Life After This

Sight on the Horizon

What first got you into music?

We all came from different bands before finding each other.

Who inspired you to make music?

Our influences have a wide range of rock/metal. Our singer Matt is influenced by Corey Taylor, Chad Grey and Adam Gontier. Drummer Matt is influenced by Charlie Benante from Anthrax. Bassist Ray enjoys Jane’s Addiction and Ozzy. Guitarist Thomas is influenced by Mark Tremonti, James Hetfield and Dimebag. Our biggest influence as a band is Metallica.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

We mesh all of our influences into our music. We strive to make high energy Hardrock/ Metal that sounds original and relatable. We like the heavy riffs, hard hitting drums, thumping bass and high energy vocals. Most of our songs start with an idea and then it snowballs into a full song.

How did you come up with the name of the band?

The band members all came from different bands and wanted a fresh start with Life After This. Starting new from this moment. It’s also part of our message. No matter what you’re going through or struggling with, just remember there is Life After This, This moment.

Name all the band members and the instrument they play?

Matthew Fritsch (Vocals), Matthew Johnson (Drums), Thomas Cheek (Guitar/Vocals), Ray Vitatoe (Bass/Vocals)

What is your creative process like?

We like to start our songs with ideas. Thomas will bring a riff or an idea on the guitar and we’ll collectively run with the ideas and build the songs that way. Sometimes our songs start with a bass Idea, a vocal phrase, or a drum pattern. We like to feel each other out in real time and ALWAYS have a recorder handy when the ideas are going. If we all like our parts together and individually, we’ll keep the song.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

We’ve had the opportunity to open for a lot of our heroes. Scott Wieland and Anthrax are the top 2 for our band so far. Chevelle would be a great show to open for! Foo Fighters as well.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

No matter what you’re going through in this life, just remember there is Life After This. This moment will pass.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Our Guitarist Thomas can fart with his eye socket.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Brittany Spears of course.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

We can’t imagine not doing something with music in some way. We’ve all been playing for so long it’s in the DNA.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favorite venues?

We really enjoy playing at Bogart’s, Thompson House, Madison Theater, Madison Live, Riverfront Live, and Urban Artifact. Least favorite? Hard question to answer: we always make the best out of every situation.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

We had a spot to open for Drowning Pool on September 8th but it was cancelled. Booking shows as we can!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has definitely given more control to the independent artist. You’re your own PR business, Label, Social Media Manager and Accountant. You are in control of your own destiny. All the tools are out there. The internet gave power back to the consumers and Creators. The downside is the payouts are not much until you start hitting millions of streams. People are paying for the relationship with the artist. You don’t have to buy music anymore. It all comes down to the LIVE show!

What is your favorite song to perform?

American Dream.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

Scott Wieland, Scott Lucas, Pete Loffler, Randy Rhodes.

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

We’ve had the cops shut our shows down a number of times. Noise ordinance is no fun!

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Learn the business side of the music. Playing the music is only 10 percent of the business, learn the other 90 percent and keep pushing.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

The music industry is always changing and now at a faster pace. It’s gotten better in terms of being in complete control of your rights and songs. One thing that could change is possibly the labels sending more A&R people back out to scout talent instead of just going off of Social Media numbers.

What’s next for you?

We’re working on recording another EP. Excited to write and get back into the Studio again! Thanks again for selecting us and our video “Identity Dilemma” for your program!

We are a Cincinnati Hard Rock band that blends aggressive rock n’ roll energy with melodic harmonies.

Is there anything else you need from us?

Please reach out, thanks!