INTERVIEW: AURAS take a trip to the ‘Binary Garden’
Photo: AURAS’ new LP is called Binary Garden. Photo courtesy of eOne / Provided with permission.
Progressive metal rockers AURAS recently released their newest LP, Binary Garden, featuring singles “The Demoness” and “Momenta.” To support the recording, the band is touring around the United States this summer, joining forces with Night Verses, Dead American and Red Handed Denial.
AURAS consist of Josh Ligaya on guitar and vocals, Aaron Hallman on guitar, Nathan Bulla on drums and Eric Almeida on vocals. The Canadian group have been rocking for almost 10 years.
Their recording efforts over the years have included Panacea, Adverse Condition, Cresfallen and Heliospectrum. Binary Garden continues their combined success and expands the band’s sounds into new sonic avenues.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with the band. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can your fans expect from your new LP, Binary Garden?
Fans can expect a more refined and organized version of AURAS. Each song has its own atmospheric vibe. Every song has more of a foundation, and each song has an increased melodic focus with the incorporated clean singing.
How is Binary Garden different than Heliospectrum, your debut full-length?
Heliospectrum was more raw and experimental whereas Binary Garden has a more intentional sound approach. As mentioned before, it is more organized and has more emphasis on the clean singing done by our guitarist, Josh.
‘The Demoness,’ your new single, seems like a powerful statement about the environment and climate change. What was the inspiration for this song?
The lyrics were initially inspired by the Darren Aronofsky film Mother! where it metaphorically characterizes Mother Nature and her relationship with humankind. The Demoness is along the same lines except her reaction in the song is more destructive. We wrote a story about Mother Nature being fed up by how we treat her, eventually leading to her to destroying us out of anger.
How are creative decisions made in the band? Is it democratic?
The initial creative spark starts with Josh coming up with an idea with programmed synths, drums and guitars. Afterwards, the rest of the band collaborates together in refining the structure of the song instrumentally. Then Josh writes lyrics, vocal patterns and melodies to the instrumental. Hopefully once that is added, it rounds up the song.
How would you describe an AURAS live performance for a fan looking to check you out on tour?
Our live show offers an intense experience to fans. The performance is high energy with a focus on dynamic syncopated grooves and memorable melodies.
What’s the future hold for the band?
We hope to share the stage with more of our influences and friends and inspire others to think outside the box musically.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
AURAS’ new LP is called Binary Garden. Click here for more information.
