Mixing elements of metal, post-hardcore and punk, local band Red Light Departure has a new album in the works and plans to hit the road this spring in support of it.
According to singer-guitarist Mike Ball, the band tries to avoid falling into one specific genre.
"We come into every writing process as if we have an open template, and we can mold it into whatever we want," he said. "We put it all out on the stage and hope fans can gain a new respect for all areas of metal and have a great time."
Article Photos
From left: bassist Riley Gustafson, singer-guitarist Mike Ball and singer-drummer Rob Hewitt play in the band Red Light Departure, along with guitarist Scott Kinney Jr. The band plans to release an album this spring and prides itself on its ability to span several genres.
Submitted photo
Red Light Departure is in the process of writing and recording material for the new CD, which is scheduled for a spring 2012 release. The band has booked several weekend shows to support the album.
"This CD is already coming out so much better than anything we have ever written," Ball said. "We have spent a lot of time structuring the songs as well as lyrics that it makes this CD extremely special to me. A lot of this CD has to do with our year last year and how the events that happened shaped our band today."
Ball, a Falconer native, and Scott Kinney Jr. of Jamestown, Riley Gustafson of Frewsburg and Rob Hewitt of Kennedy plan to make it as far as they can in the music business.
"We know the music industry is one that is hard to be accepted in and to make progress in," Ball said. "However, we want to continue making and playing music as long as we possibly can. We have formed such a great bond with each other that stopping now would be absurd. We've been releasing CDs and EPs every single year that we've been together, which makes me feel good knowing we're making so much music together and can only go up with creativity and our ability to gain fans."
The band, which formed three years ago, has started to travel outside of Chautauqua County and New York state and has had the opportunity to perform with bands such as Trippin on Sunday and Affiance. Red Light Departure hopes to continue having fun creating music and growing musically.
"From day one, we've attempted to have no limits while making music and have fun (embracing) the ability to incorporate all styles of music," Ball said. "It has been a constant uphill battle to go against the grain of what was popular in the area, but we have found our niche and gotten to a point that we couldn't be happier with."
''Backstage Pass'' is a feature of The Post-Journal showcasing local artists, their music and their accomplishments. Send recommendations for future ''Backstage Pass'' subjects to Scott Shelters at sshelters@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 253.