More about: Half Alive

Gracing our screens and ears with intelligent choreography and an anomalous sound, American trio Half Alive from Long Beach in California have appeared in our life seemingly out of nowhere.

We sat down with them to ask about their influences, their simplistic image, and intricate sound - and to gain an understanding of where this ever-growing talent sprouted from. 

Gigwise: As a trio, you’ve shown us how much you have to offer with your broad knowledge of different genres included in your album Now, Not Yet. Could you tell us a little bit about your influences for your sound and where they have come from as a collective group?

Half Alive: Our influences come from all over. Brett (drummer) and J Tyler (bassist) went to university for music with a jazz emphasis, so that plays a role in our songwriting. Josh spent time focusing on pop music and performance, and with all our backgrounds combined it creates a blend of thoughtful musical ideas that still have a wide audience focus. Right now, with how the various music platforms create playlists and share music, it feels as if everyone is able to hear a more electric group of music, and we as a band try to create similar genre fluid moments in our music.

GW: You have an upcoming tour in November travelling to iconic venues and performing around the UK, which venue are you the most excited to play?

HA: For the Now, Not Yet tour, we are going after some ambitious ideas. We will be including familiar choreography, wild lighting, crowd participation, and other fun secrets.  In regard to visiting cities, I think a lot of the UK and European cities we haven’t been to yet will be very eye-opening. Speaking for myself (J Tyler), I’m excited for the majority of the European cities we are playing. I think a venue that seems very exciting to us in the future is something like the O2 Arena.  We’ve definitely got some time until then for sure, but that’ll be a pivotal moment.

GW: With the success of foot-stomping track ‘still feel.’, which has amassed over 24M views on YouTube and got the world talking due to its flawless dance choreography, would you say this was the start for Half Alive?

HA: I think we were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful response we’ve gotten from ‘still feel.’ It really is just the beginning for us on what we are writing and thinking of for future videos and creative endeavours. The JA Collective played a vital role in creating the choreography for that video and we’ve held them close ever since, loving every moment working with them on all the visuals moving forward.

GW: Everything about your aesthetic and general look as a band is very minimalistic, a contrast in comparison to your colourful music – is there a reason for that?

HA: I would say our overall aesthetic is always growing and changing as we change as people.  I think the minimalist approach gives room for large dynamics in our creative processes. It all feels very connected to everything we do.  

GW: What would you say is your favourite song on ‘Now, Not Yet’, and why? 

HA: We often get asked what our favourite song off the record is and for myself (J Tyler), I don’t think I have one.  Each song we wrote meant a lot to create and all have very fond and growing memories attached to them. I’m excited for the moment we get to start performing these songs live to people that have really taken in the album. Whatever songs people really respond to in the live setting, may sway my opinion on which one I like the most in those moments.

GW: Did you have a vision at the beginning as to what you wanted this album to be and if so, did you execute it? Or, did it become something entirely different to what you had pictured.

HA: We have had a vision since the band first began. I think with our debut album Now, Not Yet we pulled it off. We wanted to create something that felt unique and authentically us. An album that spoke to people on a musical, emotional, and spiritual level. I think for our first album we were able to meet those goals, and I am excited to see what the songs and album continually unveil for us and for the people listening.

GW: What can we expect from Half Alive in the future?

HA: For the future we are going to keep doing what we have been doing.  We will continually focus on creating thoughtful, intentional, and meaningful songs and performances that reflect what we believe in.  We will go after ideas that attempt to inspire hope and challenge us and the listeners to become the best versions of ourselves.

More about: Half Alive