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Exclusive Interview: Circle The Earth Spill All The Details On Their Debut EP And Their Musical Mission
Interview, Media Leave a comment

Circle The Earth have come out swinging with their debut EP, Hey Goodbye. It’s a release that’s packed with rocking tunes, pride, and growth. The EP celebrates the diversity of the human existence. It may sound like something that would be hard to wrap up in one EP, but that is simply who Circle The Earth are, and they have executed it perfectly.

Circle The Earth have delivered a mature body of work that reflects each member’s personality, drive, and years of dedication to their craft. We know if you’re like us, you’ll want to dive into the Circle The Earth universe and get to know them better, so if you’re asking, “Who is Circle The Earth?” Well, we’ve got you covered!

Meet The Band

Lead singer Khadia is a pro vocalist who has worked with artists such as Imagine Dragons, Janelle Monae, and Prince. That’s right, the Prince. Her vocal quality floored us on the first listen. Her tone and ability to perform with power and nuanced vocals are on a level that very few performers manage to achieve. She is joined by founding member Michael McBay, who is laying down some major bass on the record.

They’re also rounded out by Brazilian drummer Sandro Feliciano. Plus, Kazuki Tokaji is an incredible songwriter and guitarist hailing from Japan as well as Taiwanese keyboardist Sandy Chao Wang. Each of these incredibly skilled artists has come together to make magic in the form of Circle The Earth. We think they’re onto a winning format with this insanely talented lineup!

Hey Goodbye is one of our favorite releases so far this year, and if this is what the band offers as a first taste of Circle The Earth, we know it won’t be long until they’re taking the world by storm. But don’t just take our word for how cool they are! We got to chat with the band about their EP, background, and what’s to come in the future.

Congrats on the release of ‘Hey Goodbye!’ The song has such a powerful energy to it. What drew you to this as the title track for your EP?
[With] the high energy and feel-good nature of this song, we thought it would be a good fit to start out our schedule of activities for the new year of 2023. It’s also a return to one of our main songwriting collaborators Adrian Jones.

The music video is full of personality and very stylish, we must say! Where do you draw inspiration from with the visuals for the band?
The younger members of the band, especially Sandy (keys) and Kazuki (guitar), have a very “current” fashion sense. Frontwoman Khadia is a seasoned professional who takes great care and professional guidance when putting her look together. For this advice, we use our longtime wardrobe advisor Bryan Rone.

Something you pride yourself on within the band is your diverse background and multicultural identity, which we absolutely love. How do you think this has influenced you as a band, both in musicality and the connection between yourselves?
Specifically, because of our diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, we share a common hard work ethic and a very serious attitude toward the project and our careers in general. We also have a special sensitivity toward, and respect for, each other’s feelings because all of us have faced the challenges of racism, cultural and social exclusion, and issues of acceptance and rejection in our lives, and these common issues bind us together like a family. Musically we all share a common love for energetic and passionate music with a positive message within a pop/rock format, and within that common framework, we each approach music from a slightly different angle that make[s] the songs interesting and memorable at the same time.

Speaking of connections, you have established such a passionate fanbase with 22k subscribers on YouTube alone and multiple music videos reaching the million mark. What is it like to have such a strong community and support before you’ve even released your debut EP?
We have worked really, really hard and sacrificed a LOT to get to where we are, and the positive reinforcement from our fans is really motivating us to continue to grow and improve.

How involved in songwriting is everyone in the band? Do you all get stuck in, or are there the group songwriters?
We almost always collaborate with outside songwriters to keep our music as fresh and relevant as possible and also to ensure that the songs are as well-crafted as possible. Most often, our guitarist Kazuki has a writing session with songwriter/producer Jim McGorman (Goo Goo Dolls/Avril Lavigne/Gwen Stefani) on the framework of new material, which the band then completely twists to our own style. Khadia makes very important adjustments to the vocal lines and melodies and often adds exciting rap sections. Occasionally, as is the case with ‘Hey Goodbye,’ the song is entirely written for us by an outside songwriter, and then we adapt/twist the song into our style and unique interpretation.

What is the energy like going into the studio as a band? Any fun creative processes or rituals to get the creative juices flowing?
Going into the studio is a very serious endeavor for us, and we leave very little to chance. Usually, all the parts are very well-rehearsed, and everyone already knows exactly how and what they are going to play. Our drummer Sandro is a highly experienced studio musician who invariably lays the drum tracks in 1 or 2 takes MAX, and we always enjoy the pleasant disbelief of the studio producers and engineers when they see how efficient and well-planned this recording process is for us. More recently, working with rock producer Ethan Kaufman, we have begun to experiment with recording the songs with a less fixed and pre-arranged approach, and this, too, has yielded some excellent results although we would say that this more flexible approach is still new to us.

Is there a song on the EP that stands out and embodies Circle The Earth as a band?
All of the songs on the EP are strong representations of Circle The Earth, and it would be hard to pick one. ‘Sweetest Pain’ is strong, emotional, and rocking with great lead vocals and guitar solo, ‘Dead’ features Khadia rapping in a rock framework as well as a fabulous vocal delivery, and ‘Too Many Pieces’ features a synth solo from Sandy leading into a guitar solo from Kazuki and the rhythm section kills it on all of these songs. ‘Diamonds’ really seems to connect with the audience very strongly in a live situation, and we can all literally feel the crowd connecting with us as we perform this song in concert.

How involved in songwriting is everyone in the band? Do you all get stuck in, or are there the group songwriters?
We almost always collaborate with outside songwriters to keep our music as fresh and relevant as possible and also to ensure that the songs are as well-crafted as possible. Most often, our guitarist Kazuki has a writing session with songwriter/producer Jim McGorman (Goo Goo Dolls/Avril Lavigne/Gwen Stefani) on the framework of new material, which the band then completely twists to our own style. Khadia makes very important adjustments to the vocal lines and melodies and often adds exciting rap sections. Occasionally, as is the case with ‘Hey Goodbye,’ the song is entirely written for us by an outside songwriter, and then we adapt/twist the song into our style and unique interpretation.

What is the energy like going into the studio as a band? Any fun creative processes or rituals to get the creative juices flowing?
Going into the studio is a very serious endeavor for us, and we leave very little to chance. Usually, all the parts are very well-rehearsed, and everyone already knows exactly how and what they are going to play. Our drummer Sandro is a highly experienced studio musician who invariably lays the drum tracks in 1 or 2 takes MAX, and we always enjoy the pleasant disbelief of the studio producers and engineers when they see how efficient and well-planned this recording process is for us. More recently, working with rock producer Ethan Kaufman, we have begun to experiment with recording the songs with a less fixed and pre-arranged approach, and this, too, has yielded some excellent results although we would say that this more flexible approach is still new to us.

Is there a song on the EP that stands out and embodies Circle The Earth as a band?
All of the songs on the EP are strong representations of Circle The Earth, and it would be hard to pick one. ‘Sweetest Pain’ is strong, emotional, and rocking with great lead vocals and guitar solo, ‘Dead’ features Khadia rapping in a rock framework as well as a fabulous vocal delivery, and ‘Too Many Pieces’ features a synth solo from Sandy leading into a guitar solo from Kazuki and the rhythm section kills it on all of these songs. ‘Diamonds’ really seems to connect with the audience very strongly in a live situation, and we can all literally feel the crowd connecting with us as we perform this song in concert.

We’ve got to say ‘Hey Goodbye’ would be a 10/10 song to crowd surf to. Are there any upcoming tour dates where we can see you rocking it live?
We do currently have some shows in Southern California booked coming up: April 15 at The Stages Club in Orange County, April 19 at Long Beach State University, May 26 at Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA, and June 3 at Yost Theater in Orange County.

Do you have any big goals for 2023 that you’d love to accomplish as a band?
Our biggest goals for 2023 include a guest appearance on a TV talk show, new song collaborations with bigger songwriters, opening for national touring acts, festival appearances, and signing with an indie record label.

A Final Message From The Band!

“We would like to conclude by thanking The Honey Pop for this interview and the opportunity to express our message of ethnic diversity, cultural inclusion, positivity, and spirituality. LET’S ROCK!!“

We love you guys! Thank you for the messages and the music you’re putting out into the world! Make sure you guys keep up with Circle The Earth and stream their debut EP, Hey Goodbye, here!


Source: thehoneypop.com

105
Hey Goodbye New EP Video & Single Release
Media, Press Release Leave a comment

Circle The Earth’s repertoire of songs is as diverse as the band members’ ethnicity…

Circle The Earth are not to be missed!” – Music Connection

“Unique blend of modern rock.” – Top Shelf Music

“Circle The Earth blends worldwide musical genres into an eclectic rock stew.” – Grateful Web

“[Circle The Earth] synthesizes the stylings of fiery pop anthems with everything from shred-heavy hard rock and emo to hip-hop in a manner that’s sure to energize the masses at first listen.” – Remezcla

“Polished pop rock that sparkles with a bit of 80’s glam.” – The Indy Review

“[‘Sweetest Pain’] features heavy guitar solos, striking vocals and a classic, mid-2000s alt-rock sound.”

– Grimy Goods

“If there was ever a song to get someone out of their funk, it’s ‘New Religion,’ hands down.” – mxdwn Music

 


Los Angeles, CA – March 8, 2023 – Today, female-fronted, multi-cultural rock band Circle The Earth has dropped their debut EP along with an official music video for the title track and new single “Hey Goodbye.” PRESS HERE to watch the video, directed and produced by Caitlin Hill, and PRESS HERE to listen to “Hey Goodbye,” co-written by songwriter / producer Adrian Jones. The Hey Goodbye EP is an 8-song independent collection, mostly produced by Ethan Kaufman (Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, DOROTHY), also featuring the Los Angeles-based quintet’s 2022 singles “Sweetest Pain,” “New Religion” and “Too Many Pieces” and previously released hits “Diamonds” and “Dead.”

PRESS HERE to listen to the Hey Goodbye EP.

“Releasing this EP is such a milestone for us, as it represents years of really hard work, discipline, determination, and sacrifice for each member of the band and our team,” shares Circle The Earth. “It’s a cohesive, strong and commercial body of work that we’re all proud of musically. The EP also transmits an underlying message of spiritual positivity represented in everything we do. We hope those listening to the entire Hey Goodbye EP take away a feeling of inspiration and recognition of spiritual qualities like faith, hope, love, inclusion, compassion, sincerity, kindness, understanding, respect, determination, the beauty of diversity, and so much more. We also hope you feel and hear the joy of strong, melodic original rock music delivered with passion and soul. Thank you for listening!”

It’s impossible to pigeonhole the sound of Circle The Earth. With a lineup featuring members from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil, and Japan, all of whom bring extensive professional experience to their music, the five-piece craft a seamless combination of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and even emo. Circle The Earth is fronted by Khadia, a former background singer for Imagine Dragons, American Idol, and The American Music Awards who has also performed with Mya, Janelle Monae and Prince. Rounding out the band is founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano (who has toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Teena Marie), keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan, and guitarist/songwriter Kazuki Tokaji, who was born in Japan and began playing guitar at age 7. Circle The Earth coalesced over the course of several years, first formed in 2018, driven by the vision of McBay and an overall message of bringing people hope, love and truth in a world that can feel maddening and hateful at times. They strive to produce music as positive and uplifting as possible, with messages of unity and inclusion that emphasizes the beauty of diversity and leaves good vibes in its wake. The band officially debuted in 2020 with their single “Could Be You” and have since amassed more than 4 million views on their YouTube channel and over 1 million streams on Spotify in addition to media support from the likes of Music Connection, Spectrum News, mxdwn, The Indy Review, AntiMusic, The Rock Revival, and more. Circle The Earth has also graced the stages of such famed LA venues including The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Mint as well as a performance at NAMM, building quite the reputation for their explosive live show, and have recently found success on non-commercial and college radio stations across the country.

Hey Goodbye EP Track Listing

  1. Hey Goodbye
  2. Sweetest Pain
  3. New Religion
  4. Too Many Pieces
  5. The Other Side
  6. Dead
  7. Pick Your Poison
  8. Diamonds

 

For press inquiries, please contact:

Press Here:

Bari Lieberman / bari@pressherepublicity.com

273
Dead - Circle the Earth
Review, Songs Leave a comment

Wow, very powerful song!! I love this vocalist, her voice is stunning, its gives an incredible feeling to the music. Congratulations about this work. I will share on my social media and website as well! –Canal Bloody Mary 

Thank you so much for choosing us again, another great song. This is a gift to us, thank you. Great song, high energy, high quality, good riffs, good lyrics, good vocals, your voice is wonderful, everything well recorded and produced, everything perfect. Everything professional. You’re a great band and you’re going to top the rock charts. Great video, great performance. Sounds good and we’re going to play the song on our radio. –Rádio Alternativa Rock

I liked a lot how the vocals (thee main voice + the chorus) had a nice dialogue contrasting with the guitar over-drived set. Everything got very catchy, and introduced the chorus very well, that is the best part to me by the whole power exhaled. So I’m sharing this track and hope to receive more from you in the future. –Natália Barão

Your song has fascinated us, you have a unique and catchy style, we will share it through a post on social networks and through our playlist “Rock On alternative” we wish you much success! – Danel Records

Happy to receive another material from you, by far, I saw a great evolution in the sound and also in the video. Honestly, for my personal taste, by far this is the best song I’ve been presented with, with more identity, sounding different. The other songs were within a pattern, and now you’ve broken that pattern and put your own identity, I loved it and I’m going to play it on my show! –Rock’n’Roll Vibration | Alternativa Rock

Thanks for the request! Listened to the song, sounds good! Songwriting and melodies are really cool! Added to our Spotify playlist “100% NEW Rock & Metal” for the weekly rotation! Happy to support. Best Rock & Metal! –M&R Digital Agency

 

72
NEW MUSIC CRITIQUE: CIRCLE THE EARTH
Magazine, Media, Review Leave a comment

Circle The Earth
Contact: johnny@trupitch.com

Web: circletheearth.band

Seeking: Label, Mgmt, Film/TV, Booking
Style: Rock, Pop

This female-fronted, hard rocking outfit knows its mission: to get to the chorus and drive it the hell home. Each song is conceived and arranged to grab the ear and never let go. For example, “Too Many Pieces” comes out blasting with urgent, immediate energy, with a big chorus, big sound, the production/mix capturing the excitement perfectly. A deep lurching synth bass and rolling groove propels “New Religion” and a defiant megaphoned vocal “Don’t tell me what I want to believe in!” The band’s vision coalesces powerfully with “Sweetest Pain,” which opens with pretty vocals and synth pad before picking up the pace to deliver a great hook, a fluid, concise guitar solo, and a huge sound.

 

About Music Connection magazine:

Published since 1977, Music Connection magazine is a monthly music trade publication catering to musicians, industry pro’s, and support services. Music Connection exists to serve artists and music people, to offer connections to the unconnected and to provide exclusive information that can help our readers take their music to the next level.

Source:  Music Connection Magazine

65
Wonderful words of praise for "Diamonds"
Media, Review, Songs, Videos Leave a comment

Great song, high energy, high quality, good riffs, good lyrics, good vocals, your voice is wonderful, everything well recorded and produced, everything perfect. Everything professional. You’re a great band and you’re going to top the rock charts. Great video, great performance. Sounds good and we’re going to play the song on our radio. Let’s go together for another year, long live independent rock. Hugs. Congratulations on the great musical work. See you soon. Obrigado \0/ –Nilton Vieira, Rádio Alternativa Rock.

This is one incredibly powerful rock track with some incredible vocals and some great story telling here. Great symphonies amazing record. –UK Independent

The voice it’s incredible, the vocalist has a nice vocal range. The combination of styles it’s great, it has the better of voice sides. The guitars are distorted but not so much, so it doesn’t destroy the song. The drums are solid. –Nuevas Frecuencias

The song is great, well produced and has a beautiful melody, the vocals are really great, it has a beautiful timbre, energy and range, I loved the backing vocals and the high notes. The song has a great structure and an energetic chorus, the instrumental is really great and very well produced, congratulations. -Only Indie Music

The music transports you to exotic places in your imagination that call to mind the nightlife of faraway countries. This track happens to be one of the best sounding, put-together, musically inclined I’ve heard in a while. The song contains nice harmonies, great vocals and a pleasant melody and makes you feel good while listening to it. Good luck with whatever comes next. -Dreamy Paradise

Impactful and gorgeously cinematic powerhouse of a single! We’ll add this as a post on our IG when we get a chance and thanks so much!
–The Sounds Won’t Stop

Dear Circle the Earth, thanks for reaching out and letting me check your music out. I loved Diamonds’ easygoing fluid flow and emotional depth, it has some catchy moments that’ll make it easily appeal to a wide range of audiences. Wishing you the best of luck with you full-length release, I’ll be sharing it on our FB page as well as our IG stories and will add it to one of our Spotify playlists, keep on rocking! -I Wanna Rock

Hi Circle The Earth, another good track, an energic song, a good video too, we love. We’ll do a post to announce your entry!
– Montréal Radio Cité

In my opinion the song is a good one, it has very good energy… and that guitar solo is concise but forceful. pass me the press release and I’ll upload it to my website as a recommendation.
–LA GRAMOLA ENCENDIDA

Hi Circle the Earth, Great song!! We really enjoyed listening to your song. We think your vocals are great! The quality is excellent. We will be adding it to our “Heartbroken” playlist. -ITCAM MUSIC

A catchy voice, with well placed musical riffs, I really liked it, the band seems to me to be ready. The clip was very well produced. I will not criticize the lyrics, because it is not my native language. Send me all the material for the release. I have a place to put the song on the immediate release schedule. I look forward to it. -Radio Saquarema Surf Rock

Hello welcome back, nice piece. Pop rock just the way I like it. The soft start, the energy that rises up to the refrain and then explodes with energy and involves the listener. I put it in the playlist.
-Brainstorming Music

WOW! I think this rock’n roll girl band concept is incredible! You have amazing visuals; I was curious about your music in the first second that I put my eyes on it. I really like how the voices go, the melodics are catchy and pop, and a perfect mix with the heavy metal based instrumental. I really really want to hear more from you guys! – Na Beira do Palco

I like your sound, it’s powerful, fresh and catchy. I will glad to share it on my radio show, on 88.5 FM in Valencia Spain.
-Aire alternativo – Aire latino 88.5 FM

I liked a lot the 2010’s pop vibe of this song. The melody has a nice balance between the piano clean chords and with effects, the beat and the guitar overdrived chords of the chorus and the bridge (that I thought interesting how it was soft till those parts). I also liked the vocals pitch and how energic it was at the chorus. So I’ve decided to share this track and I hope to receive more from you in the future.-Natália Barão

Thank you for submitting your music! I’m going to add your track to our playlist/radio TODO DIA FM 😉, which will be available during the next week, and may return in future updates, in order to help promote your music. Thank you for trusting this partnership!
-TODO DIA UM CD DIFERENTE

99
HOT HOT | 10 tracks to listen to
Media, Review, Songs Leave a comment

“Too Many Pieces” by Circle the Earth, for new rock fans

What an amazing sound! I really like the way you build an authentic and energetic sound using nostalgic rock elements. The vocals sound quite powerful, as well as the instrumental riffs. The result sounds quite complete, well-executed and professional. Congratulations on the beautiful work! -Natália De Mitri

For those looking for new sounds that refer to the so-called “New Rock”, the North Americans from Circle the Earth demonstrate all their power in “ Too Many Pieces ”, a song that condenses very well the old influence applied to a modern and authentic sound of the new generation of rock stars. The song promises to please mainly those who like powerful female vocals, which interact very well with the balanced and charismatic instrumental. Be sure to listen and fall in love.

Source: Rocknbold.com

79
New Religion Circle the Earth reviews and song
Media, Songs Leave a comment

Circle the Earth is back here and is already one of the most interesting bands in the current music scene. In “ New Religion ”, the North Americans create a modern rock with a vibe that flirts with nostalgic glam metal. The combination of electric guitars and synthesizers creates an intense and captivating sound. The result is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a different and impactful musical experience. –Rocknbold

Exciting music, powerful female vocals, energy to spare, sensational and alive, electronic rock, original and brilliant. We love it and will add it to our Spotify playlist. –Indieoclock

I especially liked how contagious the beat of this song is and how the vocals gave a kinda fearless vibe creating a whole modern rock atmosphere. I liked it a lot, the chorus is extremely catchy and the guitar solo really surprised me by its composition. I’m sharing this track and looking forward to get more from you in the future! –Natália Barão 

The song is awesome i really like the punk rock style and i have a perfect playlist for you! –Brainstorming Music

If Muse was composed of a woman and had a more psychedelic and rock n roll influence, it would be exactly like this! I loved this song, i didn’t know the band, but now i will add that to my personal playlist. Congratulations about this song, guys, its very good! –Canal Bloody Mary

We would like to thank you for submitting your work. We listen carefully to each song so that it is in line with the Radio audience and your sound is very incredible. It’s been a while since we’ve heard this rock/punk vibe. We wish health and success! –Radio Supersonica

114
A Dirty Dozen with MICHAEL McBAY from CIRCLE THE EARTH
Interview, Media Leave a comment

According to a recent press release: “It’s impossible to pigeonhole the sound of Circle The Earth. With a lineup featuring members from across the U.S., Taiwan, Brazil, and Japan, all of whom bring extensive professional experience to their music, the independent band craft a seamless combination of rock, pop, soul, hip-hop, and even emo. In addition to Khadia (a former background singer for Imagine Dragons, American Idol, and The American Music Awards who has also performed on gigs with Mya, Janelle Monae and Prince) and Tokaji (who was born in Japan and began playing guitar at age 7), the five-piece is rounded out by founding member, bassist and Atlanta native Michael McBay, Brazilian-born drummer Sandro Feliciano (who has toured with Ms. Lauryn Hill and Teena Marie) and keyboardist/music director Sandy Chao Wang, who grew up in Taiwan. Circle The Earth coalesced over the course of several years, first formed in 2018, driven by the vision of McBay and an overall message of bringing people hope, love and truth in a world that can feel maddening and hateful at times. They strive to produce music as positive and uplifting as possible, with messages of unity and inclusion that emphasizes the beauty of diversity and leaves good vibes in its wake. The band officially debuted in 2020 with their single “Could Be You” and have since released “Dead,” “All The Way,” and “Diamonds,” amassing over 2 million views on their official YouTube channel and nearly 750K streams on Spotify. Circle The Earth has also graced the stages of such famed LA venues including The Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and The Mint as well as a performance at NAMM, building quite the reputation for their explosive live show. “Sweetest Pain” marks the band’s first release of many for Circle The Earth this year.” We get singer bassist Michael to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

On first listen of our new single “Too Many Pieces,” the overall excellent vocal delivery, song arrangement, catchy chorus, and engaging instrumental solos, I believe, are what strike the casual listener first. Then, after several listens and more careful analysis, the diehard fan will appreciate the stellar production value of Ethan Kaufmann, including the excellent blending of the vocal harmonies and the powerful delivery of the rhythm section as well as the musicality of the way Sandy’s keyboard solo segues into Kazuki’s guitar solo and the subtle atmospheric background sounds as well as the obvious strength of Jim McGorman & Kazuki Tokaji’s collaborative songwriting ability.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I was first introduced to music when the kids in my neighborhood all got instruments and started a band. I thought bass would be the easiest instrument to learn on my own since it only had 4 strings. I was introduced to the music of Sly & The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix and Chicago, then the very first time I heard the music of Yes my soul literally came alive and I have been inspired to make music with beauty, harmony, integrity, intensity and a positive message ever since.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I am personally influenced by the excellent songwriting and underlying message of unity of the music of Sly & The Family Stone, Simon & Garfunkel, and any and all of the music of Yes – the tangible spirituality and power of their live concerts and the quality of people that attended them as well as the inspiring level of musicianship, songwriting and positive uplifting message of their music.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Any of the classic songwriters like Desmond Child, Dianne Warren, Jack Antonoff. But we are very happy working with Jim McGorman (Goo Goo Dolls / Gwen Stefani / Avril Lavigne) and we continue to collaborate with him very successfully.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Sandy (keys) and Mike (bass) practice martial arts quite seriously 6 days/week. Khadia (vocals) takes boxing lessons. Sandro (drums) is an amazing cook. Kazuki (guitar) practices guitar relentlessly and often unwinds with online video games.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

The music of Circle The Earth is commercial melodic pop-rock with an “edge” that features excellent vocals, quality songwriting, strong instrumental delivery, and an underlying positive uplifting message. I have actually heard Circle The Earth compared to Mötley Crüe once which I found quite surprising and initially disagreed with, but Mötley Crüe is a great band with great energy so I’m ok with it.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Generally, either Sandy or Sandro or our manager (Johnny Miller) cook at our gatherings and they are all excellent cooks. Kazuki invariably plays acoustic guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Kazuki has actually shared the stage with Steve Vai (the leading virtuoso electric rock guitarist in the world). Khadia has worked with Prince, Imagine Dragons and Kanye West. For me, personally, meeting Yes was a wonderful experience.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

One of the best parts of being a musician for me, personally, is hearing a new composition fully recorded and mixed for the first time as well as the feedback from the audience when delivering a new composition live in concert for the first time. Other than being a musician, my dream job is being a medical doctor.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

“What about God?” is the one question I have always wanted to be asked by an interviewer. My answer would be that, “All true religions and spiritual paths lead to the same loving God and not one Soul will be lost.” Honestly, being interviewed about the music and message of Circle The Earth is an honor and a privilege that we have all worked and sacrificed tirelessly for, for many many, many years. There are no questions that we are tired of answering – each question is a blessing and an affirmation of all the hard work and sacrifice that all of us have put in together.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Personally, my 20 years of addiction to crack were a great mistake, however the process of recovery from that (I am well over 12 years sober now) has deepened my character, spiritual focus, compassion, humility, sincerity and determination as well as my respect and appreciation for the wonderful people in and around Circle The Earth in ways that are so profound that it brings tears to my eyes to write this. After all that I have been through including jail, homelessness, loss of employment and my medical license, multiple treatment programs, etc. to be where I am today and to have survived all of that and still have been blessed to put together such a team of beautiful people, both in and around the band, with this level of talent, character, professionalism and integrity is amazing even to me. It is only by the Grace of God that this has been accomplished.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would love to have been present during the recording of Close To The Edge by Yes. In particular during the closing outro where they are singing: “Now that it’s all over and done, called to the Seed, right to the Sun, now that you find, now that you’re whole…Seasons will pass you by…I get up, I get down. I get up, I get down. I get up, I get down.” Hearing the record Close To The Edge by Yes and experiencing the musical and spiritual intensity of it really inspired me on a very deep spiritual level from the very first time I heard it. My soul literally “came alive” as though it immediately recognized a spiritual frequency that was “brand new” and “ground-breaking” but also somehow immediately “familiar and precious.” for the first time, I realized that I was not at all alone in the search for knowledge of the one true God and The Light, that is common to all the religions and spiritual paths of the world, and I realized to what a tremendous extent music could be an integral part of seeking, sharing and delivering that Light with others.

In closing, I would like to say that all of the members of Circle The Earth (Khadia/vocals, Sandro/drums, Sandy/keys, Kazuki/guitar) as well as the team of people around the band are among the warmest, kindest, nicest, most sincere and most professional people that I have ever been blessed to work with and I don’t take a moment of any of this for granted! I (and all of us) try to push forward on behalf of everyone else – every single minute of every single day – pressing towards commercial success within a context of integrity, morality, diversity, inclusion and spiritual sincerity.

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Media, Songs Leave a comment

Thanks so much for sharing another great track! And what a powerful sound! I really like the way this song reminds me especially of Muse for the intense and powerful instrumental and I really like the way you use this instrumental quite naturally, demonstrating that you have enough “Power” to sustain a frenetic and well-executed instrumental. Congratulations on yet another amazing song!”

-Natália de Mitri (Rocknbold)

 

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