Interview with Ionia Lead singer Blaise Beyhan
The members of Ionia have been carving their own path through multiple music genres and developing their own brand of alternative rock full of metal influences. Ionia gives breathes life to downtempo tracks with somber and post hardcore style lyrics. Fans of Title Fight, Marilyn Manson, Lacuna Coil or original In Flames are bound to find plenty to enjoy with their new album Post Cards from the Edge Chapter 1 Delta 32. By the Barricade talked with the band about their creative process, the recent release, and the band’s future plans. Check out the transcripts below.
By the Barricade: How has having a hometown in New York influenced Ionia’s style?
Blaise Beyhan: Everything around you changes the way you write. From the architecture to the seasons and the people. Culture has a profound effect on what you create.
By the Barricade: Blaise, I heard your favorite song to preform is “Captain Humility.” Can you explain the meaning behind the lyrics of that track for our readers?
Blaise Beyhan: It’s about a super hero who has the power to show us our humility. Through seeing this, we are set free from ego and able to see the beauty that surrounds us.
By the Barricade: Are there any individuals in your life that are as open minded as the subject of “Captain Humility?”
Blaise Beyhan: No, but we are getting there.
By the Barricade: I’ve seen a lot of recurring themes within your recent interviews, staying away from mainstream media being one of them. What alternative do you use to seek out knowledge?
Blaise Beyhan: I don’t want to denounce mainstream media, I just think we are living in a time when journalism is poisoned by the need for the capital machine to attain ratings. You have to do a bit of work and read between the lines, try to find your own truth past the noise. The internet is a great tool but you must be careful, know what motivation there is for the facts that are being presented.
By the Barricade: I’ve read the band’s name Ionia means represents a distribution of power. Do you believe the current governmental system in the United States is an Ionia? If not how might you change it for the better?
Blaise Beyham: “Ionia,” to us, means that it is not about one individual, but about what we can create together. I in no way think that the government in this country is motivated by much more than greed. As long as there is so much money to be made, good people will have trouble doing what is right for all citizens. Everyone has a price at this point and it is hurting hard working families and the environment.
By the Barricade: I’ve seen tons of interviews with Ionia scattered around the internet about the bands new EP Postcards From The Edge: Chapter 1. Delta 32. What’s it been like working with Big Picture Media?
Blaise Beyham: It’s been great, we love them.
By the Barricade: You mentioned in a recent interview with Vents Magazine that each song off the new EP Post Cards from the Edge Chapter 1 Delta 32 was like a postcard with a picture. Can we look forward to a bigger album similar to a scrapbook in the future?
Blaise Beyham: At this point, we will continue to send postcards.
By the Barricade: When recording future albums what writing and recording processes do you plan on keeping the same, and what do you plan on changing?
Blaise Beyham: We will burn that bridge when we come to it. For now, we will live in the now.
By the Barricade: Is there anything else you want to say to the readers of By the Barricade?
Blaise Beyham: Believe in yourself. Be part of the solution. Believe in your capacity to change the world around you. Lead with love.
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