Band Spotlight: Where The Ocean Meets The Sky

Where The Ocean Meets The Sky is a Christian metalcore band that has been making a name for themselves in the South Jersey music scene. The band is set to release their debut full length Empires next month on CI Records. I had the chance to speak with vocalist Blake Martin about the formation of the band and their future plans.

1) How did the band form? 

Well a few years back Marc and I had left the bands we were currently in.  We had meet one another through various local shows and what not.  We formed the band and found members and as time went on we changed some members and found people who had the same vision as us.  Once we did Empires was born and here we are!

2) Where did the band's name come from? 

One day in the early going I was just thinking and this popped in my head.  I later realized it was in my head from that Rod Stewart song "Rhythm of My Heart".

3) What are some of the band's influences? 

It's really hard to state influences because why some artists inspire us our general feeling is that "that's cool, how can I do it better or different and make it my own"  That said some of our general influences are Every Time I Die, Taking Back Sunday, Stick To Your Guns, Receiving End Of Sirens, Blessthefall and a lot more.  On a personal level I'm heavily influenced by Every Time I Die, Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes, La Dispute and things of that nature.  With those bands it's not a style thing for me but substance.  The lyrics and the passion inspire me!

4) Describe the band's first show. 

Our first show was at a place called "Memories Lounge"  A little dive in the middle of nowhere.  I remember that it was all super metal/hardcore bands which was awkward.  I think we played well, I was very nervous as that was my first show of any kind in over a year.  I also remember a girl and a guy getting into a fight.  It was a very weird night to say the least.

5) What are some of the band's favorite spots to play in New Jersey? 

Hangar 84 is great, the Gibson House is a lot of fun.  A lot of the venues are drying up sadly but those 2 are still holding it down.

6) The band recently signed with CI Records. How did that relationship start? 

Once we got the masters back, I had seen that Texas In July had just signed with Equal Vision, so I figured CI might have a spot.  I emailed them our album, a couple days later Jeremy called me, we drove out to Lancaster and then we were rolling!

7) What was the recording process for the new album?   

We spent 7 days in Indiana at Threshold Studios recording this album.  We learned more about music, and recording in that week than I have in my whole life.  Bone (our producer) was a wealth of knowledge and he guided us through the process to help us make the album we wanted to make.  It was amazing. 

8) What's the meaning behind the new song "We Are But Instruments"? 

The title is taken from quote “In the eyes of empire builders men are not men but instruments”  by Napoleon Bonaparte.  Basically saying we are tools in the creation of these empires and walls we build for our selves.  Basically we are not the architects of our own lives, we are just the instruments used to create them. 

9) How will the new album compare to the band's previous material? 

I'd say the new material is a bit heavier and more technical.  A huge chunk of that is due to adding a 3rd guitar element.  We feel we've really matured with this album and found our own voice.

10) The band is going to be touring with This Or The Apocalypse and Texas In July. How excited is everyone about that? 

We are beyond excited!  During the first stretch of that tour we had the priviledge of playing with them at Hangar 84 and they are all amazing guys.  It's going to be a great tour, all the bands are great people and extremely talented.  I think the people coming out are in for a treat!

11) What's next for the band after the tour? 

Well we get back October 19th, then we have 2 release shows for our album Oct 22nd and 23rd.  Then we hit the road again November 4th with our good friends in An Early Ending.  We've got a lot of awesome things in the works too so you should be hearing about us quite a bit!

12) Where do you see the band in 5 years? 

Ideally we'll be making some money because some of us will be 30 at that point!  I kid but seriously we hope to still be doing this.  We want to be up there with genre giants Underoath, August Burns Red and all those guys.  If any band ever tells you they don't want to be the biggest band on the planet then they are a liar.  We are no different, we've got ambition for days, and we are going to work tirelessly until we get to the top!

Where The Ocean Meets The Sky's upcoming shows
October 17th - Trenton, NJ @ Championships Bar and Grill (w/ Texas In July and This Or The Apocalypse)
October 23rd - Vineland, NJ @ Hangar 84 (CD Release show)