INTERVIEW: Night Argent

Interview by: Xochitl Hansen

Winning the 2015 Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, Washington natives Night Argent have been talking the music industry by storm. Having played SXSW in Austin, Texas, opened for big names like Imagine Dragons among others, and have had sponsors like AXS TV Night Argent won’t stop until they are on top! Recently partnering with Red Bull to release their debut music video “Nothing More Beautiful” nothing less than positive attention has been given to the band. With new videos and music in the works I’d make sure you catch on Warped Tour this since they will be giving their self-titled EP away for FREE!

Names and what you do in the band?

Jeff Stachofsky - Guitar

Evan Taylor - Bass

Zac Burrell - Drums

Shane Santanna - Keyboard

Chase Manhattan – Vocals

How did you get the name Night Argent?

The name ‘Night Argent’ originated from a desire to pay homage to where we’re from. The studio that we spend most of our time at is on Argent Rd, so that was the base from which the name was built. Drawing inspiration from the late nights spent at the studio, and the tonal qualities our music projects, ‘Night Argent’ became the culmination. We really feel it accurately represents the feel of the band, while allowing us to keep part of home with us, no matter how far we may be from it.

How did it feel when you learned you all would be playing the 2015 Vans Warped Tour?

I would describe our initial reaction as a kind of gratifying disbelief. They told us that they’re bringing us on Warped tour for several weeks, and we just kept wondering when the rug would get yanked out from under us. It didn’t really fully hit us until we were loaded up, in our camper, and about to head out to our first stop. I remember as we started driving, one of the guys said, “Do you all realize that we are actually going to play Warped Tour???” It finally hit us, and we couldn’t have been more excited.

How’s touring going so far?

Flat out incredible. The crowds have been amazing, the other bands have been supportive in a way that we never would have imagined, and the overall atmosphere is electric. The days are long, and we’re working hard from early morning till late night, but the chance to do what we love every day makes it more than worth it.

Any favorite place you've played on this tour or previously?

One of our favorite recent shows was the one that got us our golden ticket to Warped Tour. The final show for the Battle of the Bands, down in Hollywood, CA. Not only did we get to play at the legendary Fonda Theatre, but we shared that stage with The Devil Wears Prada. Then to be announced as the winner at the end of the night, the entire experience was unreal.

Any place you want to play in the future?

We’ve all discussed multiple places that we’d love to play. Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you know, massive venues where so many legends have played. But the most impactful one for us as a band would be The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. On top of the natural beauty of the venue itself, it’s a place we’ve all grown up by. It would be a ‘hometown’ show on the grandest scale possible.

When Night Argent is writing, what does the process look like?

The specifics actually changes song to song, but for the most part, our singer (Chase) starts a progression or melody in a key that’s comfortable for him, and we build up from there. Chase has a very distinct voice, and learning how to mold our eclectic styles to create a final product that blends not only with him, but with each other, has taken us years. From there, we play the new songs live and gauge the audience response. We get feedback from fans, friends, and family, and use all that feedback to guide the song’s evolution until we have a final product we’re all happy with.

 Is there any certain thing that influenced you all as musicians?

Our individual influences could not be more different. We have everything from Country, to Hip Hop, from Heavy Metal, to Golden Oldies. But each of us made the final decision to follow music as a career when we were in high school. We really have a soft spot for the Arts Programs in schools, because they helped us discover who we are, and what we want to become.

What’s coming up next for Night Argent?

Well right before hopping on Warped Tour we finished up our new EP, and are currently giving it away free to all Warped Tour attendees. But as soon as Warped Tour is over, we get to release it to the public, which we’re insanely excited to do. After that, we’ll be shooting a couple new music videos, and then heading down to LA again to work on a 3 song EP with the incredible John Feldmann. All the while, still working on new song ideas of our own, and trying to play as many shows as possible and just keep busy in the best way possible.

Any goals you want to hit as a band?

Our collective goal is focused around spreading our music to everyone willing to hear it. We love music, and want to share that love with as many people as possible. Music has helped each one of us at one time or another, and if our songs can help just one person through a really tough time, or inspire someone to pursue their passion, it makes all the time and sacrifices worth it.

Do you think technology has affected the music industry in a positive or negative way?

It’s definitely a controversial topic and a gray area for a lot of musicians. But for us, technology is to music, the way the automobile is to transportation. It opens up possibilities that would otherwise never be available. There will be those who misuse it, obviously, but the ability to create, translate, and a share musical idea fast and efficiently far outweigh any negatives technology has produced for music. You can write a song comprised of thousands of instruments, sounds, and effects, with a laptop all the while collaborating with multiple people that live all over the world. With the creative liberation technology has offered musicians, I don’t think it can be labeled as a negative.

What does music mean to you?

More than anything, music means freedom of expression. Being able to pour our souls into something that speaks volumes more than words alone can is a liberating feeling. And performing gives us an opportunity to convey those emotions to the audience. It makes every performance substantial to us, and reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place.

Links

Band Website www.nightargent.com

Twitter www.twitter.com/night_argent

Facebook www.facebook.com/nightargent

Instagram www.instagram.com/nightargent