The Myriad - Interview with Floodgates Records' The Myriad

We met the guys that make up 'The Myriad' recently in Nashville. We talked about their latest CD 'You Can't Trust a Ladder', their influences, life on the road, and more...

MQ: How would you describe your sound to someone who's not familiar with it?

Steven: We're a rock band, but we draw a lot of our influences from the European side of things. We're primarily a rock band that is trying to find some new ground.

MQ: What are some of your influences, past or present?

Steven: I think all of us listened to U2, ColdPlay, Kent, Muse, Radio Head...

Jon: Growing up, I think everyone has a million albums, a million bands that they've listened to - from Zeppelin to Metallica to Dream Theater to U2 and Coldplay. So, I'm sure all of that has shaped us and made us into what we are today.

MQ: You're on Floodgate records now.

Steven: Yeah. We released 3 independent EP's on our own prior to our first full length release on Floodgate.

Jon: And our second one should be coming out at the end of this year.

MQ: Your current release is called 'You Can't Trust a Ladder'. What's the significance of that title?

Jeremy talks about the meaning behind 'You can't trust a ladder'

Jeremy: Ladders represent the easy way out in life. As a band we were talking about the idea of walking through the hard times in order to grow and learn from your experiences. So, 'you can't trust a ladder' is like saying 'you can't trust what seems to be the easiest way' out of whatever situation you are in.

Jon: Sometimes the best way to get through a situation is actually go through it and not to avoid it or go around it.

MQ: Any songs that you want to talk about on the record - any themes?

Jon: Our first track on the LP is called 'Stretched Over'. It's going to be our next single coming up. We just shot a video for it in L.A. So, we're real excited about that.

Steven of The Myriad talks about the themes on the LP

Steven: There are themes all over the record. Themes of hope and disappointment, excitement and romance. It kind of covers everything, which kind of falls under the umbrella of the album title - of just experiencing everything - both the highs and the lows. And trying not to anesthetize yourself from one or the other. Experiencing life fully - and everything that comes with it.

MQ: What would you hope that someone takes away from album after listening to it?

Steven: Be brave! Be brave enough to push through - whatever situation. Being deliberate about each day's choice you're making - each response you're having to whatever situation - and the courage it takes to do that. Hopefully people will find that message within the songs.

Jon: Whatever chaos that you are in, there is always a way out. I think that some people think that they are so caught up in it, that there is no way out. I don't believe that God would actually do that. He says in James that He won't ever tempt you beyond anything you can handle. So, I think there is always a way out. So, don't give up hope. I think the themes on the album stress that as well.

MQ: What inspires you guys - either in terms of songwriting or musically?

Jon: Randy inspires me! (laugh )

Randy: I was going to say the same thing about you!

all: laughing

Randy of The Myriad talks about the band chemistry

Randy: The chemistry we have is very important and influential in all of our lives. When we get together, it's amazing. It just kind of generates and evolves. It's an amazing experience to play with such talented individuals and to have a product like 'You Can't Trust A Ladder' come out. It's just an awesome experience.

Jon: I think all of us - we're in a van together 24/7 - we spend so much time together on the road. Last year, we were on the road 8 months out of the year ... and to see those hearts. You get to the point where you know each other really well. I think it's been awesome for me personally to see all of us grow together - in the Lord, and in our faith - and how we've actually travelled through the hard times together.

MQ: From your time out on the road, is there any event or time that stands out for you?

Steven: We love playing Cornerstone in Illinois. We've played there the last few years - and in a way got started there. It is a dirty, dusty festival with a million bands and we all love it! It's so much fun - and it's fun to catch up with the other bands that are on tour that we don't always get a chance to see. It kind of feels like home. Once a year, we love just camping out for a few days ... in our hotel rooms -

all: laughing

Steven: We're not that brave!

Jon: 'Be brave, but not that brave' - (laugh)

MQ: An album subtitle! (laugh) So, what do you guys love most about music in general?

Steven: I think when you're talking to any musician, it's how I find God. I think all of us would say that. When I hear something - a song that resonates with me - or if I'm writing and I stumble across something that moves my heart. For me, I find God in music. You know? A carpenter might find God in his work, in crafting something that is beautiful. I think that is one of the most amazing things about how God wires people in different ways. So, for us as musicians, you're talking about the number one way - it just feels like a straight shot to heaven. It's just the perfect chord with the perfect melody.

MQ: Awesome. Looking back at where you've been and where you are today, what are you guys thankful for these days?

Jon of The Myriad talks about life on the road

Jon: I know that I'm - and that we all are - thankful for our very supportive wives, because without that, we wouldn't be able to be out here. They are the backbone of this whole operation. So, I'm very thankful for that.

Randy: I totally agree. If it wasn't for my wife, I'd be frightened for where I might end up! (laugh) God has definitely put her in my life and she is such a source of strength - as well as my children. They just make me want to be a better man, a better person ... an asset to this world. That's why it is so great to play with these guys, because they all feel the exact same way. So, it really comes out through the music.

MQ: What's on tap in the coming months?

Steven: We're recording a new album this Fall for release later this year. We're out on tour with Cool Hand Luke and we'll pretty much be on the road for the rest of the year. We'll be taking a little break to record the record.

Jon: Festivals this summer - you'll see us at both Cornerstones...the Purple Door...

Steven: TheMyriad.net has all of the tour dates. You can also check us out on MySpace and PureVolume.