By Kreig Marks, July 2024

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TRR:  Could you tell us about how your band formed and what inspired you to start making music together?

 

AF: Avalon’s Fate is a direct descendant of the bands 28 Pages (founded 2017) and Skies of Avalon (founded 2021). One might say that it is the “grandchild” of the original band we started, 28 Pages. Avalon’s Fate was the name choice that came in second when we rebranded from 28 Pages (primarily a cover band) to Skies of Avalon (focusing more on originals). When we were faced with another lineup change in the fall of 2023, we decided to give the name Avalon’s Fate another chance. Keyboardist Steven Posey and bassist Christian Justus (CJ) started 28 Pages and both of those members have carried over all the way through Avalon’s Fate.

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TRR:  What would you say sets your music apart from other emerging rock bands today?

 

AF: We strive to deliver what we call “semi-progressive rock”, material that is not so progressive that it becomes a flashback into a high school calculus class. Rather, we hope that our music comes off as somewhat familiar and grounded, but interesting enough to keep it unique from most other bands.   

 

TRR:  How would you describe your band's sound and style? Are there any specific artists or bands that have influenced your music?

 

AF: “Semi-progressive rock”. A cross between Rush, Styx and Queensryche. More influences also include: Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, etc.   

 

TRR:  What has been the biggest challenge your band has faced so far, and how did you overcome it?

 

AF: Performing in a post pandemic regional music scene. People just do not go out to shows like they used to. This is an ongoing battle. We just push forward the best that we can.

 

TRR:  Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances or recording sessions that stands out to you?

 

AF: When we were Skies of Avalon, we went to Nashville, TN and recorded the album “Per Tempus” over the course of three days in Kent Wells studios. Mr. Kent Wells has been long associated with the legendary Dolly Parton, having served as her live lead guitarist and many other roles. Mr. Wells was executive producer on our album, while his partner, Mr. Dave Fowler (Artimus Pyle Band), served as producer. The time that we spent with these well versed and experienced guys in that historic studio was a great learning experience and has become one of the best memories that we have. 

 

TRR:  What are your short-term and long-term goals as a band? Where do you see yourselves in the next few years?

 

AF: Short-term goal: to play Day of Rock Festival and give our best to a one set performance. Long-term goal:  to create lasting material and live performances that leave a positive impression on people, with the hopes that enjoyed us enough to remember us later down the road.

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TRR:  How do you approach songwriting as a band? Is it a collaborative process, or does each member contribute individually?

 

AF: we have utilized both, and both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. It is different for every band or artist. Writing as a band is actually somewhat frustrating at times because the more people you have in a room working on one single idea, the more bored and impatient those people can become. This is partly due to the fact that not everyone can be working on their parts at the same time, as it creates uncontrolled chaos. Granted it can be done as a band, but works much better with trios than 4, 5 or more pieces. For larger ensembles, songwriting will most likely work better if one or two people bring basic ideas to the band as a whole and then each individual player writes their own parts to that basic idea. Then, as the group refines that basic idea, it will change and evolve until finally you will have a polished, final product ready to be played at lives shows and/or record in the studio.