OF MICE&MEN INTERVIEW WITH DRUMMER VALENTINO ARTEAGA BY NATALEE COLOMAN
T
en years ago, a group of guys from Southern California got together to create their own version of the music they love, with nothing but passion for music driving them. Today, that same group has reached No. 1 on Billboard's Rock and Independent Charts, and No. 4 on the genre-spanning Top 200, and has shared the stage with metal legends such as Metallica, Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Queens of the Stone Age. After five successful albums, a live recording, and a DVD release, Of Mice And Men are back with their sixth studio album, EARTHANDSKY, which released to the public on September 27, 2019 via Rise Records. This has been a long-awaited release for both the band and their fans.
“Our albums are snapshots of our lives with time, and with EARTHANDSKY, a lot of what was recorded and created this last year was absolutely reflected in the music,� drummer Valentino Arteaga shares. “We wanted to bring the highest caliber of what to expect from Of Mice And Men in 2019 and onwards. Through the album, through music, through everything, we want to show everyone this is what Of Mice And Men is, we are connecting with our audience and writing some of the best music we’ve ever written-and having a lot of fun doing so!� EARTHANDSKY is a more defined version of the band, with a unidimensional theme that ties the music, lyrics, and visuals into one, centered piece. Although the album was finished earlier this year, the band took their time releasing it to the public to perfect all aspects of the album. “Good music, good anything, is worth the wait, and we put a lot of time and effort into this album,� Arteaga says. “This album feels so focused, we just can’t wait for everybody to get their physical copy, open it up, and transport into this other realm for 45 minutes or an hour. I think a really important testament to this album is that we’ve had it in our hands for quite some time now, and
we still jam the album and show it to our friends.�
The album’s artwork also plays a part in the story of EARTHANDSKY, adding another element for fans to enjoy. Arteaga touches on how the band wanted to push their limits on each part of this record, integrating everything to come together as one.
EARTHANDSKY takes Of Mice And Men to a different level compared to their previous albums. Not only is it more focused, but it has a more mature and tailored sound, putting the band deeper into the metal genre. Arteaga mentions how the band’s love for “We wanted to have an alternate listening to and playing metal music storyline going on that gives a visual has “reinvigorated us to create a representation to the sonics and kick-ass metal album.� Which is ex- how we are visually trying to repreactly what fans can expect - in-your- sent the album,� he reveals. “Someface, headbanging metal. thing that leaves things open for the
listener and the audience. There’s the visual representation, but they can draw their own feelings from just listening to the music and the lyrics. All the artwork and icons are done on purpose. Everything in this album has a purpose, so if you see something and think ‘Did they mean do that?’ Yes, yes we did.â€? “It’s clearer to us that we need to be waving the flag for our kind of metal and the way we do things,â€? Arteaga adds. “We are a band that’s been around for ten years, and we are just now playing some of our biggest performances ever. It’s hugely encouraging where nothing but passion for music has brought us. If anyone has kept up with us, you know we never stop writing and creating, and there’s always new stuff happening. Next year is going to be insane! There’s so much more music and more awesome shit coming, so be on the lookout and follow us on our travels!â€? đ&#x;’Ł đ&#x;’Ł đ&#x;’Ł
PHOTO BY ALAN SNODGRASS
