Interview with Currents Vocalist Joe Sherman

Vocalist Joe Sherman of the band Currents spoke with me about their new self-titled EP. This disc is a multi-layered, multi-dimensional CD that is a very enjoyable listen. The musicianship is top-notch and the songs are fresh, innovative and highly creative; they’re at times powerful and at others convey an almost ethereal mood. The aspect of this disc that I found the most interesting; however, is that while there are different layers at work in songs, nothing feels unnatural or haphazardly thrown in. The album as a whole works well, inviting the listener to sit back, contemplate and draw their own meaning from the work. Here’s what Sherman had to say.

Tell me about a little about your self-titled debut EP.
Joe: We wrote and recorded our 4 song EP with Justin Powell (The Cab) and Kyle Black (Set Your Goals, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low) this past Summer in August. We had just formed two weeks prior to recording and the songs just seemed to all fall into place.

Are you happy with the way it turned out?
Joe: Most definitely! First impressions are everything and this EP is a true representation of who we are as a band. I couldn’t have imagined it coming out the way it did. Plus, recording with both Justin and Kyle was incredible. They both really had great input on what direction to take our music.

What was the writing process like? Did you guys all write together? How long did it take?
Joe: The melodies in L Is For Lush were written in the studio, most of the vocals for the EP were written in the studio, and we had only been a band for two weeks. Everyone in the band has been playing music for a long time, but the only one of us with any formal training really is Mike our drummer. He is a classically trained pianist and drummer.

Are there any tracks on the EP that are personal favorites or that have good stories behind them?
Joe: “L Is For Lush”. The last relationship I was in was a tough one. I went through a lot of rough times. Sometimes you get to a point where things and people are out of control. You can try as hard as you want to help, but there’s nothing you can do. If you’ve ever been in one of these relationships you can relate to trying to help someone when all they do is push you away. When you add different kinds of abuse into the situation whether its verbal, physical, or substance it becomes time to walk away.

Who are your biggest influences on your playing?
Joe: I’ve always been influenced by front men who command the stage. Some of my favorites are Brandon Boyd, Adam Lazzara and Geoff Rickley.

What kind of touring plans do you have in support of the EP?
Joe: We plan on playing locally a lot and doing some weekend warrior type of runs. There is also a tour in the works for January.

Check out the song: “L Is For Lush”

What 3 words best describe Currents?
Joe: Memorable, Dynamic and Passionate.

If you had not become a musician what other career path would you have liked to attempt?
Joe: Music is my life’s passion. If I wasn’t a musician I would be working at record label doing some behind the scenes work.

What is next for Currents?
Joe: We’re going to start pre-production for our next release, dropping a music video, and will be playing plenty of shows. So keep a lookout. You can find everything you need to know about Currents on our websites.