Gemini Syndrome has been in the news a lot lately.
The band has released a handful of singles in recent months, from its forthcoming album, 3rd Degree — The Raising. The guys are also prepping to head back out on the road in support of the album, which is scheduled for release Oct. 15 through Century Media Records. Before all that happens though, front man Aaron Nordstrom took some time to talk with Phil’s Picks about the group’s new record, its upcoming tour, and one of Nordstrom’s side projects in a new interview.
Sometimes Nordstrom is clearly serious and contemplative, and at others he gets a bit lighthearted with his comments. The interview is available to read in whole below.
PP: Congratulations on the upcoming release of your new album, 3rd Degree – The Raising. If I recall correctly, you’ve mentioned that this album is the culmination of a trilogy of records from Gemini Syndrome. So, talk to me if you will about how this new album connects, musically and lyrically, to its predecessors.
AN: The trilogy covers the aspects of birth, maturity, and death, through the realization of the self, the realization of death, and the realization of rebirth and awakening; A cycle that can be seen in all things in existence.
PP: Staying on that note, did you all as a band have the intent to create a trilogy of albums right from the release of your debut album, Lux back or did things just sort of evolve from there?
AN: The plan evolved from the beginning. Yes
PP: Gemini Syndrome released 3rd Degree – The Raising’s lead single, ‘Reintegration’ almost a year ago, well ahead of the album’s release. That’s a pretty big span of time. Can you offer some insight into the decision to release the song so far from the album’s release? Were you all just still working on the album at the time or was it something else?
AN: We decided to release music in the way we did mainly due to the pandemic. We had been ready to release in early 2020 but due to the worldwide shut downs we decided to wait. However releasing singles allowed us to get music out there while people were stuck at home without giving away the full album yet.
PP: Staying on that matter of the album’s songs, you all have released five singles since the release of ‘Reintegration.’ That is almost half of the album. Do you see the release of anymore singles as the album’s release date nears?
AN: We will definitely doing a couple more singles and videos from this album
PP: The singles that the album has produced have been met with pretty good response nation wide from what I’ve seen and heard. What does that support from radio and from audiences alike mean to you all?
AN: Support means everything Support is the means by which we are allowed to carry on doing what we love
PP: You all are resting up and prepping to head back out on the road again next month for the next leg of your tour in support of your new album, after already spending July and August on the road. Is everyone ready to go for this next leg, or does it get easy to get kind of settled in and too relaxed, considering how taxing tours can be?
AN: I can speak for myself that I am 100 percent ready to get out and keep touring. We had a really long break anyway and this is what I was made to do
PP: The upcoming leg of your tour is scheduled to launch Oct. 28 in Chippewa Falls, WI and to run through Nov. 27 in Reno, NV. It even includes a stop in my home state on Nov.13 in Greensboro, NC. When did planning for this latest leg start and how long did it take to finalize everything? What factors played into the final schedule?
AN: Oh not long. We just made sacrifices to the goat of Mendes and it all just kinda worked out
PP: Staying on that matter, with all three of your albums being connected, what can audiences expect from the shows’ set lists? Will there be a mix of music from all three records or will the attention be more on this latest release?
AN: Balance is key in all things.
PP: Changing gears for a moment, Gemini Syndrome is not the only project that you have been involved in over the past year or so, Aaron. You’ve also done some work as vocalist for Woyote. What can you tell me and my readers about where things stand with that band right now?
AN: Woyote is a young project that Mikey Doling asked me to sing for about a year ago Based in Belgium, We are almost done with a full length and have played a couple shows in Belgium in September. As the timing allows you will be seeing and hearing much more from us!
PP: Getting back on the matter of your upcoming tour, you all are bringing Ovtlier and Pushing Veronica along for the ride again. Ovtlier is a personal favorite of mine as well as Gemini Syndrome. For those who maybe haven’t heard either band’s music, what is it about those two bands that impressed you all so much?
AN: We work closely with PV. We love what they’re doing, their attitude, their drive, and their music! They’re like family. Ovtlier was great to have on the last run and they offer a great show and great music They’re a really fun group of people to have on the road also Making the family bigger We’re also bringing out Them Damn Kings this run as well
PP: Staying on the matter of touring, live music has had a bumpy road this year. No pun intended. Things started out hopeful as the year opened, but as the year has progressed, it seems like more and more tours have gotten postponed or canceled altogether because of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. So can you offer a first hand glimpse into what it’s been like being out on the road? Are people wearing masks? Have there been concerns among officials and audiences or even bands about the pandemic’s impact? What do you personally see happening with live music as we wind down 2021 and head into 2022?
AN: Everywhere is different I’ll say this, the thing I noticed the most is that people were and are grateful to be back out and experiencing live music and people again It’s refreshing to see
PP: Getting back to 3rd Degree – The Raising, it will be the band’s second album with Century Media, what with Another Century being essentially a division of Century Media. What is it about Century Media that initially led you to sign with the label?
AN: A tarot reading I did in the Carlsbad caves
PP: One last question before I close things out. Thank you again for your time. I appreciate you taking the time. I know it’s probably way too soon to say at this point, but with the trilogy being completed with the pending release of 3rd Degree – The Raising, where does Gemini Syndrome go from there? Are you already looking at your next album(s)? Do you think this trio of albums will be the band’s only trilogy?
AN: We are already writing music for the future. I am collecting ideas from the astral plane to write about. I don’t know if we will do another trilogy. Maybe a double album to complete the 23 symbolism. Who knows?
Thanks again for your time and best of luck to you all once you head out on the road. I for one am also looking forward to the album’s release.
More information on Gemini Syndrome’s new album and live appearances is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Website: https://geminisyndrome.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeminiSyndrome
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeminiSyndrome
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