EMQ’s With GUHTS
EMQ’s With GUHTS
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Alternative Doom/ Post-metal band, GUHTs. Huge thanks to their Vocalist, Amber Gardner, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My Name is Amber Gardner, I’m lead vocals of GUHTS
Our music sparked from Scott’s solo project during the lockdown, where he wielded the guitar magic that would later define our sound. Curiosity led me to sneak a listen from the other room, and soon, I found myself itching to experiment with vocals. The fusion of our creative energies birthed something unexpected and exciting.
As the project expanded, the talented Dan Shaneyfelt (who has since left the band due to health concerns) contributed, shaping our evolving musical landscape. When the world reopened, the dream of taking our sound live crystallized. Enter Daniel and Brian – the missing pieces that transformed our musical endeavor into a complete picture. Brian, met during Scott’s and I’s other band gig, brought the heartbeat with his drumming, and Daniel, Brian’s cousin, became the bass virtuoso we were searching for.
The puzzle was complete, and we were ready to hit the road. It all started with a solo project and a desire to explore, and now, as a collective force, we’re geared up for the musical adventure ahead.
How did you come up with your band name?
Finding the perfect band name was a wild ride, a relentless journey through a never-ending list of contenders. Scott and I were deep into the search, wanting something that truly resonated with the emotions our music stirred within us. It was during one of our sessions, listening to a powerful song, that the lightbulb moment struck.
We always talked about that gut feeling, that intuitive sensation when a piece of music hits you in the core. That’s where “GUHTS” came into play. We decided to add the silent ‘h,’ not just for a visual twist but to reflect the true pronunciation found in the dictionary. It looked different, felt different, and that’s what we loved about it.
But there’s more – “GUHTS” became an acronym, the first one being “Give Us Hope Through Suffering.” It encapsulated the essence of our music and the emotional journey we wanted to take our listeners on. So, our band name isn’t just a word; it’s a feeling, an intuition, and a promise of hope amidst the struggles.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
Hailing from the US, specifically the Northeast, we call New York our home – Our band is a tale of two locales, with two of us residing in the scenic Hudson Valley, while the other half rocks the Brooklyn scene.
Being part of the metal scene in this neck of the woods is nothing short of exhilarating. The metal vibes resonate strongly, and we’re fortunate to be surrounded by a diverse community of artists spanning various genres. It’s a melting pot of musical creativity, and we’re soaking up the energy and inspiration that the thriving scene in New York has to offer.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest and greatest is on the horizon! Brace yourselves for our first full-length album, “Regeneration,” set to drop on January 26 thanks to a collaborative effort with our families at New Heavy Sounds and Seeing Red records.
Leading the charge was our single, “Till Death,” unleashed on November 24. The track packs a punch, and we even brought it to life with a video – catch it on our YouTube channel. But hold on tight because we’ve just wrapped up another mind-bending video, ready to hit your screens shortly after the album launch. The excitement is real, and we can’t wait to share this music with all of you!
Who have been your greatest influences?
My great grandmother’s influence echoes through my veins, as she imparted timeless wisdom: “Don’t judge, be yourself, your words have power, be independent and too much of anything is not good, even love.” These words became my guiding lights, shaping my perspective on authenticity, individuality, and self-reliance. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring power of embracing one’s true self and navigating life with independence.
What first got you into music?
My journey into music was orchestrated by my family, who gave me a tiny record player adorned with 45s. Christmas mornings were a symphony of anticipation as they filled my collection with eclectic records. In those early days, I transformed into a makeshift artist, channeling Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Go-Go’s and the unique sounds of Yoko Ono.
It’s a laughable memory, thinking back to the puzzled expressions on my parents’ faces as I immersed myself in Yoko’s “Moaning” record. Little did they know, it was my peculiar gateway into the vast realm of musical expression. Those early spins on the record player weren’t just notes; they were the beginnings of a lifelong melody, sparked by the quirks and charms of diverse artists that continue to resonate with me today.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Choosing just one collaborator is a tough call! I’d be thrilled to join forces with the incredible Julie Christmas; her artistic depth is awe inspiring. Another dream collaboration would be with Rebecca Vernon from The Keening – her musical mastery is something else.
But hey, I’m all about pushing boundaries, so throwing a curveball into the mix – collaborating with Pharrell Williams would be a whole new adventure. Diverse influences, limitless possibilities.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Choosing one festival is a tough gig, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d set my sights overseas. The international scene is buzzing with rad and supportive festivals that showcase a diverse range of music, and the fans are simply amazing.
If I had to name-drop one, it would be Roadburn. Why? Well, it’s the epitome of eclecticism – a melting pot of genres that aligns perfectly with our diverse sound. The atmosphere, the crowd, and the overall vibe make it a dream stage for us. Hell yeah to Roadburn!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
The weirdest “gift” we’ve received from a fan wasn’t a tangible object but rather unsolicited advice on what we should do with our music.
While we appreciate the enthusiasm and understand that it comes from a place of genuine support, it’s a bit like someone trying to tell an artist how to paint their masterpiece. We always find it amusing, recognizing the good intentions behind it, but ultimately staying true to our creative vision and process. After all, the beauty of art lies in its subjective and diverse interpretations.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
To our incredible fans, remember the words of Kelly Cutrone: “Normal doesn’t get you anywhere.” Embrace the extraordinary because your possibilities are limitless, and your power is infinite. Don’t squander that energy on anything that doesn’t champion the idea of your boundless potential. Thank you for being part of this adventure with us – let’s keep pushing boundaries together!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
If I could bring one rockstar back from the past, it would undoubtedly be David Bowie. A true master of transformation, his ever-evolving projects showcased unparalleled creativity. Witnessing how he worked in person would be an absolute dream – to experience the magic behind the chameleon of rock. Bowie’s influence resonates deeply, and having him back would be a gift to music and artistry.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The joy of being a musician lies in the freedom to express emotions, to creatively perform, and to constantly evolve into different characters over time. Experimenting with my instrument and voice adds layers to the artistic journey.
Yet, the challenge arises in the vulnerability that comes with sharing these deeply personal creations. It’s a level of transparency that forces you to be genuinely open. It’s not someone else compelling you; it’s a self-imposed vulnerability. This duality, the pleasure of artistic expression and the challenge of baring your soul, creates a dynamic and fulfilling exploration in the realm of music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
If I could change one thing about the music industry, it would align with a broader perspective applicable to any industry or situation worldwide. It boils down to fostering a deeper level of understanding – recognizing that there’s no singular correct way of doing things. The music industry, like life, is an enormous experiment.
Respecting individual processes while embracing diversity in approaches is key. I acknowledge the necessity of some guidelines, but I yearn for a mindset shift. Imagine a world where people wholeheartedly respect each other’s creative journeys. Competition shifts to a personal challenge, and the emphasis moves to supporting one another.
In the challenging path of a creative person or musician, a supportive community becomes essential. It’s not an easy choice to follow this path, and the more we uplift each other, the stronger the entire creative landscape becomes. Let’s transform the narrative from competition to collaboration, recognizing that supporting one another is the catalyst for collective growth.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Choosing an all-time favorite album is indeed a tough call, considering the influence of mood. However, if I had to pick one that I could endlessly immerse myself in, it would be “Battle of Mice – A Day of Nights.” This album’s atmospheric depth and emotional intensity create a captivating journey that resonates with me, no matter the mood.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
Each format holds its unique charm, and I appreciate them all, owning vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and digital downloads. However, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be vinyl. There’s something enchanting about the warmth, sound, and clarity that vinyl brings to the listening experience. It’s not just about the music; it’s a tangible connection to the soul of the sound.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Choosing the best gig is like picking favorite moments from a treasure trove of experiences. Every show has its special situations, the bands we played with, and the incredible people we met. However, if I had to pinpoint one that left an indelible mark, it would be the Yob and CaveIn show at LPR in NYC. It was a dream come true, an unforgettable night that I still think about. Missing that gig would have been out of the question – it made my life.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
If I weren’t a musician, I’d wholeheartedly consider joining the Peace Corps. It’s a calling I’ve been contemplating, and once my kids are out of college, I’m seriously thinking of taking that path or getting a degree in Quantum Physics or Neuroscience. If I could get paid for reading, is that a thing? The idea of contributing to positive change and making a meaningful impact resonates deeply with me. It’s not just about the music; it’s about creating harmony in the world in different ways.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
5 people I would invite to a dinner party
Let’s make it interesting because dinner parties are definitely not my thang, I have about a 3 hour limit for company:
Rupaul
Alex & Allyson Grey
Kelly Cutrone
Dr. Seuss
Hathor
What’s next for the band?
We are playing a couple album release shows in our perspective home areas, Hudson Valley, NY on January 26 and Brooklyn, NY on February 24. After that we will be touring different parts of the US in April and June. Hopefully some festival appearances in the coming year too.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? http://guhts.com
http://instagram.com/guhtsband
https://youtube.com/channel/UCtMErNHax-weJZJY2vnzKmg
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich. Is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Ah, the age-old British debate of what to call that round piece of bread! It’s a linguistic labyrinth, with options like BAP, bar, bar cake, batch, bun, cob, muffin, roll, or tea cake. The truth is, it seems to depend on where you reside, and a quick Google search only adds to the delightful confusion. Nice try, but this question won’t catch me in its wordy web!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for your time, and I appreciate the opportunity for the interview. If there’s anything else I’d like to add, it would be a sincere gratitude for the engaging conversation and the chance to share more about our music. Looking forward to future discussions and perhaps catching up again down the road! CHEERS ⚔🖤
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.