Getting to Know: Avant-Garde Metal act, Xpansion Theory
In today’s Getting to know, we meet Xpansion Theory, an Arizona-based avant-garde metal band that have been viewed by some as ‘barrier breakers. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Xpansion Theory
Band Members: David Baumiller (vocals), Mick Jones (lead guitar), Tracy Stinsman (rhythm guitar), Steve Lee (bass), and Harley Elliott (drums).
Years Active: 2
City of Origin: Phoenix, AZ.
Who are you and what do you do?
“My name is Tracy Stinsman and I am the rhythm guitarist/co-founder of Xpansion Theory.”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
“We had a different line-up in 2011 and took a short hiatus. We then got back together and found David, our lead singer, who has given us that edge that we were seeking. We have had tremendous support from our promoter, Destiny Dying Supernova and have become a member of her NovaElite. Plus we have been promoting ourselves locally through social media, and getting out to meet fans other local bands in the Phoenix area.”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
Our latest EP can be found on Bandcamp. It features of our songs that will also appear on our full-length, which we expect to release by early to mid-2015. The songs range from metal to alternative-avante-garde, to metal/hard rock. Each song has its own identity and I am certain there will be a song for everyone.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
“We put the most time into the writing process because that’s where the temperaments come into play. We are all very passionate about the final outcome, so working through the artistic personalities to get to the final result can oftentimes be trying, yet extremely rewarding.”
What is the best part about your band and why?
“The best part about XT is the wide range of fans we have encountered over the last couple of years. It is rewarding to have such an eclectic fan base. I guess that goes with the territory, as we are also an eclectic group of people.”
What makes your band unique from the rest?
“We have been labelled ‘the barrier breakers’ by our promoter, and that just about sums us up. We take risks, we write from the heart, and we do not attempt to write to fit into any mold. Sometimes that is a curse, as people want to hear that familiar note. We do not conform to any genre, yet the music speaks volumes.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
“We try to spread our gigs out as to not bunch them all together. We also try to hit different areas of town so that those fans that might not have transportation will get an opportunity to see us closer in their neighborhood.”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
“So far we have an under-the-radar fan base, so we will welcome being critically-acclaimed, as the critics are the ones who grab the attention of the new band seekers.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?
“System of a Down, because they were the first barrier breakers in the metal/grunge industry. They took it one step further and wrote from their own passions. Even though they received many weird looks at first, they were a very successful and respected band.”
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with?
“I would love to sit and chill with so many artists. Speaking for myself, I would love to sit down and speak with David Gilmour from Pink Floyd and to jam a few riffs. What would you talk about? We would talk about life, because he has experienced so much over the years. I am sure he would give a plethora of tips and advice as well.”
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