CelebrityHauteSpotIndie Rock Band ‘Persona’ Talks Upcoming Single “Indie Cowboy” In Exclusive Interview! (@PersonaOfficial)

Indie Rock Band ‘Persona’ Talks Upcoming Single “Indie Cowboy” In Exclusive Interview! (@PersonaOfficial)

June 4, 2018June 4, 2018 Jenna Interviews/Events

We recently had the chance to chat with Indie rock band ‘Persona’ about forming as a group, working in the studio, creating their upcoming single “Indie Cowboy,” and more!

How did you form as a band?

Singer Tom Spartinos and Bassist Sam Trestman have played in numerous bands over the course of 15 years. In the summer of 2007, Sam went to college and Costas Themistocleous to over the bass player role. In the winter of 2009, Trestman was tragically hit by a car in Binghamton, NY which almost took his life. “It was such a life changing experience for us and a slap in the face at the same time” explains Singer Tom Spartinos. But due to the accident, the band started to connect on a deeper level and find a sacred bond. Upon Sams departure from college and after a long period of healing, The trio began to jam. Persona was officially born in the summer of 2011. Upon a small period of playing as a 3 piece, bassist Will Suraci joined the band and guitarist Costas Themistocleous took over lead guitar. The now quartet spent the next few years releasing 2 EPs, touring and opening up for acts such as Third Eye Blind and Twenty-One Pilots. In the spring of 2014 after the release of “Mayday, We Crashed”, Persona went stagnant. A number of personal issues resulted in the band laying low. Throughout the time Singer Tom Spartinos and guitarist Costas Themistocleous were writing and demoing new songs and ideas. In the spring of 2017 bassist Will Suraci departed the band and was followed by drummer CJ Kostaras formerly from Giants at Large began to jam and write with the band, resulting in Sam Trestman taking back over on the bass. Persona is now Tom Spartinos (Vocals and Guitar), Costas Themistocleous (Guitar), Sam Trestman (Bass) and CJ Kostaras (Drums).

What inspired the name?

The name was inspired by the split personality, bi-polar, as we like to describe sound to our music. We believe each song is different and relates you to a certain emotion or feeling. The sound is some songs is sometimes edgy and very progressive, and then in others it’s this bright and happy pop rock feel. The name Persona was absolutely inspired by the sound.

What was the writing and recording process like for “Indie Cowboy?”

The writing process for Indie Cowboy was rather natural and smooth. The initial riff in the song was written by Tom previous to the bands formation and was revisited in 2014 during a dark and gloomy time. It transitioned seamlessly between us into what you hear today. Due to situations and circumstances in our lives,we took a step back and became isolated and I think the anger and hurt reflects within the song.

What is the song about?

To us, this song is about being introduced and enveloped around chaos and problems. Being surrounded by a cruel world, cold people and things you just cant change. It’s about walking away even if that means walking alone. About standing up for your morals, beliefs, and ideas and isolating away from what you can. It’s about creating your road and not walking a broken path. Its about taking the higher road.

How is the single different from other music that you’ve released in the past?

The difference from this single is we are releasing something a bit more edgy and in a new element than what we are known for. We have always had an edgy indie side, but there is something a bit different and a little more grown up than what we have released previously

What is a typical day like in the studio?

We are fortunate enough to work with an amazing producer at an excellent studio close to home. Shout out to Nick Zinnanti at Zin Records. A typical studio day would start out with the band meeting up and driving out to Calverton, NY from their hometown of Bethpage. Before getting to the studio, we stop at an awesome Deli called Wine Country Deli. (They’re the best!) When we get to the studio we map out with our producer Nick, what we are planning to do. Whoevers turn it is to record starts warming up as Nick adjusts settings, mics etc. The other memebrs are nearby on a couch or some chairs and then the magic begins. We typically have 8-10 hour sessions. If we have time within our block we will utilize it for promos, mapping or getting ready for new songs. A mix of our work is always sent to us after the day is done, before we leave. And we usually spend the 40 minute drive home listening to it and discussing what we want to add, change etc.

Who are your musical influences?

Third Eye Blind, As Tall As Lions, Minus The Bear, Blink-182, Dear & the Headlights, Circa Survive, Envy on the Coast, The Story So Far, we could go on haha.

How do you narrow down the song that you choose as your single?

This could be tricky at times, but it usually picks itself. It is always the song that stands out the most to all of us.

Are you working on anything else at the moment?

We are releasing 2 more singles accompanied by music videos before September. At the end of November we will be heading to the studio to record our third EP and are planning the release of a DVD documentary.

Do you have any fun summer plans?

We are kicking the summer off on June 30th at Revolution in Amityville, NY with Stickup kid. We have a North East tour planned for July and will be taking the month of August off to relax and vacation.