Interview with Sygnal To Noise; Lead Vocalist and Guitarist Mark “Coopa” Discusses His Band and New Album ‘Under Construction’

Formed in February of 2013, Sygnal To Noise is a melodic hard rock quartet located in Biddeford, Maine. We’re relatively new to the band, but we’re really digging their rich sound so we wanted to get to know them better. Lead vocalist and guitarist Mark “Coopa” was kind enough to answer some questions via email and shed light on him, his band, and their newest album, Under Construction.

For those not familiar with your band, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
Coopa: We are a straight forward rock ‘n roll band. No more, no less. Our goal is to help bring back the fun and excitement of rock ‘n roll again.

Your new disc Under Construction has just been released. Now that it is complete, how do you feel about it and what has been the response so far?
Coopa: We love the new record! We had a blast recording it. The fans have truly embraced the EP and we could not be any prouder of the results.

What is your writing process like?
Coopa: We mostly get together in the rehearsal studio and just jam. We love the spontaneity of it all. Occasionally Dave or myself, will have a full song pre-written and the rest of the fellas will add their flavor to it. Over all we write as a unit.

You guys are an extremely heavy band, how does it make you feel when that power and energy you channeled in the studio comes to life in front of a crowd?
Coopa: I would not say that we are extremely heavy band. We are just a rock ‘n roll band. No screaming and yelling. We have melody and you can understand what I am singing. As for playing the songs live, there is nothing better!

When you write, do you do so with the live setting in mind or do you write a song just for the song’s sake?
Coopa: A little of both. We of course write for our pleasure; but at the same time, we always keep the live show in mind.

Along those same lines do you take advantage of technology and email riffs and parts back and forth, or do you get together in a room in a more traditional sense and write together?
Coopa: We definitely write in an old school way. We enjoy just chillin’ in the studio together as a group and just going for it. There is just something pure and natural about it. It is what works for us.

What’s the story behind the name of the band?
Coopa: The name came from a computer font. I wish I had a more exciting story to say, but unfortunately I do not.

What is the story behind the name of the new record?
Coopa: This band has been through a lot. It seems like a constant state of building. We are all really focused and have a common goal that we want to set into motion. So I just felt what better name than Under Construction, because we are never satisfied and comfortable. We are always pushing forward and wanting more.

You have toured the world extensively. It there anywhere you would like to go that you have not been?
Coopa: The United Kingdom. London especially.

Check out the song “Punch The Clown” here.

What do you think of the current state of the rock/metal world?
Coopa: I feel it is starting to reemerge. The music took a long nap for a while. Then the new metal and screamo scene took over for a bit. That being said, I feel people are missing good, solid, and melodic rock music. There are some good bands out there right now that are paving the path once again. We would like to feel that we are a part of that movement.

What are some of the newer metal bands that you are listening to or enjoy?
Coopa: I do not know how new they are, but the ones I have recently stumbled upon that I really enjoy are: 12 Foot Ninja, Highly Suspect, Prime Circle, Monster Truck, Vintage Trouble, Audiotopsy, and The Rival Sons just to name a few.

What is the heavy metal scene like over there in U.S.?
Coopa: The metal scene is OK. Like I said before, I feel it is getting better.

Do you receive a lot of support from your local scene and fans in general?
Coopa: Yes we do! And we are beyond grateful for that! Because without the fans, we have no future.

Do you have any rituals before you hit the stage? If so, what are they?
Coopa: My only ritual before I play is making sure that I poop at least twice before I go on stage. My biggest fear is having to take a poo while playing.

Do you have any touring plans in support of the new recording?
Coopa: We plan on hitting the road in full force this spring in support of the new record.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 CDs with you for eternity, assuming there was a solar powered CD player, what would they be?
Coopa: The Police’s greatest hits, Queen’s greatest hits, and The Beatles (any record after 67).

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Coopa: Having a fan tell me that one of my songs helped them with their life. There is no better feeling than knowing that you actually touched someone emotionally with your music.

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you on tour, or at one of your shows?
Coopa: In the world of rock n roll, nothing is strange.