And now for something kinda different! (But still totally awesome.) If you didn’t catch it a few weeks back, Passengers, the new EP from Spirit In The Room, dropped on October 25th through Housecore Records. Born from the mind of multi-instrumentalist Dennis R. Sanders, this collection includes previously unreleased tracks as well as those that were not part of any form of collection. The result is quite the trip. A complicated one, often dark and bleak. But one very much worth taking. To share a bit more about the project and this release in particular, Dennis took time to answer our questions for this latest Profile. Give it a read below!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I was probably around 7 or 8 years old. I was really into Iron Maiden and Guns N Roses as a kid and then Nirvana and the Sex Pistols and then I got really into Korn and then Slayer, Morbid Angel etc etc. this was all during my formative years. I continue to discover all sorts of artists. I’ve just never stopped listening and paying attention to it all. Just digesting everything I can. Never any pushback from my parents. They were very supportive of choices. 

The band got started with a series of ideas and some Craigslist ads. 

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

I would say that we’re a moody band and that the sound varies accordingly. I’m not sure what I would play, probably something new and unreleased. That’s the stuff I’m most proud of and excited about. 

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge? 

It’s a pain in the ass. Writing it was easy. Re-recording it was dreadful. 

The band is a lot of work. Different personalities, schedules etc. You have to be patient and a good listener. Communication is a must. 

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Forgetting where you are. Getting lost and found all over again etc and what not.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

I don’t know about any sort of scene. I just keep to myself. If I go see a band, I usually just watch the set and leave. I’m not a lingering person nor do I roll with a crew. 

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music? 

Don’t take yourself so seriously. Laugh. Have a good time. Enjoy as much as you can. Don’t be a dick. 

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share? 

I collect things. We all collect things. We’re collectors of sorts. 

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Be honest. 

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Make more music. Eat good food. Pet dogs and cats. Listen. Learn. Die. 

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Waylon Jennings – “Dreaming my Dreams”
Björk – “Debut” and “Post”
Carnivore – “Carnivore” and “Retaliation”
Black Sabbath – “Sabotage”
Nora Orlandi – “ll dolce corpo di Deborah” (Score)
Lhasa De Sela – “La Llorona”
Fiona Apple – “When The Pawn…”
Morbid Angel – “Altars of Madness”
Cocteau Twins – “Echoes in a Shallow Bay”
The Sound – “From the Lions Mouth”
Timbre Timbre – “Hot Dreams”
Ty Segall – “Three Bells” and “Love Rudiments”
Lots of movie scores and soundtracks.
Anything by The Melvins.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

More music. Shows etc. Looking forward to it all. 

Summarize your band in one word. 

Honest.

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Many thanks to Dennis/Spirit In The Room for the time!

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Passengers is available now on Housecore Records. For information on Spirit In The Room, give them a follow on Facebook or Instagram.