Project 86's Andrew Schwab Reveals Unorthodox Creation of 'Knives to the Future'; Says it was Written Like a Movie [INTERVIEW]

Andrew Schwab

Project 86 frontman Andrew Schwab spoke to BREATHEcast about the release of the band's new album Knives to the Future, and also shared a bit about the creative process behind the record's soldier-themed songs.

Opening up the interview with a bit of talk on their IndieGogo campaign, Schwab was very grateful of all the support the band received in order to make this project. After first using IndieGogo for their last album, Wait for the Sirens, the band had a better idea of what to expect when asking people to help.

Project 86
(Photo : Facebook: Project 86)

"We learned a lot of lessons with our first crowd funded project Wait for the Sirens. The lesson that we learned is that it takes a little bit more money always than you think to fulfill everyone's packages and get the record out and do the artwork and recording," he said.

Some of the packages for the group included signed copies, special acoustic tracks, VIP packages, and even a live show. See more of the incentives here.

"We set the bar a little higher this time. We set the goal at 50K and we raised almost 90, so that was a huge success, and ironically it's never enough money," he said, "Everyone is always taking bits and pieces of it. We are in the process of getting all 1,800 IndieGogo partners their perks and fulfillment. I always tell people the crowd funding thing is more work, but more fulfilling."

When asked about Project 86's tendency to create concept albums in terms of themes, lyrics, and story telling, Schwab kind of says what P86 does, is a bit different.

"I don't think that we necessarily try to use that term [concept record], but that's what it is. When you use the word concept you think of Styx or Rush, or bands we probably wouldn't fit next to," he explained, "It definitely tells a story and can fall into that category this time around."

He continued, "I was actually having a conversation with my wife prior to starting this record, and she asked a couple of really good questions and it sort of sparked some memories and thoughts on my end. I just felt very inspired. I wrote out the entire theme of the record and every song theme as well in a span of about an hour."

From there, Schwab said they formed the music around these themes, and actually wrote some of the vocal parts during that early process. It was the first time that Project had done a record that started thematically and started with a lyrical concept that they shaped the music around.

Their previous album Wait for the Sirens had a lot of military themes. Schwab explained it was about the moments before a battle and war, and the motivation to fight. It was about giving "yourself" for things you believe in.

Knives to the Future is part two of the concept. The theme is the moment after the battle, and focuses on one soldier. The soldier becomes awake in consciousness and does not know who he is or what is happening. He then sees a battlefield with dead bodies, and sees a mountain with a light behind it calling to his soul. If this character can climb the mountain, he will discover himself and destiny.

The vocalist said the story switches between the past and present as he tries to figure out what is happened to him: "Was it worth it, what I did?" "Am I alive, or am I dead?"

Knives to the Future sort of plays out like some epic war movie, which is something done intentionally as Schwab said he was listening to a lot of movie scores while writing.

Project 86
(Photo : Facebook: Project 86)

The frontman also wanted to clear up some misconceptions about the band and its revolving members over the last few years.

"People may have a perception of the history of the band that may not be accurate" Schwab stated. The band started and recruited the original guys, and the members started revolving out around the third record, Truthless Heroes.

"The new people I've been writing with are an extension of the vision for Project 86, and that is not very different for the dynamic that we had originally." There was vision sonically, musically, and thematically, so the new guys are still on that he said. "That's why there is a consistency as far as the sound."

Project 86's Knives to the Future was released on November 11, and cracked the top 20 on the iTunes charts. It can be purchased in three different formats on iTunes or their site http://project86.gobigwin.com/. There is the regular version, a deluxe edition, and 24 bit album that enhances the sound of the album.

Stay tuned to BREATHEcast for the next installment of our interview with Project 86's Andrew Schwab where he talks about his influences and thought process as a writer.