Discordia
Interview by Thomas McGregor
There are bands that flaunt the idea of success, dedication and commitment to their craft. All with the sincerest of ideals to reach the top of their game of orchestrating their music in a way that best portrays their band and brand identity. Unfortunately, many of these groups have separate individual visions for the future that ultimately pull the group in different directions, leading to different variations of dissonance that breaks down the internal structure of the group. We hear the stories in the news of band members getting into fights, financial ruin, and addiction to the life style - all contributing to the end of what could have been a group creating something new, interesting and even innovative.
Enfocus was pleased to speak with a group that exhibits none of the above pitfalls. As a laser-focused, five-member, super-group; Discordia is a force that is driven by group oriented collaboration and constant motivation to advance their craft. The members of Discordia all share in the outlook of the importance of band member connection. In other words, they see the immense value in getting along. Not necessarily compromising on individual ideas or personality. However, they find the time to get to know each other, work hard to work together and, look for the ways to be more cohesive each time they perform.
Enfocus: How did the band meet?
Discordia: We all had been playing in different bands and had run into each other at shows and when we were supporting other bands. So, we kinda knew each other before we had this formula of members.
Enfocus: Have there been other members in the past?
Discordia: Yes, but this current formula of members works really well for us. We have a really good chemistry and respect for each other.
Enfocus: So, where would say your force of creativity stems from?
Discordia: We all had been playing in different bands and had run into each other at shows and when we were supporting other bands. So, we kinda knew each other before we had this formula of members.
Enfocus: Have there been other members in the past?
Discordia: Yes, but this current formula of members works really well for us. We have a really good chemistry and respect for each other.
Enfocus: So, where would say your force of creativity stems from?
Discordia: Well, we are always sending ideas to each other. In fact, we are working on music right now and were sending stuff to each other this morning. But, it’s a constant process. We will take an idea, send it to each band member, and then that band member will work on it in his or her own way for the next couple of days until they feel they have contributed. Since we all live in different places, the Internet allows for us to keep our creativity and ideas going.
Enfocus: In order to maintain this creativity, there needs to be a solid cohesiveness and comradery as a group. How do you keep connected if you live a good distance from each other?
Discordia: We actually spend time going to shows together. We also like to host BBQ’s so that we can all get together and do some things outside of music.
Enfocus: Do you think younger bands lack in cohesiveness because they don’t focus on the internal comradery of their bands?
Discordia: Yes, of course. If you want to spent countless hours in a van, hotels, and writing music together; it’s very important to make sure that work well together.
Enfocus: In order to maintain this creativity, there needs to be a solid cohesiveness and comradery as a group. How do you keep connected if you live a good distance from each other?
Discordia: We actually spend time going to shows together. We also like to host BBQ’s so that we can all get together and do some things outside of music.
Enfocus: Do you think younger bands lack in cohesiveness because they don’t focus on the internal comradery of their bands?
Discordia: Yes, of course. If you want to spent countless hours in a van, hotels, and writing music together; it’s very important to make sure that work well together.
Enfocus: You often hear of bands breaking up due to things that seemed as though they could have been worked out. Do you think their lack of comradery contributed to these fallings out?
Discordia: Yes. It’s hard to talk with the people you’re around, in an in-depth way, if you don’t already have a good connection with them. This way if you have disagreements you are able to hash them out constructively.
Enfocus: What does Discordia want?
Discordia: We want it all. Touring, record deal – we want it all.
Enfocus: Would you say you have loyal fans?
Discordia: Yes, most definitely. Our scene is very tight-knit. Those that love our music really love our music. We get Facebook messages and emails every day asking for us to play somewhere new. This tells us that we going in the right direction since are fans are responding so well to we are doing. This is like the most rewarding part of the job.
Enfocus: What would be the ultimate performing experience for Discordia?
Discordia: Playing a festival in Europe in front of thousands of people.
Discordia: Yes. It’s hard to talk with the people you’re around, in an in-depth way, if you don’t already have a good connection with them. This way if you have disagreements you are able to hash them out constructively.
Enfocus: What does Discordia want?
Discordia: We want it all. Touring, record deal – we want it all.
Enfocus: Would you say you have loyal fans?
Discordia: Yes, most definitely. Our scene is very tight-knit. Those that love our music really love our music. We get Facebook messages and emails every day asking for us to play somewhere new. This tells us that we going in the right direction since are fans are responding so well to we are doing. This is like the most rewarding part of the job.
Enfocus: What would be the ultimate performing experience for Discordia?
Discordia: Playing a festival in Europe in front of thousands of people.
Enfocus: What is the next major milestone for Discorida?
Discordia: We really want to play festivals in Europe, Australia and the US. We are planning on doing our own festival here in California and recently had a BBQ for some other bands to get the ball rolling. The bands were very receptive and we are excited to bring something to the fans.
Enfocus: If you could offer advice to up and coming musicians and/or bands; what would that advice be?
Discordia: To listen to other bands in the genre you want to play. To study, study and study the music and see what you can contribute to your genre. Also, to listen to things outside your genre. This way you can get a sense of what else is out there. Make sure to practice, practice. And, also make sure you learn as much as you can about the things that go on behind the scenes. Things like, merchandising, scheduling, label contracts, and networking. As a musician, you create art but, you can’t forget that it’s a job. It may be the best job in the world, but it’s still a job.
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If we were to take one thing away from our time with Discordia it would be the following sentiment: If you want to operate efficiently as a group, you must work hard to work as a group. Also, it’s paramount that we understand that each member of Discordia operates as a specific mechanism that aids in the forward movement of the group - with one single focus clearly in the mind of each member. This operating fashion; the focus and the cohesiveness, all combine into a well oiled machine that is hard to stop. Our take-away from Discorida, therein is; if we truly want to succeed in our endeavors we much learn how to become better in the way we work together and, then set into motion the action to do so. Only then, just like Discorida, can we go for gold, take on the world, and make our mark in music history.
Discordia is: Cindy Cannon - Lead Vocals Bobby Cannon - Guitars / Vocals Becca McCabe - Keyboards /Vocals Marcel Eaton - Bass / Vocals Bones Padilla - Drums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discordiaofficial/?fref=ts
Website: http://www.discordiaofficial.com/
Discordia: We really want to play festivals in Europe, Australia and the US. We are planning on doing our own festival here in California and recently had a BBQ for some other bands to get the ball rolling. The bands were very receptive and we are excited to bring something to the fans.
Enfocus: If you could offer advice to up and coming musicians and/or bands; what would that advice be?
Discordia: To listen to other bands in the genre you want to play. To study, study and study the music and see what you can contribute to your genre. Also, to listen to things outside your genre. This way you can get a sense of what else is out there. Make sure to practice, practice. And, also make sure you learn as much as you can about the things that go on behind the scenes. Things like, merchandising, scheduling, label contracts, and networking. As a musician, you create art but, you can’t forget that it’s a job. It may be the best job in the world, but it’s still a job.
_
If we were to take one thing away from our time with Discordia it would be the following sentiment: If you want to operate efficiently as a group, you must work hard to work as a group. Also, it’s paramount that we understand that each member of Discordia operates as a specific mechanism that aids in the forward movement of the group - with one single focus clearly in the mind of each member. This operating fashion; the focus and the cohesiveness, all combine into a well oiled machine that is hard to stop. Our take-away from Discorida, therein is; if we truly want to succeed in our endeavors we much learn how to become better in the way we work together and, then set into motion the action to do so. Only then, just like Discorida, can we go for gold, take on the world, and make our mark in music history.
Discordia is: Cindy Cannon - Lead Vocals Bobby Cannon - Guitars / Vocals Becca McCabe - Keyboards /Vocals Marcel Eaton - Bass / Vocals Bones Padilla - Drums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discordiaofficial/?fref=ts
Website: http://www.discordiaofficial.com/