An in depth look at Rochester, NY metalcore band, Glasswaves. Interviewing the band to learn more about their start and continuity in the band as individuals, as a collective, and what we can expect from them next.
"Embark on a sonic journey with Glasswaves, an up and coming force in the music scene hailing from Rochester, NY. This collective has artfully woven together the raw intensity of metalcore with the innovative textures of electronic music, creating a musical tapestry that captivates audiences worldwide."
1. Where did the name GLASSWAVES come from?
"We made a list of multiple names and one of the names on that list (Glasswaves) popped up in a dream Noah had. He saw a stage we were performing on and the banner on the wall said Glasswaves."
2. When did GLASSWAVES come together? Where are you based?
"We formed around April 2023 in New York, then released our first single in June 2023."
3. What band(s) do you look up to the most?
"As a collective, we all look up to bands like, The Amity Affliction, The Plot in You, Spiritbox, Sleep Token, BMTH, and even Avenged Sevenfold."
4. Where/who/what do you draw inspiration from in your creative endeavors? Music or otherwise.
"We draw inspiration from bands like Bad Omens, Sleep Token, BMTH and other bands that we love. We strive to make our music an experience like the bands mentioned do. We also draw inspiration from different things like cathedrals, abandoned architecture and some cyber elements."
5. How did each band member begin in music? When did everyone join?
Noah - "I got my start in music from a young age. I can remember listening to rock radio when I was as young as 6. When Guitar Hero started getting popular (and later Rock Band), I got much more interested in performing and learning music. I got my first instrument when I was 9 or 10. It was a Cello. Around the age of 12 or 13 I got my first electric instrument (A bass guitar). The first song I learned on bass was thriller by Fall Out Boy. I then learned how to play the piano. I realized very quickly that I loved singing. However, I am hard of hearing and have trouble pronouncing certain words. This didn’t stop me though. I went through speech therapy and got some tips and tricks from other vocalists that had been in bands I looked up to. I slowly progressed and have kind of dived into my niche vocal style. I found people like the uniqueness of my voice and the way I pronounce things. Eventually I ended up in a band. We wrote and performed songs for over 4 years. A few other members of that band and I decided we wanted to rebrand ourselves. We started writing new music and came up with the name “Glasswaves” to release this new image we had in our heads ."
Owen - "I picked up guitar when I was like 13 after seeing my friend play “Thunder Struck” and was in awe. I joined a band with Noah in 2020 and a few members in that band ended up forming Glasswaves."
Tyler - "My beginnings in music started with my love for rock and metal at a young age. Being introduced to, by my father, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions, Journey, etc. at that age. Discovering Avenged Sevenfold solidified my love for rock and metal, and my interest in being a musician. I owe a lot to that band, their third record, City of Evil, the opening track, Beast and the Harlot, and The Rev. I had originally auditioned for Glasswaves under the band’s last iteration in January 2023, was offered the position in a matter of weeks, and I’ve been with the band since February 2023. We had officially announced the band and lineup as Glasswaves on April 21, 2023."
Brendan - "I started diving into music heavily about 4 years ago. When I was 12, I became a massive fan of Motionless In White and other giants in the metal scene. Then years later, I was having a hard time coming to terms with losing a good part of my senior year to COVID. When I got to college Fall 20’, I had a shift in mentality where I realized that I could learn guitar, I loved the music so why not try to play it. Later that semester I wanted to preform so I made a band and wrote songs with them, then I was offered to join Glasswaves before their announcement in Spring 23’."
6. What beverages and snacks are your pre/post show must-haves?
Noah - "Pre-show I drink lots of water and typically snack on any pastry. Post-show I like any cocktail with a hot meal (either Mexican or Italian)."
Owen - "I slam water like it’s no one’s business but food is pretty unpredictable on the road so it kind of becomes a “take what you can get thing.”
Tyler - "I ALWAYS must have water. A can of Arizona Green Tea is also another great choice."
Brendan - "Energy Drinks. Honestly, I seem to drink more water on the road than I ever do at home. Any actual food I can get on the road is a plus."
7. Who is an underrated artist/band you think deserves more love? In the scene or otherwise.
Noah - "I think “If Not For Me” are a great group of guys that have put out some amazing music. Definitely an underrated band."
Owen - "Tough split between a band called YUNGER, and another group called GANG."
Tyler - "In the realm of metalcore, I believe Sirens & Sailors from my hometown, Rochester, NY is criminally underrated. And they absolutely deserve more love. I first saw these guys play a sold-out hometown show in December 2016, at a time when I was not playing in a band, being a basement drummer, and finishing high school. Sirens & Sailors and that show changed my life. It’s still one of my favorites to this day."
Brendan - "I’m not sure about underrated but bands that should be even bigger right now in my mind are bands like VOLA and breakk.away."
8. Name a band that you would LOVE to tour with:
Noah - "If I had to pick one band to tour with, I think it would be BMTH because I love their entire discography and they’ve just become such a huge force as a band."
Owen - "Fantasy wise it has to be BMTH or Sleep Token but more realistically I’d say Archers."
Tyler - "If Glasswaves were to tour with Bring Me The Horizon, it would be a dream come true for every single member of this band. We’re huge fans and they’re such an influence on us."
Brendan - "I have to say Motionless In White, but other bands I’d love to tour with would be Spiritbox, Dayseeker, Sleep Theory, Polaris, The Funeral Portrait and many more."
9. What can fans expect to see next from GLASSWAVES?
"You can expect much more music from us. We’re constantly pushing ourselves to stretch boundaries. Also, you’ll see us on the road more and more over the next year."
1 comment
I have been listening to you for awhile now, and was introduced to you through tough luck music. I have seen several of the bands live that you mentioned: Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Motionless in White, Spiritbox, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleep Token, and Bad Omens. I have a ticket to your show for Screamfest, and hope to make it out for Lovedrafts. Excited for the shows , and the the new music. Thank you for sharing the interview.