Today we’d like to introduce you to Freycus.
Hi Freycus, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Chuck: Freycus started back in 2013 after I asked a friend if they’d be interested in jamming out. Since then, the band has gone through quite a few roster changes and the music/vision/direction has definitely evolved with time. In the beginning, Freycus made its way into the scene as a punk/hardcore band, but now, we’ve entered ourselves in the progressive metal genre as we continue to experiment with our creativity; we took the word “dynamism” and ran with it. Even though Freycus is different from what it was then, the passion and drive stayed the same for me, as I am now experiencing this journey with incredible and very talented people who continue to work hard and motivate each other. Our vision is to create music through the extensive influences each member has, to show our growth not only as musicians but as individuals who are trying to find their place in this world. We love what we do, and we’re very excited for what’s in store.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Donny: A big challenge for us has been solidifying a permanent roster of musicians. More recently, especially during the pandemic, we’ve been experimenting with remote collaboration while we continue our local search for a vocalist. Working remotely has its benefits in that we can connect with people around the world with different cultural perspectives. It’s always exciting to find collaborators with totally different backgrounds that can be united over a common love for music. We’re currently tracking with a few vocalists from Russia and we teamed up with an awesome producer in Iran to help us execute our vision. However, there are also challenging aspects of remote collaboration. Especially with multiple language barriers and significant world events. It’s been a unique experience that has given us a more personal connection to the effects of the war in Ukraine and the revolutions in Iran. But working together despite these challenges has been very meaningful and we can’t wait to release our debut album at the end of the year.
Chuck: One of my big challenges throughout the ten years was trying to be a manager and a musician at the same time. Not everyone will be on the same page, and it gets frustrating; it makes you feel as though no one cares, so why bother? These past 2-3 years though have been a breath of fresh air. I’m now finally working with people who see it. People who aren’t afraid to take lead or follow and who are driven to excel in their craft. It’s been a very long road for me, but I feel like I’m just getting started.
Urian: No road is ever smooth! If you somehow do manage to find one, I guarantee it probably isn’t worth being on. People can sometimes forget that building a career is not just about the work we put into it, it’s also about the relationships you make to create an environment that allows you to thrive. Working with others always has its challenges but learning how to maintain a good relationship with them is vital for longevity. We’ve had to grow as individuals and as a group, becoming a family along the way. It hasn’t been easy, but the support we have for one another allows the growing pains and adversity to drive us to be better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Zareh: We all have our day jobs, but at the end of the day, we all come together as musicians. Early into the pandemic, we found a huge studio building with many vacancies. This place became our home; where we go to collaborate, create, and compose all our music. Over the years we’ve built our setup from the ground up, and now we can comfortably say that we’ve gotten into a workflow where we can easily do everything we need to do in order to make the best music we can make. Every time we come to the studio we have a plan of action: write or rewrite a song, get in touch with our producer, singers, and all the other miscellaneous aspects of being in a band. It’s hard work, but we wouldn’t trade it for the world, because this is our world.
Chuck: What sets us apart? I think every artist and musician is truly unique in their own way. Freycus, to me however, continues to push the limits for one another in order to tap into musical realms we’ve never been in. I honestly think we have a unique sound right now, and it’s just the beginning stages for us at this point.
Urian: I am proud and grateful for many things in my life! It’s difficult to measure which one comes in first. But I would like to highlight feeling proud about our continual growth. Both as artists and as human beings. It’s been a privilege watching my friends, who also happen to be my colleagues, grow into amazing people. Both inside and outside the music industry. Continually progressing, becoming even more amazing artists with time, experience and exposure.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Zareh: Buy our album 11/11/23
Chuck: As Z put it, yes! Definitely be on the lookout for our album and other content we’re going to release before then. I would like to thank all of those who continue to support us. They’ve been there since day one. I am truly honored and grateful. To my wife, who is my number 1 fan, thank you for pushing me to keep going. Oh, and here’s an Easter egg for you; “Freycus” is our alternative way of spelling the word “Fracas.” The definition of this word means “a noisy disturbance or quarrel.” This word was featured as one a “Word of the Day” in my thesaurus app when I was sitting on the toilet many years ago, hahaha. The definition really does bring out the chaos in our music but in a most beautiful way.
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