Interview: The Shimmering Carnelians
Independent songwriter Adam Michael, recording music under the name The Shimmering Carnelians, releases a new three-song EP titled 'Rise', available on streaming platforms from July 31. Louder Than The Music spoke with Adam to find out more about this music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I have been listening to music obsessively since I was nine years old. My dad was a wedding DJ and hosted an oldies radio station, so I had exposure to music from an early age. I did not start writing music until I was 35, when I finally figured out the basics of music theory. After I learned the essential mechanics, I wanted to create songs of my own.
Tell us about your new EP 'Rise' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I had written about eight songs - some rock, and some folk. When I put together the three folk songs, they made sense musically, and I was able to create a theme out of the lyrics - struggle, solution, and hope.
Which is your favorite track on the EP and why?
The title track, Rise. It is the most musically complex, and allows me to fully explore the idea of being healed on an emotional level.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Wherever you are in your circumstances, there is hope in Christ.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Alternative Rock is a catchall term, but that is where I would place my music. I listen to a lot of 1990s rock, like Smashing Pumpkins and Type O Negative, who gave me a lot of musical ideas. Lyrically, I think Jon Foreman of Switchfoot is brilliant, and I also like how Bono of U2 and Scott Stapp of Creed write lyrics. They use a lot of metaphor, but in a conversational way, that is both imaginative and easy to relate to.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Probably Josh Scogin of '68. I met him after a show, and he seems like a cool guy. He has been involved with the metalcore and post-hardcore scene for awhile. I like his approach to noise rock - abrasive and melodic.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Just the act of creating music, releasing an album, and promoting it within my own financial means. I get excited if I get even one Like on a post on social media. I don't expect to get any money. I just want to do it as a way of giving thanks for what God has done for me, and to help others who have shared similar struggles.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins. It is the blueprint for my guitar playing. I really enjoy the density of the guitars, and Billy Corgan's virtuoso lead playing.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Where The Streets Have No Name by U2.
What does the next year hold for you?
I would like to re-release my first album, The Doorway, after re-arranging, mixing, and mastering the tracks. I've learned a lot over the past year that I think would improve the listening experience. I've also been working on the vision of what I want to create, and would like to write some new material built around that vision.
