No one would have blamed The Ghost Inside for calling it quits. Following a harrowing bus crash that sidelined the metalcore band for four years, their long-awaited comeback album launched amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving fans to wonder if the El Segundo quintet was cursed. Yet through it all, The Ghost Inside persevered, releasing their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Searching for Solace, a project marked by creative exploration and heartfelt innovation.
Reflections on Resilience
Jonathan Vigil: “After the accident and during the pandemic, we had this longing to return. Every tour we’ve been able to do has reignited our passion for performing. The saying holds true: you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. When it was taken away from us, I missed it deeply. It’s hard to speak for everyone, but we’re incredibly excited to be back doing what we love.”
The Challenge of Releasing Music During the Pandemic
Jim Riley: “We had to decide around April 1st, 2020, whether to go forward with our album release. We were led to believe that the world would return to normal by summer, so we opted for a June release date. In hindsight, we miscalculated.”
“It was disheartening to see our hard work, which had taken years to culminate, thrown into the void of a pandemic. We couldn’t tour to support it, and it felt disappointing to miss out on celebrating its release amidst so much turmoil.”
Chris Davis: “Interestingly, our accident somewhat prepared us for the isolation of the pandemic. We had already figured out how to cope with our identities beyond just being members of The Ghost Inside. But this didn’t lessen the sting of the situation.”
Vigil: “Our experience from 2015 to 2019 shaped our understanding of isolation, and when the pandemic hit, everyone felt that same sense of loneliness. It was comforting to learn that our music resonated with others during this time of shared struggle.”
Collaborative Growth
Jim: “Working with producers like Dan Braunstein, Cody Quistad, Carson Slovak, and Grant McFarland allowed us to explore new facets of our sound. Their encouragement helped us embrace the next steps in our evolution as a band.”
Andrew Tkaczyk: “They unlocked aspects of our music we didn’t even know existed. The studio performances, especially from Vigil, were the best we’ve ever had. We were all amazed at what he was capable of. This record-making experience was the most enjoyable one I’ve had, and that joy contributed significantly to the final product.”
Balancing Melody and Heaviness
Andrew: “The contrast in our album was intentional. We aimed to push every aspect of our sound to its limits, creating an ebb and flow that reflects the themes within the music.”
Chris: “We embraced a ‘nothing is off the table’ attitude during the process. Suggestions from producers that seemed outside our comfort zone ended up being fantastic. It became about all five of us enjoying the direction we took, regardless of traditional boundaries.”
Themed Emotional Journey
Vigil: “We wanted the album to reflect the non-linear nature of life, illustrating the emotional ups and downs we all experience. The flow of the record is designed to evoke that feeling, emphasizing that life’s journey is just as important as any end goal.”
Personal and Professional Evolution
Jim: “We’ve all grown significantly in the past nine years. Many of us are married now, and our lives have changed drastically compared to when we were just kids with no responsibilities. This record captures that growth and progression.”
Conclusion
The Ghost Inside has shown resilience and creativity in the face of adversity, releasing Searching for Solace as a testament to their journey. With a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of themselves, the band is ready to embrace the future, both on and off the stage. Their evolution is a reminder that even the darkest moments can lead to meaningful breakthroughs.
FAQs
What challenges did The Ghost Inside face after their bus accident?
The band faced a four-year hiatus, during which they struggled with recovery and the identity crisis that followed the accident.
How did the pandemic impact the release of their album?
The band decided to release their self-titled album in June 2020, believing that the pandemic would soon subside. Unfortunately, the album’s launch coincided with a time when live shows were impossible, impacting their ability to promote it.
What themes are explored in Searching for Solace?
The album explores themes of resilience, emotional contrasts in life, and the importance of the journey rather than just the destination.
Who did The Ghost Inside collaborate with for this album?
The band worked with producers like Dan Braunstein, Cody Quistad, Carson Slovak, and Grant McFarland, which helped them unlock new dimensions in their sound.
How has The Ghost Inside grown as individuals since their last album?
The members have experienced significant personal growth, with many getting married and starting families, which has influenced their music and perspectives.
