt: I would say ‘This is Real’, It’s very powerful and what I think to be the first song completed comprised from all of the current members.

So well written and feels so good to perform.

What songs are you really enjoying playing live from ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ at the moment, and why?

Thom: ‘This Is Real’ is amazing live. We have four singers in the band. So naturally we all add it. During the choruses we get into this call and response ‘Queen’ thing along with all the riffs and it just gets so epic. People love it live and give us all this energy. That just takes our already visceral show to a whole other level.

Matt: I really love all of them but ‘This is Real’ is my favorite, it’s very powerful and emotional to play.

Miles: All of them, because this whole EP is killer.

What was the hardest part about putting ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ together for you guys, and why?

Matt: Just starting new with new Lucid members, but Miles and Thom are so incredibly talented and gifted it was a very short transitional period.

Nat: We actually lost an entire track that was meant to be on this record due to a hard drive malfunction. It was rather unfortunate because it was so close to being finished, maybe we will bring it out on the next record.

What can you tell us about your latest single?

Nat: ‘Time Killaz’ is an experiment I wanted to try, mixing a rapper of the caliber of Merkules in with our Lucid squad and see how it turned out, it was unlike anything he has ever done. ‘Time Killaz’ is a testament to Lucid AfterLife’s desire to test the boundaries of genres and be open minded in order to blaze our way.

How did the artwork for ‘Occult Mafia Mistress’ come together, and what does it mean to you?

Nat: The photography was done by Fabrizio Belardetti, his work has always blown my mind and being able to get into his studio with the model was an awesome experience. The graphic work was done by our friend and potentially future Lucid muse Alethia Milan. I wanted the image of our Occult Mafia Mistress to personify the tantric phenomena that envelopes us when we allow ourselves to lose ourselves in the vibration of the moment and be exactly who we wish to be without limitation.

Touring wise, can you give us a couple of personal highlights from your time on the road?

Matt: For me playing out in Alberta was amazing. We jammed at this little Metal Bar out there. It was incredible. The place was packed and everyone was into it. Always a great feeling.

Miles: I could not ask for better guys to tour with. It’s all great except for when plans get de-railed.

How would you say the sound of Lucid AfterLife has grown/progressed over the years?

Miles: It’s been growing non stop despite line-up changes, living situation problems, and the chaos of creative people’s lives.

Matt: It’s simply just matured and become more deep and passionate, more complex but more simple allowing anyone the ability to listen and feel our vibes, this even more true with our live performances.

What sets you apart from any other band out there right now?

Nat: I don’t pay enough attention to what others are doing, or better yet, I don’t really put ourselves beside any other band at anytime. If I were to answer the question though I would do it by saying this – There is no band on this planet, no matter how talented or how much money they have for their stage show that could give an audience our one of a kind out of body, experience at a concert. We can do it without special FX it’s all from the heart and soul.

What is the music scene like in Vancouver B.C.?

Thom: It has a ton of promise. There are some awesome bands getting going. That said it can be a bit more “Bar Band” style than original music. It is not for lack of talent just lack of turn out. I suppose it is like that a lot of places these days.

Miles: Here are so many places to play and so many shows going on it can be hard to choose which show to go to. We’re lucky to have so many hard-working musicians in this city.

What else can we expect to see from LAL as we head towards 2017?

Matt: New material and shows near you wherever you are.

Thom: Tour, songs, psychic mind melding, emotional transference, more tours, Music Videos, Tasty Pies. - MUSIC CROWNS

With a sound as eclectic as the themes within its imagination driven walls, Vancouver hailing Lucid AfterLife has earned loyal attention and support at home and across a global landscape. Renowned as one of Canada’s more impressive and memorable live propositions, the progressive groove rockers are luring bigger spotlights their way with their new EP, the successor to their well-received debut album I Am, expected to spring a new wave of invention hungry fans the way of the quartet. We recently had the pleasure to find out more about the band, that upcoming EP, and the creative heart of Lucid AfterLife with guitarist Thom Turner…

Hello and thanks for sharing your time to talk with us.

Hello, Thom from Lucid AfterLife here. Thank you so much for having us!

Can you first introduce the band and give us some background to how it all started?

In the beginning our vocalist Nat Jack was floating through the aether contemplating the purpose and form of existence. He then came upon our drummer Matt. The two of them forged a great alliance. From this union a great universe was born. It was one of never ending inspiration and possibilities. To round out this vision myself, Thom, and our bassist Miles were sought. Together we are take these rough shapes and turn them into the most honest and kick ass songs that we can.

Have you been or are any of you involved in other bands? If so have they had any impact on what you are doing now, inspiring a change of style or direction maybe?

I am a current member of the band Freya as well as being a professional musician for the last 15 years. I have played in numerous groups. The work ethic and attention to artistry that I got from that band is immense. Sonically they are very different. Miles is a member of Riftwalker and Hallux. Matt has played with many groups as well. As for Nat Jack…He simply is. All of us take our experience and add it to everything we do. That is one of the best things about LAL. Genre does not factor in. Whatever mood serves the lyric or vibe is what it needs to be.

What inspired the band name?

As a group we feel that reality is in an illusion…More than that it is malleable. Life, death they are merely shades on a continuum. So through our music we transcend. To be able to visualize and experience multiple levels of existence is. We can experience multiple worlds through our songs and live shows. That is what Lucid Afterlife means to me.

Was there any specific idea behind the forming of the band and also in what you wanted it and your sound to offer?

There are always stories that come to us…things that may be inspired by every day. Some come from deeper more existential places. All of them are important to us. As we have toured we have been lucky to see that these topics hit home with so many people. So we continue to write them. As for the sound it is meant to be inclusive. To be the heaviest thing ever when the emotion is deep and powerful then, turn around and be very clean and melodic to represent another story or character is as honest as we can be.

Do the same things still drive the band when it was fresh-faced or have they evolved over time?

Constant evolution…we are all about that. That said though most of the same principles are the corner stones of what LAL is. Relatable honest music that is served with all the energy we have live.

Since your early days, how would you say your sound has evolved?

Since I was brought on I would say that the sound has evo-loved. We still love Sabbath and Monster Magnet. On top of that we explore our mutual love of progressive music. Things like Kansas and Yes and Porcupine Tree and Kings X. It adds a broader pallet to the stories we can tell. Really though it all comes down to the live show for us. Nat Jack is a wild man on stage and we push out the sound track for the listener’s experience.

Has it been more of an organic movement of sound or more the band deliberately wanting to try new things?

Extremely organic I believe. We work to service the songs that come out. Our sound is extremely diverse. Yet, when you hear it you know it is LAL. It all comes from that point of honesty in the lyric and music.

You mentioned some already but presumably across the band there is a wide range of inspirations; are there any others in particular which have impacted not only on the band’s music but your personal approach to creating and playing music? As I said before Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Monster Magnet, Yes, Kansas, Porcupine Tree. Also Ministry, Cream, Dream Theater, Kings X, Hendrix, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan, Body Count, MF Doom. Soooo much music goes into what we do. From rock to jazz to metal to Hip-Hop, it all moves us.

Does the band have a particular method to its songwriting?

We work in very brotherly way. I will write some things, pass them to Nat and a lyrical idea will usually pop out. From there Matt and I go to work on fleshing out an arrangement and Miles lays down the bass. So far it has been all hands on deck movement.

Where do lyrical inspirations more often than not come from?

Everyday life through the lens of existential global truths…A lot of our songs have to do with relationships. Not really with people per se, more archetypes. If we do a song that is very obviously about sex then you can bet it isn’t at all about sex. We like to lead people, through the parlance of our time to deeper truths.

lucid-afterlife_RingMasterReviewCan you give us some background to your latest release?

Our new EP Occult Mafia Mistress is an opening salvo into what is coming next for LAL. With this line-up we have 4 great singers so we wanted to put that to use. Most songs really take advantage of all of us.

How about an insight to the themes and premise behind it and its songs?

This record focuses on themes of transcendence. Be it through love, sex, meditation or sheer elation. They are explained in somewhat adversarial roles. Some characters and ideas want to hold you down from your potential. Others are the inner explorers rupturing out into being against that oppressive force. We are able to do this through the use of many styles and genres, from hip hop on a song like Time Killaz (feat. Merkulese) to the pure rock and roll of Retarded Owl, the voice of the song blends seamlessly with the lyric.

Are you a band entering the studio with songs pretty much in their final state or prefer to develop them as you record?

The frame of a song is all done by the time we get in there. Because we play the crap out of the songs live and see what goodness comes out. So when we get into the studio what happens is we add all the touches; layering and vocals. A record should be a piece of art unto itself. Music is ephemeral. It changes depending on your mood; where you listen to it, even through the course of the song. Then it is over. That time has passed. So when we are in there recording and mixing everything is fluid. What comes out is even more magical then what went in.

Tell us about the live side to the band, presumably the favourite aspect of the band?

Live we are a completely different band depending on Nat Jack. His mood and character shape our live performance…never the same thing twice. We reach out to the audience and invite them in…literally. They play with us. We feel that the live stage is a conversation so we go all out. We breakdown our bodies and minds while we are up there and show the people they can too. We do a lot of improv along with our normal songs as well. We ask the audience for suggestions on style and lyrical content. And we go at it…all within the confines of a normal set.

It is not easy for any new band to make an impact regionally let alone nationally and further afield. How have you found it your neck of the woods? Are there the opportunities to make a mark if the drive is there for new bands?

With the internet EVERYTHING IS REGIONAL; we have many devoted fans and neighbors in BC. They are amazing and we love them. But, we also have some amazing fans all over the world just looking for the same stuff we are. The impact is right there. The days of $500,000 an album contracts are gone. We are out there just to make these connections…One person at a time. Art drives life; even if only one person listens to us and passes it onto one friend. That is growth and the conversation continues. As long as you are creating you are growing.

Do you see the internet and social media impact you mentioned destined to become a negative from a positive as the band grows and hopefully gets increasing success or when or if it happens it is more that those bands have struggled to use it in the right way?

The internet is reality for many people. So ignorance on how to use it to your advantage doesn’t seem to make very much sense. Every tool is right there for you. It can be no different from handing a demo to a person on the street. As long as that person passes it on you are good. I really think it is a matter of perspective size. Many musicians hold themselves in light of Metallica and Sabbath and Kanye and Adele or whoever Enormous star. These standards can be so daunting that you quit creating. This is an atrocity. Look, did you know that Platinum albums are now 500,000 albums instead of 1,000,000? That proves that the old system is dying. That level of “success” is meaningless without a real connection with people. That is what the internet affords you…The ability to connect with THE WORLD. We all want to be able to make a living off what we love to do. But, that can’t be the end goal. We all have a world of art inside us and we owe it to ourselves and humanity to get it out there. So go into it with the goal of making great honest art, whatever that is and, people will take notice.

Once again Thom, a big thanks for sharing time with us; anything you would like to add or reveal for the readers?

Myself (Thom) and all of LAL want to tell you and your readers that we are so thankful for you to be participating in all this with us. We are looking forward to meeting all of you. Remember to keep your head up and your mind open.

Occult Mafia Mistress is released digitally and on CD December 9th @ http://lucidafterlife1.bandcamp.com/ - The RingMaster Review