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ISO have recently released their EP entitled Passages which features 5 solid tracks from the renowned South African music band. The band is currently travelling the country on their Passages Launch Tour which has been positively received so far. We caught up with band member, Alex Parker (keyboard and backing vocals) to chat about the EP and the tour:
You have just released your latest EP entitled Passages. Tell us about it and the decision of releasing and EP instead of a full album?
We wanted to experiment a little with how we engage with our fans. We felt that a shorter, more succinct EP would be a way for us achieve this. There’s so much great music out there that our fans hardly have time to listen to. Also it allowed us to focus strongly on the 5 songs and make them sound special. Passages is a reflection of our growth and constant introspection as a band. It showcases Richards vocals in an eternity of sweet sonic landscapes. We developed on current musical styles and quote them throughout the EP.
The EP features 5 tracks. Which one means the most to you and why?
It’s a tough choice. I’d say between ‘Give me something to Believe in’ and ‘Signs’. Very different tracks but both are powerful in their own way.
How long has ISO been working on the EP and how long did it take to record?
All in all the process was quite short. We recorded it in about a month with Peach van Pletzen at Sleeproom Studios.
We really enjoyed your music video for “Never Going Back”. How did the idea for that music video come about?
The music video for Never Going Back was directed by Ryan Kruger and the concept came entirely from him. Having listened to the song he came to us with the concept (which we also loved) and we decided to go ahead with it.
Do you have your next music video in mind and for which track will it be?
Unsure at this moment. We will wait and see what the response is like to the EP.
You are currently on the road for the Passages launch tour. How has the EP and its songs been received so far and what more do you have to look forward to?
So far it’s been really interesting. You never really get a solid impression the first time you reveal something like this to your fans. It takes a while for them to incorporate the new sounds and so it’s difficult to judge. However, so far the response has been very positive.
Which venue and town are you most looking forward to playing at and why?
We love playing in our hometown of Pretoria. We are always so well supported there. We are also looking forward to Potch as we are playing at the opening of a new club and it should be a cracker!
What’s next for ISO after the tour which ends in May?
We are going to consolidate for a bit and plan our next move. We have our eye on an overseas tour, it’s just the logistics we need to handle.
Any words for your fans and supporters?
Thank you for supporting us! We feel so alive every time we play our music for our fans and we feel very privileged to be doing what we love.
Passages is available for purchase on iTunes.
Photos by Louise Pieterse
