FAMOUS STRANGERS – interview

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:
We’re Famous Strangers, a heavy band born out of veteran roots from bands like Pugnacious, Compromise, This Is War, and The Order of Chaos. We started casually two years ago just jamming covers, and somewhere along the way, it transformed into something full-time. Our latest release is LSC — it’s a haunting, moody track with melodies that lure you in just to trap you. The lyrics dive into the dark metaphor of how bugs like praying mantises and black widow spiders mate, then kill their partners. It’s heavy, it’s weird, and it’s a total banger. The music video is up on YouTube, and you’ll find it on all major streaming platforms too. It’s also the first track we wrote entirely together from scratch in-studio, and we’re proud as hell of how it turned out.

What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?
Honestly, it’s a lot. You can’t just make music anymore. You need to be a social media manager, a content creator, a marketing team, and somehow still find time to write and perform. Streaming is convenient, but it’s made it nearly impossible for independent artists to make any real money unless you’re selling physical merch and playing live. The love is still there, but the game has changed, and you have to grind every day just to stay visible.

When did you realise that your project had the potential to be much more than just a fun idea?
  We were  jamming for a couple months in the basement with the cool lights and such chill energy. We felt things very deeply so vibes were felt  pretty quickly. It wasn’t exactly a realization it was a feeling. After our very first gig together at the Starlite Room opening for The Devil’s Sons. The response from the crowd, the energy between us on stage — it all just clicked. We knew we were onto something special. It stopped being casual and became something way bigger, something we all wanted to see through.

Tell us about your latest release, why should we check it out?
LSC is raw, dark, and layered. The concept is strange and cool — a metaphor about deadly mating rituals among insects turned into a human experience. The sound is heavy but melodic, and the video brings out all those eerie undertones. It’s also a big moment for us as a band because it’s the first song we built from the ground up, as a unit, and it set the tone for what’s to come.

How does a song typically come together for you?
It always starts with a feeling. Maybe a riff, maybe a vocal hook, sometimes even a story or concept first. We build together. Everyone brings something to the table — one idea triggers another, and before we know it, the track takes shape. We don’t follow any strict rules, we just vibe and push each other creatively. It’s collaborative all the way through.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
It’s hard to pin down. People have said we’re haunting and moody. Others say it’s soulful and heavy. Each song lives in its own world — we’ve got elements of rock, metal, blues, and more. Nothing sounds the same, but it’s all unmistakably Famous Strangers. The through line is honesty, rawness, and emotional weight.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?
We want people to feel empowerment, reflection, rage, love, or just pure energy — we hope our music creates a safe space for people to be themselves. We’re building a community, not just a sound. It’s about connection, expression, and unapologetic individuality.

Where would you really like to tour that you haven’t done so yet, and why?
We’d love to hit Europe. There’s something about the scene there — the passion from the crowds, the culture, the way metal is embraced. Germany, the UK, Netherlands, all of it. Also, playing anywhere new is a rush. We want to connect with people worldwide and see how far this can go.

How would you say that the sound of your band has progressed over the years?
We are relatively brand new. We started as a chill cover band, just feeling things out. Once original music was presented  every jam session was a new experience!  Once we found our footing as writers and performers together, the sound got signified into our own thing, heavier, darker, lighter,  more confident,  all of it.  There has been no limits or hold backs.  We’re exploring different themes now, pushing our limits, and letting the weird and beautiful ideas fully take shape. The evolution has been exciting and real.

How excited are you for 2025, and what can fans expect from you?
This is the year we go all in. We’re recording, playing Canadian festivals, writing constantly, and building new visuals. Expect more music videos, more shows, and more chances to connect with us. 2025 is the year Famous Strangers kicks down the door and starts the next chapter. Get ready.