Makari have been keeping themselves quite busy this past year with things only aiming to get even busier. Not only have they found a full time vocalist in Andy Cizek (most notably known for his YouTube covers), they have signed to InVogue records and are set to release their debut album “Hyperreal” on August 3rd. Mixing progressive elements into an alternative rock sound, “Hyperreal” is bound to be a phenomenal record based solely on the two singles already released. Drummer Kevin took the time to interview with me and answer a few questions about being signed to a label, Andy’s contribution to the band, and some other interesting topics. Be sure to give them a like on Facebook and pre-order “Hyperreal” on the platform of your choice here!
In terms of the writing process, what was different in terms of writing for a full length as opposed to an EP?
Well, first of all, everything was a little different this time because we had Andy, plus we went to Andrew Wade. In the past I did almost all the lyric writing, and this time it was split kind of evenly between Andy and I. We each came to the table with ideas, and we each helped the other out if we were a bit stuck, or thought something could be changed. Honestly, it was a blessing sharing the load, and having someone who wanted to bounce ideas around. Also, in the past we didn’t have too much input from producers, but Wade genuinely wanted us to make the best songs we could, so his input and suggestions were super helpful, and it was so awesome to see how much he puts into every release he does.
What were some of your most listened to albums while writing/recording?
For me, I listened to a lot of Hippo Campus, King Krule, Local Natives, and Explosions in the Sky. All those artists are super impressive, and very inspiring for me.
Having recently recruited Andy, what kind of new creative things did he bring to the table that the other potential vocalists lacked?
Having Andy has been so great. Like I said early, we split the lyric writing, and helped each other out, so that was super-awesome. He also just has great control of his voice, and a knack for melodies. He’s definitely helped us elevate our sound.
What are some of the lyrical themes or meanings behind some of the songs?
The album is called “Hyperreal”, and to me a lot of the songs come from a place of existential dread, of questioning reality; of wanting so badly to have a former reality back, so much so that you’re willing to get lost in a reality that you make up in your head, or dream of when you go to sleep. The album is also about hope and perseverance; it’s about being a light in the dark for yourself and those around you.
Who did you work with as a producer? What kind of experience did you have with them?
For this record we had the privilege of recording with Andrew Wade. We went to him to record the first single “Control”, and we were so happy with the outcome and like working with him so much that we were like, “We HAVE to go back to him” hahah. He’s great to work with. Super-insightful, funny guy, and he got the best out of us.
What bands are some of your biggest influences?
I think we all really liked Circa Survive growing up. Closure In Moscow and Tides of Man are both still big favorites of ours. CHON is super dope. I lean more towards the indie side sometimes so, like I said earlier, Local Native and Hippo Campus have been influential to me.
If you could tour with any 3 bands, past or present, whom would you choose?
I would love to tour with Circa. Touring with DGD would be insane as well. I’d like to play with Closure In Moscow too. If we could somehow play with all of them I would probably die right there haha.
Do you have any tour plans to help spread the word about the release?
Yeah! Absolutely. We are heading out with Wolf + Bear at the end of July into August to promote “Hyperreal”. It’s mostly gonna be east coast/ Midwest, but it’s gonna be dope.
What’s it been like to be signed by a record label as opposed to trying to release and promote your own music?
It’s always great to have any form of help you can. Being on Invogue has definitely afforded us opportunities we might not have had otherwise. But we still do a lot of promo on our own, and we probably always will. We fight tooth and nail for this band, so we’ve always done whatever it takes to get our name out there and share our music because we believe in it.
What albums are you all most looking forward to this year?
I’m honestly not sure what all is coming out. The new DGD record was definitely rad. I’ve honestly been on a Kacey Musgraves kick too, her new album is phenomenal.
If there was one song you all would love to cover, what would that be?
I think it’d have to be either “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, or “You Make My Dreams” by Hall and Oates. Both are really great songs, and as you can guess I/we have an affinity for discussing dreams.
Is there anything you’d like to tell your current or future fan base?
Just that I hope to see you soon. I hope you’ve enjoyed “Control” and “Transient” off our upcoming album “Hyperreal”. I can’t wait to share the album with all of you, and I hope you can find a song (or several) that you can connect with, or that affects you in a positive way. I write songs to work through my own issues and thoughts, and it would give me immense joy if anything I’ve written can help someone else out. I also want to say that we here for you, and we’re here because of you. I hope our music can be your center, or your escape, or anything you need it to be. We don’t exist without you.
