Interview with Canyon

March 24, 2021

Interview with Canyon

by Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Do you feel that it's still possible for an unknown band today to be plucked out of obscurity and make it to stardom? Can a dedicated core of fans sharing their music make that possible or has the internet and social media changed the game?
Canyon: The word stardom is definitely a matter of perspective. I mean, some people set their sights on having their names up in lights and making millions of clams. We see it as when we have somebody approach us after a show telling us we killed it or they connect with our music in some way. That's why we do it!

It is definitely possible though. Look at artists like PLINI (Aus prog shred god), he’s gone from being relatively unknown to one of the most well respected artists in the prog/metal scene. That’s all been totally due to social media and networking. Being completely self-managed leaves a lot of room to experiment with social media and interacting with fans. Fans and the people who come to shows now mostly find out about bands through social media.

CV: Do you feel that given the accessibility and social awareness of modern times that a music underground still even exists today as it once did?
Canyon: A lot of people get caught up in the 'underground' scene and see it as a “badge of honor.” I agree to the extent that a lot of us find our first home in music, that extends to finding a "scene," it hurts when you see that something you identify with personally gets “tarnished” in your eyes from people not respecting it like you do. But that's life. I prefer to see bands break out of the underground because they finally start getting credit for their hard work. Who am I to judge what credit is worthy to someone else? You don't know their motives.

I wouldn’t say there’s an underground scene anymore, not exactly the way it used to be anyway. People’s tastes are now so widely varied and our reach is completely different. The rules and parameters are constantly shifting now too. There is a market for anything that gets put out there and we all have pretty much the same access to it.

CV: What do you see as the biggest difference in music and how it is perceived from back say 35 years ago compared to music today? Has both the music and the artist evolved from your point of view?
Canyon: The largest difference is social media; again, the internet/social media with the addition of our ability to record ourselves at better quality from home. Music is now definitely more widely accepted...especially in the rock and metal scenes. The thing that everybody is always searching for is that new thing. Something that’ll make them sit up and really listen. Current artists are writing and playing things that people 40 years ago would never have dreamed of!

Some people seem to be more concerned about being seen rather than being heard. While other artists are redefining the boundaries of artist/fan interaction using their own takes on marketing over social media. Maybe this boils down to the removal of a whole bunch of “middlemen?” Overall it’s a great thing and we really feel that it is putting the control back into the artist’s hands.

CV: Do you believe bands and artists who have the biggest impact on fans and other artists are aware that they are or is there more of a tunnel vision sort of process for them keeping them somewhat in the dark? Can influential artists see past their own work to be aware of the ripples they make?
Canyon: I think some artists might know the large influence they have on people but more often than not the artist is focused on producing something that suits their thoughts and passions. This keeps it honest.

Bands are more aware of the ripples they make, because as we all know, people love to tell bands every little opinion they have. ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERNET! The feedback is pretty much instant now too, so it is pretty hard to remain in the dark.

CV: Does music need to be influential to be considered worth listening to in your opinion? Or can music simply be just an enjoyable auditory experience devoid of substance?
Canyon: I guess that’s why we all like art so much right?

“Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder.” The value of art is determined by the consumer...if I find a song deep and inspiring but you find it shallow and devoid of substance, then who is right?

Music should have substance to be taken seriously, but there are always those artists who make a living with writing music purely for the fun of it. Some of it might not have much to say, but it’s usually a fun experience figuring out where those artists are coming from, and what goes through their minds when writing. It’s interesting that what is considered great by someone is hated by someone else.

CV: The world has been rocked by the COVID pandemic. The economy has been sent into a tailspin in its wake, unfortunately. Bands worldwide have been restricted with performing live and some it seems, restricted from earning a living. How has the pandemic affected your band? Are you hopeful that 2021 will see many of the restrictions lifted?
Canyon: We’ve barely been able to practice or play ANY gigs. But with technology as it is now, we’ve managed to finally have time to do all the planning and scheduling that comes with releasing new music! We’ve also managed to catch up every week online, and even keep writing new material.

CV: What do you feel artists and bands can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is being restricted? What immediate options do you see available?
Canyon: Great question...keeping relevant is always tough! I think using online methods like social media and streaming can be a useful tool, but finding the content and being heard is another story. We really like using our Instagram to connect with followers and use our stories to show behind the scenes and more casual stuff, as well as sharing what we are listening to.

Lots of bands have resorted to live streaming performances. They could be using the time they have to write new material. Dedicate more time to social media, connecting with fans and build a following.

CV: As an artist, what have you learned from the events of 2020? Are those lessons learned different for you as a person than as an artist or are they one in the same in your opinion?
Canyon: We’ve learned just how important it is to connect. Proactively reach out to people, other artists to work together and create.

CV: What's next? What can fans expect to see coming in 2021?
Canyon: More shows, more music.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was such a pleasure. I wish you all the best.
Canyon: Thanks so much for taking the time to read this far! Cheers for interviewing us and we hope you enjoy the music!!

Check out Canyon at:
Linktr: https://linktr.ee/Canyonbandaus
Bandcamp: https://canyonbandaus.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canyonbandaus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Canyonbandbooking

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.