Southern California’s post-hardcore band, Movements, has been stirring the music scene since 2015. Their latest album, “RUCKUS!”, released on August 18 via Fearless Records, showcases their continuous evolution and an audacious step into new sonic territories. I had the chance to sit down with the band’s vocalist, Patrick Miranda, to delve deeper into their creative process, the new album, and what lies ahead for them.
Miranda started by sharing the band’s journey towards the creation of “RUCKUS!”. Produced by Will Yip, the album represents a significant shift from their previous work. He explained, “We’ve never had more fun writing music before. This has been the funnest sounding record, the funnest record to write.”
The album merges post-hardcore and punk influences with a dose of pop songcraft, defying scene conventions. Integrating influences from bands like Gorillaz and The Strokes, Movements aimed to challenge preconceptions. “I truly don’t believe that it could have been a more streamlined process, and I don’t think we’ve ever written music that’s as good as what we put together for this record,” Miranda said.
Discussing their latest single, “Fail You,” Miranda highlighted its significance. “It’s a song about the fear of letting someone down and losing someone you love – reliving the mistakes over and over again and being haunted by all of your wrongdoings,” he explained. The track encapsulates the essence of Movements – the tension and release of chunky guitar riffs and the emotive vocals that have become the band’s hallmark.
Miranda shed light on their creative process, especially for the standout track “Dance With Death.” The song originated from a harrowing experience. “We were driving around the Hollywood Hills… and we came around a corner a little too fast,” he recalled. This moment of reckoning turned into a profound reflection on friendship and survival, themes that resonate throughout the song.
The process of writing this album was different, with no pre-written material. The band made three extended trips to Yip’s Studio 4 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, to write and record the collection of songs. “Every morning that we would go into the studio, we would kind of just start a new idea and just see where it took us,” Miranda shared. This spontaneous approach allowed for a genuine and organic development of their music.
A significant part of our discussion revolved around the band’s evolution. Miranda emphasized the shift in their listening habits and inspirations over the years. “I listen to a lot more now than I used to. And I think that just comes with age,” he said. This broadening of musical tastes is evident in “RUCKUS!”, where the band has daringly experimented with various genres and styles.
He also touched on the apprehensions about changing their sound, especially concerning their long-term fans. “There’s always going to be the concern, right? Like, ‘are people going to fuck with this or are they going to be like this is too different for me, whatever.’ But at the end of the day, we all decided like that doesn’t matter to us anymore,” Miranda explained. This bold stance reflects the band’s commitment to authenticity and artistic freedom.
Discussing the reception of their new album, Miranda seemed content and hopeful. “It’s really validating to know that other people are like, ‘yeah, this record is sick’,” he said. The band is geared up for a busy schedule, with a full US headliner tour and plans to tour Europe, the UK, Asia, Australia, and hopefully South America.
Movements’ journey from a local Southern California band to an internationally acclaimed act is not just about their musical prowess but also about their willingness to evolve, experiment, and express themselves authentically. “RUCKUS!” is a testament to their growth, showcasing a band that is not afraid to break the mold and redefine themselves. With their latest album, Movements has demonstrated a remarkable ability to blend their core sound with new influences, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Their story is one of continuous reinvention and dedication to their craft. From their humble beginnings to their current success, Movements has remained true to their roots while pushing the boundaries of their music. The band’s evolving sound, as evidenced in “RUCKUS!”, reflects their journey and growth as musicians.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was understanding Miranda’s meticulous approach to lyricism. He shared, “I am so particular and so meticulous about every single word that I write.” This attention to detail is evident in the band’s lyrics, which are introspective, emotive, and often deeply personal.
Miranda’s process involves multiple revisions, ensuring that every word and phrase precisely conveys the intended emotion and message. This approach has allowed Movements to create songs that resonate deeply with their audience, with lyrics that are both relatable and profound.
Movements’ philosophy centers around making music for themselves, a mantra that has guided their artistic decisions. “This band started as a project for ourselves, for our own creative expression and creative freedom,” Miranda stated. This self-focused approach has allowed them to stay true to their artistic vision, unswayed by external expectations or trends.
What sets Movements apart is their embrace of change and authenticity. The band has shown that they are not afraid to experiment with their sound, incorporating new influences while maintaining the essence of what makes them unique. This willingness to evolve is a hallmark of their artistic integrity and a key reason for their continued success.
As Movements embark on their tours and continue to promote “RUCKUS!”, they stand at an exciting juncture in their career. With their third full-length album, they have not only expanded their musical horizons but also solidified their place in the music world as a band that is constantly evolving and pushing the limits of their genre.
In conclusion, Movements’ story is a compelling narrative of growth, experimentation, and the pursuit of authentic musical expression. “RUCKUS!” is a milestone in their journey, marking a new chapter in their evolving sound and artistic vision. As they continue to tour and reach new audiences, Movements is a band that both longtime fans and new listeners should keep an eye on. Their journey is a testament to the power of music as a medium for personal expression and connection.
Watch the interview below:
