For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about?
James Krakat: It started as a small child with my Father playing guitar and spinning The Beatles records. His brothers (my uncles) also play guitar and would get together play and talk about groups like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Elvis, and Chuck Berry. By the time I was in 6th grade I was obsessed with music and then picked up the guitar shortly there after.
Since every project has a story, what's the story behind your debut album, Maiden Voyage?
Ethan: While the other band members might have different takes, I'd describe Maiden Voyage as an exploration of every aspect of love—the highs and lows, the joy and pain, and the mysteries that take time to unravel in the early stages of a relationship. The album is an emotional rollercoaster, and I hope fans can connect with its storytelling on a personal level.
You recently released your new single, "Magic Feeling," that you also co-wrote. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from.
James Krakat: I wrote it fairly quickly one January evening. It just came to me thinking about summers past pre college hanging at the beach in Brigantine, New Jersey, or at my favorite beach in Lake George, New York. The rest just literally flowed out. I always like reflective songs that talk about life and can resonate with everyone. Or William Shakespeare's the seven stages of man. When Ethan, Matty and I got together to record the album, we tweaked somethings. Ethan and I used my lapsteel and came up with the slide part. Ethan made the lead guitar parts. Matty and I have worked together for a long time so he knows what to drop for the beat and beautifly does. I love vocals and harmonies so the song is loaded with them. The song ends where it began to represent another person now going through the same thing. Could be the main characters child ,.could be anybody. But it shows that a new generation is now going through the same thing and will until the end of time.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
Ethan: For me, 80% of the time, my inspiration is emotionally driven. If I'm working through. something and an idea hits, I'll spend 3-4 hours recording and hashing out a song. If I don't finish it, though, it can take months because the original emotion might fade. The other 20% comes from a good riff I stumble upon. When that happens, I need to record it immediately or risk losing the spark. With riff-driven songs, the lyrics often start out random as I figure out the vibe, but they almost always circle back to the emotions I'm experiencing at the time.
Is there one song you're excited to have people hear?
Matty: "We Fell in Love"
Where did you grow up and how has that influenced your style of music?
James Krakat: I grew up in Schenectady, New York. It is a very diverse place with many styles of music. A lot of rock, and country, but also hip hop and Spanish music.
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music?
James Krakat: I hope that the message is good and uplifting. That it makes a difference in your life.
What do you hope people take away from your songs?
James Krakat: I hope they get a positive message and it makes their lives better. That love is a wonderful thing and they are not alone in life.
Did you always want to be a musician or was there a specific moment that something happened that made you think "this is what I want to do with my life. If so, what was it?
James Krakat: I was probably 13 or 14 when I decided I wanted to be a musician. Part influence from my Father and his brothers.
Looking back, what was the first album or vinyl you bought?
Ethan: While I can't recall the first album I ever purchased—probably because my dad and I shared similar tastes in music—I clearly remember the first vinyl I bought: Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind. The first time I played it on the record player and heard the opening track, Where Eagles Dare, I was hooked. As soon as the album ended, I went straight to the drum kit and started jamming.
Matty: Iron Maiden Somewhere in Time
Aside from singing do you play any instruments?
James Krakat: Guitar, drums, harmonica, piano, banjo, harpsichord, accordion, lapsteel, bass guitar.
Ethan: I started playing drums as a teenager, which became my foundation. From there, I've picked up as many instruments as possible, teaching myself along the way. Drums are the only instrument I've had formal lessons for, but most of what I learned came from listening and figuring things out by ear. That's how I've learned every other instrument I play. I've known basic acoustic guitar chords for years, but recently I've started exploring scales and delving deeper into technique.
What is your favorite wine?
James Krakat: Adirondack Winery Blue Twilight
Ethan: My favorite would have to be the 1924 Bourbon Barrel Aged Double Black Cabernet. Aging a good Cabernet in bourbon barrels brings out a rich, full-bodied flavor, and there's almost nothing it doesn't pair well with.
What's an example of a meal you'd prepare if I came over?
Ethan: I'd make beef Wellington with pumpkin risotto. It's one of my specialties and such an enjoyable dish to cook—both visually stunning and delicious.
How do you drink your coffee?
James Krakat: Black ,sometimes with a little cream
Ethan: I used to take it with light cream, but after marrying my wife from Brazil, I switched to black coffee. We drink *3 Corações Extra Forte*, and it's hands down the best coffee I've ever had.
What is your favorite breakfast?
James Krakat: Sunny side up eggs with bacon and home fries
If I were a bartender, what would you order?
Ethan: I'd order a smoked Manhattan—it's a classic with a sophisticated twist.
Matty: Jägerbomb
What's on your pizza? Do you fold your pizza or eat it straight on? Ranch or no ranch?
James Krakat: Usually cheese sometimes pepperoni Straight on Sicilian Style. Ranch is alright but usually eat without condiments
Matty: Onions, sausage, roasted red peppers, and extra cheese. No ranch.
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ethan: Sushi would be my pick. It's one of those meals I can enjoy every day without ever getting tired of it.
What's your favorite cooking show?
James Krakat: There are actually two of them. 1. Colonial Williamsburg cooking videos with Frank Clark.
2. Jas Townsend's 18th century cooking
I love historical shows that show how things were done. Living in upstate NY I am surrounded by history, especially Revolutionary War and French and Indian War. To see the types of food that the people ate especially the soldiers, gives me a great appreciation for their sacrifice and puts into perspective the type of toughness both physically and mentally the people of the past had. It makes me thank the Lord for how blessed I am.
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why?
James Krakat: Fage Greek Yogurt. It is a local company that is world wide brand. I like their total zero Greek Yogurt which is a staple for myself and family.
Ethan: If I had to choose, I'd go with Basil Hayden. There's nothing quite like a smooth bourbon to help you unwind after a long day. For me, pairing it with a good cigar creates the perfect setting for deep, meaningful conversations with friends across a wide range of topics.
Matty: Labbatts blue because that's what I normally drink.
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