Exclusive Interview w/ Oblivion Review — Sean Danielson of Smile Empty Soul : Reveals Concepts Of His New Album Oblivion and His Thoughts On The World
Artist: Smile Empty Soul
Album: Oblivion
Rating: 9/10
We’ve all heard of Smile Empty Soul, you’ve played, “Bottom Of A Bottle” countless times and you know every word. But now enter, “Oblivion” which carries a new voice for Leadman Sean Danielsen. He has made an album all on his own to show it is possible to be independent from a record company. “Oblivion” doesn’t disappoint on any level. “Oblivion” is also the seventh full-length album by the band. The album was released on May 25, 2018. It is the first album with new bassist Mark Young and drummer Victor Ribas.
“Stars” is a track that offers some solemn and haunting rhythms and vocals. The tracks offers some subtle guitars and an easy drum beat. While the track is haunting it still is mellow and relaxing. There is also a video that has been released.
“My Name” begins with a edgy guitar intro, Sean’s vocals echo throughout and has his signature gnarly emphasis as well. This is a track that’s a great addition on first listen. “Dopamine” is just edgy. The thoughts and emotion in this track is something you can really feel in your bones. Sean Danielson’s vocals are piercing in this track. “Dopamine” is really a track that makes you realize something’s aren’t quite right with the world.
The track, “Noose” is a track with a slow acoustic intro that builds up some mystery as the guitar plucks get a faster tempo and the drums add a subtle beat then Sean’s echoed vocals drop as a solemn guitar riffs. It’s a slower song on, “Oblivion” but still adds some gnarly angst in its subtlety.
“Built Into The Breed” is a rocking anthem on the album, touching subjects of fake people, and our docile nature as human beings. The track offers some rocking riffs and impeccable vocal timing and it’s a track that begs to be heard.
Smile Empty Soul is really aggressive and opinionated in this album. “Oblivion” is bringing to light quite a few issues with the world, and it’s about time someone said it. Smile Empty Soul hits the ground running and the album really has a voice. Get your copy now!
Order, “Oblivion” here
Exclusive Interview w/ Sean Danielsen — Smile Empty Soul
I had the amazing opportunity to have a moment to speak with Leadman Sean Danielsen of Smile Empty Soul about his new album, “Oblivion” and it’s concepts. I’ve seen this band live and I’ll tell you the performance was raw and quite an experience. Let’s look at what he revealed to New Transcendence:
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): When did you start conceptualizing the music for, “Oblivion“? Did you have an idea in mind? Where did the album name stem from?
Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul): The “Oblivion” songs were written over the course of the last couple years, but the decision to make the album wasn’t made until summer of last year, which kicked the writing into high gear.
As for the title, I just see our modern society as completely oblivious and detached from the natural order of things and remaining in this state causes a lot of the suffering we experience. I was writing a lot from this perspective so it seemed like a good theme for the record.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What are your thoughts on being independent and able to do production and publicity on your own?
Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul): Doing everything independently is the greatest. It’s the only way to make a 100% untampered with piece of art.
We don’t have the support of any label or radio station, and have no money behind the record…… but on the other hand, we don’t need to do huge numbers to make it all worth it.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): When writing “Stars” and “Sides” which definitely have your flair as Smile Empty Soul, what newness did you bring to those tracks with this album?
Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul): I’m not sure there was a “planned” refreshing of the sound in any way. I just write what I write and each record seems to naturally have its own kind of feel and energy.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): How would you say, “Oblivion” would contrast to older albums like, “Chemicals” or your self titled 2003 album?
Sean Danielson (Smile Empty Soul): I think “Oblivion” sounds very mature compared to most of our older stuff.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What message is held within the album, “Oblivion” as a whole?
Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul): It would take a huge rant for me to properly answer this question, so I’m just going to abbreviate, and say, it’s about the mess’ we’ve all become individually and collectively as a society. We’ve completely lost our way, and prioritize all the wrong things as a byproduct of being lied to and brainwashed our whole lives.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): When touring what do you find is the thing that calms you before going on stage?
Sean Danielson (Smile Empty Soul): These days, in my old age, I’ll take a nap right before the show sometimes.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): Is there a track on “Oblivion” that really speaks to you personally?
Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul): I was very passionate about this batch of songs and all the lyrics really. I used this album to speak my mind in my own way, so I don’t really have any one track that stands out like that. I view the record as a whole.
Toney Emmons (New Transcendence): What would you like to voice to the fans, of new and old?
Sean Danielson (New Transcendence): Just thanks for being in this journey with us, be it in the beginning, the end, or the whole time. Somehow we are able to keep going and it’s because of the people that support us.
Official Video for, “Stars”
Related Articles:
Review – Smile Empty Soul — Rarities
Concert Review and Single Reviews for, “Stars” and “Sides”
