If you’ve been here for awhile, then you’re well aware that we at The Honey POP have re-entered our emo phases (Honestly, we never left it). Recently, Marianas Trench, one of our long time faves, have announced their first album since 2019, Haven! The album is set to be released on August 30th and follows the release of three singles: ‘I’m Not Getting Better, ‘Lightning And Thunder’’ and ‘A Normal Life.’ These new tracks symbolize a new era for Marianas Trench and we’re buzzing for more!
Pre-save Haven now!
One of our favorite things about the Canadian legends is that they’re real! Marianas Trench prides themselves on their autobiographical storytelling and has always been open about their struggles, especially regarding mental health. In a press release, lead guitarist, Matt Webb, shares “We feel (and act) just like kids. Life is blissful and turbulent, but when we are together, it’s safe. It’s Haven. We hope you hear and feel it the same way we do.” And from what we’ve heard so far, we feel exactly the same! Every single so far echoed these emotions and made us all feel SO seen and has us counting down the days until Haven.
We were lucky enough to chat with Marianas Trench about all things Haven, Force of Nature tour, and their almost TWO (2) decade long music career!
Welcome to The Honey POP, we’re so excited to chat with you guys! To get things going we wanted to ask a fun little intro question. ‘I’m Not Getting Better’ brings such a hyped-up feeling that we can’t help but think of a movie soundtrack or musical. What kind of movie or musical plot do you think would fit the track best?
Probably a romantic comedy as cheesy as it sounds. Something where someone feels they’re all fresh and new after a breakup and then they just fall flat on their face… boom! I think fellow Canadian Ryan Gosling would do the part justice. Ha.
We know that during a journey, every milestone and experience is important. Being in the industry for almost 2 decades since your debut album, are there any memories that have stuck with you in particular, be it with the band, during a recording, or at one of your shows?
I would say the first time we toured Europe. It’s so much different over there than in North America. It has such a rich history, being the birthplace of the western world and the architecture is quite breathtaking. It’s really amazing how different the cultures are from country to country even though they are all relatively close in terms of geography. I highly recommend you get over there if you haven’t been already.
Your upcoming album is centered around The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell, with each track aligning with one of the major plot points within this work. Can you give us a hint as to which songs on the album you feel are tied to your personal favorite “The Hero’s Journey” plot points? If not, are there figures in popular culture that inspired how you approached these plot points with the songs?
Turn and Run and Worlds Collide are my personal favs, but I’d honestly rather not tell you why. I think it is important for the listener to have their own personal experience when it comes to music, it’s really about your journey not mine. 🙂
Your albums tend to have consistent conceptual themes and storytelling devices that weave together to create their own world and narrative— is there anything in particular that inspired you to make albums in this manner, or does this form of storytelling just come naturally to you? Can we expect a heroic journey sort of storyline in line with the singles for your upcoming album?
All of our songs are autobiographical in nature as we feel that is the best way to write, true feelings coming from within. I think that’s maybe why our music has resonated with a lot of people. We try to write about what’s real and not what sells. We’ve always loved concept albums, so I think that’s just how we write now. The album is kind of becoming a lost artform with music being the land of singles and short clips these days, so we’re happy to be making art and not commercials.
Is there a certain recipe you have for finding that melodic theme that is going to thread the album together and help tell your story?
Basically if it sticks in your head for a few days and is memorable, it’s worth keeping around, especially if it’s thematic in nature. If you forget about it, the melody probably wasn’t that great in the first place.
This new era is completely different from what Marianas Trench has done in the past, both sonically and stylistically. What were your biggest influences in developing and bringing these concepts to life?
We really try to draw from all walks of life, we try and go deep within and touch emotions that some are afraid to get into. I think when you get into the real inner struggles, that’s when you’re hitting the good stuff.
You’re getting ready to embark on your first US Tour since 2019. So much has happened since then both for the world and MT. What are you most excited about when it comes to touring the US again?
Honestly just getting in front of crowds again, it’s nice to see the world has turned back to its crazy normal
Speaking of the tour, you’re bringing along some incredible acts like Cassadee Pope (who we love around here). What are your favorite songs from your openers?
I haven’t met Cassadee before but from watching her perform and from her socials she seems like a very kind and genuine person so we are very excited to be hitting the road with her, can’t wait!
‘Lightning and Thunder’ talks about not only the fears of having a child but also the different kinds of grief that can come with it from your past. But that overarching feeling of “being called up for something big” is our favorite emotion it invokes for us as listeners. What’s a moment from your career or life that felt like you were being called up for something bigger?
I’ve always loved music and I’ve been drawn to it all my life. You have to be totally nuts to attempt a career in music because it’s so hard to make it so I guess that was my big calling; being dumb enough to try and make it as a musician. Guess I turned out to be not too dumb after all!
With the Force of Nature tour likely to draw old and new fans alike, can we expect any deep cuts or live debuts of a song on the setlist? Are there any tracks you’re particularly excited to play live in general?
Oh yeah, hopefully we’ll be playing a ton of new stuff but you can expect to hear many singles from other albums. I’m stoked to play the opener and closer from the new album, they’re doozies.
We heard that you guys have a deeply rooted love for rentable scooters so we have to ask: what are some states/cities you’re most excited to scoot in and which member of the band do you think would win a scooter race?
I’d say Matt would take the race but I’m dumb enough to give him a run for his money. It’s the uneven pavement you gotta watch out for. Honestly, I love the US, people are so kind and friendly and it’s a wonderful place to visit. Don’t believe the media, y’all all are great down there. 🙂
Is there something you’ve learned about the music industry or Marianas Trench (and each other) in your almost two decades of experience that surprised you?
Yeah, I can’t sleep worth shit on a moving tour bus. My IQ drops like a rock from sleep deprivation when we’re on tour.
How do you think current you would’ve approached making your first album? Is there anything that you would’ve changed?
Honestly, wouldn’t change a thing. A well lived life is full of mistakes, but that is how you grow and learn.
We have all these amazing singles from you so far, is there anything you can tell us about what’s in store for the remainder of 2024?
Yup, keep an eye out for Nights Like These, it will be our new single when the album drops. It’s a banger.
Last but not least, is there anything you want to say to your fans, new and old alike?
So freakin’ excited to be touring again, can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces out there. Sincerely hope to see you out at a show!
Once again, a huge thank you to Marianas Trench for taking the time to sit down and chat with us! Let us know what you’re most excited to see from them by commenting down below or by tweeting us @thehoneypop! We are also on Facebook and Instagram!
And don’t forget to grab tickets to catch them on the Force of Nature tour this fall with a bunch of our faves including Cassadee Pope and Grayscale!
Buzzing for more? Check out more of our exclusive interviews and all the latest music news from all of our faves!
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