In our conversation with The Tale Untold, they give insight into the driving forces behind their latest album Counterculture, a project born from observing a fractured world rife with chaos and division. They also discuss the message they hope it conveys, their creative process, and more.
ATN: The album seems to dive into complex themes surrounding chaos and clarity. Can you elaborate on the central concept of Counterculture and how it reflects the current state of the world?
THE TALE UNTOLD: The state of the world is what inspired the album as a whole. Everywhere you look there is chaos and divide; it seems like people abandoned humanity. We’re told to not listen to each other, we’re told that someone who thinks differently is our enemy, and there is no room for conversation. There are a few different themes going on throughout the album depending on which song you’re listening to, but the underlying message is to reject the hate encouraged by the modern world. Talk to each other. Find a solution and common ground together.
ATN: What was the songwriting process like for this album? Did you face any challenges in conveying the themes you wanted to explore?
THE TALE UNTOLD: We kind of have a part a/part b/part c approach to writing. The majority of the songs start with our guitarist Jon. He writes what comes to him, expands on it, and organizes the flow.
Then I come in and write the lyrics/track the vocals. Finally it’s brought to the band and each musician puts their own flare on the parts. Sometimes we’ll try it live and end up changing parts. Sometimes I end up changing lyrics if the live vibe feels better. We’re very flexible in the creation process.
As for conveying the themes, when it comes to the lyrics, I only write about something that is meaningful to me at that moment in time. Knock on wood, I don’t often get stuck. But I also allow myself to walk away and wait until it feels right to finish a song.
ATN: You’ve described Counterculture as a blend of heavy genres with catchy hooks. How did you balance these diverse influences in your sound?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Dumb luck. Lol. I would like to say that it’s all based on theory, but it’s based on heart. We write what we like about what we like. Jon does an incredible job of mixing genres to begin with, and he’s always open to suggestions or different approaches. It helps that we’re all drawn to different genres as a whole, and when we smash them all together, we get something fun.
ATN: Each song seems to tackle different emotional landscapes. Can you discuss how a specific track, like “Show Me,” was developed and what it means to you as a band?
THE TALE UNTOLD: This was one of the first tracks that Jon wrote with a “rock” element as opposed to a straight metal/djent song. When I first heard it, the hook in the chorus immediately came to me (Jack’s clean vocal part). This song is extremely personal to me. I think we can all relate to the feeling of absolute loneliness. I want listeners to feel the song in their own way, so I won’t dive too much into my own personal emotions. But, I want people to know that they are never alone. They are loved more deeply and more unconditionally than they could ever comprehend.
ATN: Jordan Rush features on the track “Dream.” How did this collaboration come about, and what does his contribution bring to that song?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Jordan is one of the best guitarists out there. He was in a few bands, but his bigger projects include Abolish the Echelon and then Aenimus where he co-wrote “Dreamcatcher”. Jon has known Jordan the longest out of all of us, and he had been wanting to have Jordan featured for as long as I can remember. When “Dream” came about, we felt it was the perfect song for him to show off his chops. Plus…not to negate all of the unbiased gushing that I just did, but he’s also my boyfriend…so that helped to nail him down for the solo.
ATN: The lyrics in tracks like “The Craving” and “God Complex” touch on deeper societal issues. What inspired you to address these themes in your music?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Both are topics that I think the majority of people can relate to in this day and age. Unfortunately, they’re both a part of the human experience even if they don’t have to be.
I wrote “God Complex” when I was angry, and I think it shows. Lol. Those are some of the most aggressive and personal lyrics I have penned, and I attributed it to the observation of complete delusion and narcissism that a friend of mine experienced.
“The Craving” touches on how we can become addicted to something that is so bad for us, but we make excuses for it. Everyone has vices, but there is also a point where those vices can consume you.
ATN: You mentioned working on your sound since your debut EP. How did your production choices for Counterculture differ from your previous projects?
THE TALE UNTOLD: We definitely stepped up the depth of the songs. We added soundscapes to create a richer listening experience, and we had no problem collaborating with other musicians and producers to hear what they would add. For example, Jordan Rush also created a soundscape for Make Believe that just added depth and interest. We have been working with Jeremy Schaeffer as a producer since the beginning, but with these later songs, we let him have free reign when it came to production, effects, and even co-writing with myself on a few songs. We also worked with Gage Hanson on “God Complex” and “Devil’s Doom” and told him to just go for it. We are incredibly thankful to have people like this surround us.
ATN: Given your reputation for dynamic live shows, how do you envision translating the energy of Counterculture to the stage during performances?
THE TALE UNTOLD: We are STOKED to perform this album live. We plan to do every song on January 18 during our Annual Metal Pajama Party at The Waiting Room here in Omaha. We don’t have to fake the energy when we genuinely love what we’re playing. But also a dope light show doesn’t hurt at all. Plus, at the Pajama Party, we throw pillows into the mosh-it for the most fun pillow fight you could ever experience.
ATN: What do you hope listeners take away from Counterculture? Is there a specific message or feeling you want to convey?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Hope. Don’t lose hope. We are so much bigger than the division thrust upon us. We are so much more than labels and boxes. We are complex creatures with the capacity for vast understanding if we can come together and just listen to each other. Examine yourself and your actions and through enriching your own life and filling your own void, you will make this world a better place.
ATN: Looking ahead, how do you see Counterculture shaping the future of The Tale Untold? Are there any new directions or projects you’re already considering?
THE TALE UNTOLD: We are extremely proud of this LP. We are taking the energy we feel and doubling down! We already started our next album. Our goal is to have it out by Fall of 2025 if not sooner. I think we as a band have found our footing, and I’m becoming brave enough to get my genuine thoughts, ideas, and lyrics out into the world. This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited for the road ahead.\
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Gideon. They’re just good. They’re a tight band, great musicians, incredible vocals, I always recommend them. I just really wish I had one of those limited edition Pedal to the Metal T-Shirts… they’re so ridiculous.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
THE TALE UNTOLD: Bad Omens. I’ve been a fan for years, and it’s been fun to see their music evolve while still keeping close to their roots. It would be fun to explore their writing process. Plus they seem like really funny dudes.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
THE TALE UNTOLD: I Prevail would be a blast. They put on a great show, and their crowds are always energetic and especially welcoming to their openers. I of course would never say no to touring with Gideon or Bad Omens either.
Read our review of Counterculture.
