Interview: Joshua Smith of Reconcera

BearlySinister: Thank you for taking the time to do this. Can you introduce yourself and your role in the band, please?

Joshua Smith: My name is Joshua, and I’m the vocalist of Reconcera.

BearlySinister: What is the meaning behind your band’s name, Reconcera?

Joshua: Basically, it’s a undefined word- that we wanted to make a definition for. It’s really hard to pin down all of what our band is about with one word. We get asked this quite a bit, at almost every show- and I always reference it to self realizing truth, or even a wake up call in the heart.

BearlySinister: Your new album, Absolve:Vindicate will be released on December 11th. What’s the meaning behind the album title?

Joshua: “Absolve:Vindicate” is a loose concept of a person that has been torn to shreds by himself/herself through the choices made in life. It starts out in a very dark, destructive state- in which grows into something/someone beautiful. “Absolve” refers to the first 6 tracks on the record, meaning the cleansing of this individual- no matter how hard it is or how bad it hurts. “Vindicate” is the second part (Tracks 7-12), in which there’s a change in this individual. Stronger mentality, stronger beliefs, and stronger love for himself and God.

BearlySinister: Who did you work with on this album and what makes it different from your previous material?

Joshua: We self-produced, and our guitarist did all of the recordings in the project studio he owns. There’s definitely a difference from our old material, to new. After writing and rehearsing this new material, it just seems more honest and more fun for us to play. While we still enjoy playing some of the first songs we ever wrote collectively, it’s just been a whole different atmosphere (In a positive way) for us to sit down, take time and put this whole collection of songs together.

BearlySinister: Who created the artwork for Absolve:Vindicate?

Joshua: I did. I tried to do something very simple, but dark- and the longer you stare at the distorted details, the creepier it gets.

BearlySinister: The first single from the album, “Crucify” was recently premiered, via music video, on HM Magazine’s website. What was the decision making process in choosing this track as a single and what’s the concept behind the video?

Joshua: “Crucify” is a song centered around strength entirely. It talks about how no matter how bad the world tears you apart for your beliefs- whether that be on social media, your peers, or really anywhere- stand strong. Don’t let it shake you, because if you’re so passionate about something like this as we are- scream it at the top of your lungs if you have to. We felt this track represented us the most, and what we’re about. Plus when it came into shooting the video, we wanted to make something bold- graphic and honest in the visual to flow with the intensity we wanted to convey in the song.

BearlySinister: What was the most difficult part of the writing/recording process for this new album?

Joshua: Finding a final product that we all enjoyed. When take a lot of time to write, record and release something almost all in-house, you can tend to get tunnel vision at times. We would have to sit down, press in and get back on focus for the reasons why we do this- and why this record needs to be released for people to hear.

BearlySinister: What is your favorite song from the album and why?

Joshua: It’s really hard to say one, because it’s always changing from listening to it. I’d have to say though, I really like “Breath Of Fire” the most. But then again, there’s “Crucify” which I also really like too. haha

BearlySinister: There is a track called “Fading” on the album that has a different sound and your voice cracks a bit on it. There seems to be something very personal in this track for you… would you like to share the story behind it or leave it to mystery?

Joshua: I’d have to say that this song wasn’t meant to sound “beautiful” as in a studio magic production. I wrote this song a long time ago- and it’s a story about someone who is staring at this entity in the mirror, he doesn’t see himself. It talks about moving on, moving forward and walking away in forgiveness, but confronting it for what it is- and dealing with it. That was the only way out for me. The rest, I’d rather leave out.

BearlySinister: Any plans for a second single/video yet? Possibly a lyric video?

Joshua: Yes! And more yes! After New Years sometime hopefully.

BearlySinister: Are there any tracks, in particular, that you’re either excited or nervous for fans to hear and why?

Joshua: The first one I’d name off is “The End Of The Road”, I personally stepped out of my comfort zone to do a song that is almost all clean singing. A song that I’m really excited for people to hear is “Parasite” and “Breath Of Fire”. I’m excited about all of them, as all 4 of us are- but those one’s I’m personally excited for people to hear!

BearlySinister: In your 3 years as a band, you’ve opened for some pretty big bands. What has been your most memorable show as a band and why?

Joshua: We opened for Miss May I about a year ago, and that’s one I’ll never forget. I look up to them a lot, and to meet them after the show was one of the highlights of my life. They’re all super good people, and were all really cool to us.

BearlySinister: This is a 2-part question I like to ask to anyone I interview. Who would make up your dream tour with Reconcera as a headliner? Rules are as follows: No genre restrictions, money is not an object and you can choose as many bands as you’d like. Build your bill! Part two of the question is who would make up your dream tour as a spectator?

Joshua: Oh man, this might be festival lineup size. I’d really enjoy playing with Beartooth, Miss May I, The Devil Wears Prada, Rival Choir, and Wage War.

BearlySinister: What inspired you to become a vocalist?

Joshua: I’ve been going to shows since I was 11 or 12 years old, and that was over 10 years ago. Ever since I started going to those small venue shows with my big brother, I’ve just had this burning passion to do this. I have a heart for music, and a heart for ministry- and this band is the place where I can do both.

BearlySinister: What would you be doing, if not fronting a band?

Joshua: Probably graphic design full time, but I’d still find my way into what my first love is. haha

BearlySinister: What would people be shocked to see on your playlist? Any guilty pleasures?

Joshua: Oh man, I’m going to get so much crap for this. Lets see, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and a lot of Jazz music after that!

BearlySinister: What’s next for Reconcera, once the album is released? Any plans for tours, more writing/recording or perhaps any obscure projects you may be able to divulge on?

Joshua: We’re hoping to do quite a few tours, festivals and all of the shenanigans in between. We took a long time to make this record, and we want to give everything our all.

BearlySinister: Unfortunately, that’s about all I have. Thank you so much for doing this for us and we look forward to getting it out to our readers, along with our review of the new album. Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers, your fans and the general public before we wrap this up?

Joshua: If we’re ever in your city, come out to a show- hangout with us. We love meeting people, and making friends. If you decide to buy or record or listen to it online, it’s all for you. You are loved.

Be sure to pick up Absolve:Vindicate, either via pre-order or once it’s released, via the links below and check out the video for “Crucify” as well!

“Crucify” Official Video

Pre-Order Absolve:Vindicate
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