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The Panic Division is widely known for their unique style of atmospheric dream-rock mixed with electronic loops and a heavy 80's influence. Frontman Colton Holliday takes on 100% of the writing and recording of every instrument on their 4th album "ETERNALISM". It has been hailed by fans around the world as not only the best TPD record to date, but the perfect mix of their first two albums with a more evolved and mature sound. This is The Panic Division's anticipated come-back release since their hiatus back in 2008. They are re-grouped and gearing up to play in support of ETERNALISM.
Liisten: How are you grading 'Eternalism', what would make this album a success for you?
Colton: Eternalism is a massive achievement to me because it is the first full length record I have put out for TPD that was done entirely by myself. Now, most of our fans know I have always been the sole writer for the band even on our first 2 albums, but this time around was a very big challenge being on my own. About 3 years of writing and bringing new life to old songs that never got a chance. Also, funding the entire record myself took a lot of patience. I also do all of our design work, so when you get a copy of Eternalism, you are getting a product 100% from the writer. I'm very proud.
Liisten: What's the meaning behind the album's title, does it also represent the album's theme?
Colton: I've been reluctant to share the meaning of the album name, but surprisingly because no magazines or music sites have asked yet. Originally, when I decided to record another TPD album, I planned on it being our last. I chose the name Eternalism as a way of saying our music would live on forever. Is this the final TPD album? It could be, but I cant say for sure. I do know that I plan on releasing an instrumental electronic album next, which may or may not be under The Panic Division name.
Liisten: What are you thoughts on owning music, buying everything versus renting it by streaming it via Spotify?
Colton: I am COMPLETELY against Spotify and made sure to ban their services for our new album. I am still amazed at how companies like this are still popping up. I read that Lady Gaga had a legal battle with them because they paid her something around 150 dollars for a million plays on Spotify. I can only hope record labels will come together like they did against Grooveshark and put these companies under. I understand the exposure argument, but I still view an album as a product of worth, and not something that should be streamed basically for free.
Liisten: Which song from the new album means the most to you personally, most proud of?
Colton: Well, lyrically I would have to say Lifeline, because I wrote a fictional love story about 2 people in the real world, dreaming every night about each other in the same dream for most of their lifes and wondering if they would ever cross paths in the real world. I think it really inspires creative thought in the listener, especially when they understand what the story is about the songs that used to mean the most to me personally were The Labor of Love and Too Young To Fall because they were true stories in my personal life.
Liisten: Who's the newest band you've discovered in the last few weeks that you really enjoy?
Colton: You know, I dont buy many records lately because Im not impressed by much music now days. I usually tend to go backwards and listen to great music from the past. However a few artists I have been listening to a lot in the last few years to now would be: M83 - Hurry up, were dreaming, Paper Route, Olivia Broadfield, Brandon Flowers, and recently Ive really liked what Gotye is doing.
Liisten: Any tips/tricks or general recommendations for other independent bands dealing with the current industry climate?
Colton: Well, thats a tough one. Even I am still adapting to the new industry. I would take all dreams of " Getting signed " and trade them for a DIY attitude. Sure labels do help advertise you and gain you a nice fanbase quickly, but in the end you will owe them more than they owe you. There are more bands than ever now, that are doing very well by doing everything themselves. Anyone can sell music on iTunes or Amazon now because of companies like Tunecore and CdBaby, when in the past you had to have a label to get distro from them. Play as much as possible. Fund everything yourself. Also, there is a great blog I read about having " The 5th Beatle " in your band. Its a great article to read for start up groups. It states that every member in the group should have his own job. Someone does tour / show booking, another does promotions, another handles the writing, and another could handle the marketing. Find out what strengths your members already have and assign them these jobs. If your guitarist is a chatty social person, he should be doing all your promotions online and building up your fanbase as well as reaching out to people who may be able to help you. You must view your band as more than a fun past time, and treat it like a business, because thats exactly what it is.
But the biggest rule in my book, is never make music for money. Never expect to make a fortune off of it. Make music because you love to, and cannot imagine doing anything else. If you view it that way, then any money you make off of it feels like a gift.
