INTERVIEW: Fairlane Dives Into His Groundbreaking Rocktronic EP, ‘Genesis,’ Featuring Collaborations With Silverstein, Point North, & More
Multifaceted Canadian songwriter, guitarist, DJ, and producer Fairlane is revolutionizing the music scene once again with his brand-new Rocktronic EP, Genesis. Out now on renowned dance label Monstercat, this EP is more than just a collection of tracks; it is a transformative journey that melds the worlds of rock and electronic music into an innovative fusion.
With Genesis, Fairlane creates a musical atmosphere that is both cutting-edge and nostalgic. The EP features collaborations with prominent artists such as Silverstein, Point North, Wind Walkers, RILEY, and SpaceMan Zack, each contributing to the project’s diversity across rock music.
Tracks like “Take It Back,” featuring the legendary post-hardcore band Silverstein, and “Not My Night,” with LA’s premiere rock band Point North, exemplify Fairlane’s ability to bridge together a broad spectrum of musical styles and sounds. These songs blend emotive synths, dynamic guitar notes, and electrifying vocals, appealing to a wide audience, from festival crowds to rock fanatics.
As Fairlane embarks on this next chapter in his career, we had the pleasure of chatting with this trailblazer on the creative process behind Genesis, working with some of the top talent that rock has to offer, and more. Check out Rock Informer’s exclusive interview with Fairlane below.
Rock Informer: Genesis marks a significant step up from your previous works in terms of collaboration with some of the biggest rock artists. What inspired this evolution in your sound?
Fairlane: There was always a natural draw for me towards the “rock sound,” but I never had the proper collaborators to help make it come across as authentic as it does with this project. Growing up, watching guys like Mark Morton (of Lamb of God) or Ryan Morgan (of Misery Signals) shredding on stage inspired me so much, and showed me the world of live guitars.
I will probably never ever be as technical as they are, but that introduction is what led me to doing what I do on stage now – paired with this new sound, it all seems like the right move!
Rock Informer: When working with bands like Silverstein and Point North, how do you approach merging rock and electronic genres seamlessly?
Fairlane: I find that the arrangement plays a huge role in merging everything together with Rocktronic. Following a bit more of a conventional “pop” structure lets the tracks flow a bit easier and feel less jarring to non-EDM listeners.
I find that dialing back production over vocal segments is important too. This really allows the vocal performances to shine through and drive the track forward!
Rock Informer: “Take It Back” with Silverstein integrates heavy metal-based lyrics with electrifying synths and guitar notes. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track?
Fairlane: I received an early demo from Shane (lead singer of Silverstein) with a handful of notes explaining that these were VERY rough vocals he had recorded on the tour bus, but that the basic idea was laid out for me.
As I got to his screaming segment, my eyes lit up. I knew that this had to be a major turning point in the record; something that took people somewhere they weren’t expecting.
I actually started with that breakdown, and then slowly built out the remainder of the instrumental so that we could finish writing the song together at a later date. Once we had the final vocals dialed in, the rest was easy!
Rock Informer: “Not My Night” with Point North fuses modern electronic production with punk rock. How do you balance these distinct styles to develop a cohesive sound?
Fairlane: The simplest answer is just adding more guitars! I have found that the key to the new “Rocktronic” sound for me has been taking what I would normally do electronically, and replacing those synths with electric guitars instead.
The result has been this really cool hybrid sound where guitars are still driving the body of the record, but there is still an EDM undertone that gives it that loud punchy sound!
Rock Informer: Your EP features a diverse range of artists. How did these partnerships come about, and what did each collaborator bring to the table?
Fairlane: A lot of emails and cold Instagram DMs. I am very blessed to have a dedicated and like-minded team who shares the same vision and passion for this music, so the collective A&R process can be really fun!
I learned quickly how tight-knit this scene is as well; everyone in rock is either directly connected, or connected via one degree of separation, which makes opening the conversation with other rock collaborators much easier.
Each of the collaborators was specifically chosen for what they do sonically, and conceptually. I wanted the songs to feel like one of their own original records, but with a slight twist, that being my personal production style. The goal was always to have each artist be proud of the song we made, in a way that they could even play their own renditions in their sets!
Rock Informer: Which track on Genesis was most difficult for you to create, and why? How were you able to overcome the obstacles that it presented?
Fairlane: I would say “Only The Good Die Young,” specifically because I originally had NO idea what to do for a drop. I tried probably three or four iterations before finally attempting the four-on-the-floor drop you hear today.
It just had so much energy leading up to the end of the chorus that I did not want to lose! The second drop as well baffled me structure-wise because it felt slightly empty as I was producing it out. A friend of mine suggested I try a guitar solo, which I have never done in one of my songs, and I honestly think it turned out so cool.
Rock Informer: “Only The Good Die Young” with SpaceMan Zack explores a deeper message. Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind this track and what its lyrics mean to you?
Fairlane: There are two ways to look at it! On the surface, it is clearly a “cry for help” anthem about an individual who has been battling depression and suicide their entire life, resulting in excess partying and dark thoughts.
The line “only the good die young”, to me, paints this idea of feeling stuck in this life, almost like you are being forced by a higher power to stay behind and earn some form of happiness while those around you get to leave this world.
It is an interesting juxtaposition though. The instrumental feels very energetic and uplifting, but the lyrics are very dark. It kind of reminds me of “pumped up kicks” in that same way, and I love it.
Rock Informer: What were some of the highlights of collaborating with Wind Walkers on “Panic Room”? When listening back, does this anthem trigger any specific memories or emotions for you?
Fairlane: The two biggest highs I experienced on this track were A) the moment Trevor (lead singer of Wind Walkers) replied to my DM saying they are down, and B) the moment I heard his final vocal recordings.
That guy has an INCREDIBLE voice and he absolutely nailed it on this song. It is also so cool to see how much personal success they are experiencing right now as a group. The What If I Break album is 10/10!
Rock Informer: Each track on Genesis seems to encompass different themes and sentiments. Can you discuss the overarching narrative or message of the EP? What do you hope listeners take away from this project?
Fairlane: The entire project kinda points to this idea of self-realization and reflection. Each of the songs points inwards, telling the story of someone who can rely solely on themselves to fix what’s broken, whether that be depression, addiction, or heartbreak. I hope listeners can feel that same sense of self reflection when listening to these songs. And if they don’t, I hope they can at least enjoy the instrumental aspects!
Rock Sound: If you could pick any destination or venue in the world to perform this EP at, where would you go and why?
Fairlane: Red Rocks! Partly because I’m now a Denver local, and also because it is just SUCH an iconic venue where so many incredible artists have performed. There is truly something magical about that venue that cannot be described – you just have to see it for yourself!
Rock Sound: What advice would you give to electronic-live hybrid artists on how to effectively manage playing guitar or other instruments and mixing during your performances?
Fairlane: Don’t get too fancy! Some of the best advice I have ever gotten was from my good friend Phil Thorpe (former bass guitar for Neck Deep) who stressed the importance of looking cool on stage. It sounds so silly, but it is true!
People do not want to see you hunched over and stressed out the entire performance. They want to see you smiling, moving around, and looking cool while you do your thing! So keep your parts within your wheelhouse and focus on creating an experience for the people in the audience.
Rock Sound: What is your vision and predictions surrounding the intersection between rock and electronic music over the next decade? What role do you aim to have in bringing the two spaces closer together?
Fairlane: It is inevitable that they will continue to merge more and more. Take for instance what Bring Me The Horizon is doing, specifically with tracks like “LosT” and the hyperpop-EDM breakdown sections. Or what Linkin Park was doing in the early 2000s and how much that influence has made its way into modern day records.
As long as it is done tastefully, and the core of what makes Rock music so special isn’t stripped away, I am all for it!
Rock Sound: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Fairlane in terms of future projects and collaborations?
Fairlane: I am all over the place at times! But TONS of music in the works. Some projects are even more rock-leaning than this EP, some songs are more pop-leaning, and some are just straight dance music!
I try not to ever pigeonhole my brand. So long as I approach each song the way I want, it will always sound like me, and that is the most important thing. If you ever get the chance, come check out a show!
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