Local rockers, State Society, are back with a new album! The group has just released their new single ‘Friend of a Friend’ off their brand new album ‘Tall Tales & Fiction’ and has become one of the biggest names in the local metal scene. This week, we chat to the band’s Michael Pocock about the band’s success.
You’ve finally got a new album out. What took you guys so long?
State Society had been looking at a reinvention in our writing and delivery of our message. It had taken two years to plan, write and record during our busy personal and professional lives. We in the band are all full time professionals in our respective careers and it’s been quite the juggle between planned performances, touring, personal and professional commitments. Once we set dates and studio time it was a recording process of eight to twelve months with Dave Grevler at Anti-Motion Studios. We are very proud and satisfied at the result.
You named the new album ‘Tall Tales & Fiction’. What inspired the name?
The inspiration for the name came about with a common theme in the music. We are living in a society where we are fed with so much information we as individuals and communities of people cannot ascertain if it’s the truth or not. The Government system, the media and so many others. Who can we rely on for the truth in this day and age? So the concept that we are fed ‘Tall Tales & Fiction’ most of the time stuck with the band.
How different is this record from your previous one?
The previous State Society album ‘This Life’ had been written by Clifford Barnard and Petri Burger as a new band that was a journey of learning and creative self-discovery. The new album was a more mature approach in the sonic conception, lyric emphasis and overall message. We’ve always kept a common theme of positive easy listening music in our songs. A more creative process was adopted and emphasis on writing from the heart.
Your live show is incredible. What do you think it is that sets you guys apart on stage?
Having most of your band members being actual metal heads does liven up the show. We all listen to the heavier music however our music is targeted to the pop/rock genre. I think it’s also that we are not full time musicians and we don’t depend on the pay check, we do it for the love of making music and performing and if there is monetary reward, it’s a bonus. We’ve recently introduced Justin Rae (Chromium and Inceptio) on keys and we very satisfied with our performances. We however always want to step up to a higher level of professionalism in every aspect of the band.
If you could give anyone looking to start a band some advice, what would it be?
Success won’t happen if you don’t understand the industry and the music business. Arriving and just playing your instrument isn’t good enough anymore. You need to set goals based on your passion and try and achieve them as if your life depended on it. Love the music, love the scene, respect it, create and have fun!
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