Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
My name is Rob McCall from All Poets & Heroes. “All Poets & Heroes” comes from a line in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, specifically a chapter entitled Where I Lived and What I Lived For. Originally, that was as far as the meaning went, just a beautiful line from one of my favorite writers. But as our latest album developed, so did the name. The band itself isn’t composed of “all poets and heroes,” we as humans are “all poets and heroes” – each and everyone of us. All of us are poets and heroes of our respective lives. Single mothers, doctors, garbage workers, the incarcerated – we all have stories to share, and beautiful lives to lead. We try to reflect those existential, truly human moments that connect us all in our music – the good and the bad.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a house that always had music playing. If it was chore day at my house, music was on to make the tasks easier and more enjoyable. My parents loved sharing music with me and my brother. When I began playing, my family was very supportive and came to all my shows, but it wasn’t until college that I really began to write music that I thought could be something more than a hobby.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
Our latest album Occhiolism is a project that has taken us over two years to finish. It started as a conversation the way back from a tour to out to Denver, Co. At the time we were trying out a bunch of new songs, and we felt it was time to make a statement that was true to us. We felt the only way to do that was to create an experience that could be fully understood in the context of a full body of work.
What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?
Over the course of our five-year career making music we’ve been compared to many artist, and people have had trouble pinning us down to one genre or idea. The fact that people have been unable to define us has become badge of honor for us. If people want to get to know us they should just listen and make up their own mind, because in the end, that’s what people do anyway.
Do you play any instruments? And why do you love it?
I play rhythm guitar, sing, and am a primary songwriter for the band. I love writing and playing because I get to unburden my mind and put my thoughts into the world in a poetic and thoughtful manner that not many people get to. This group of guys I get to work with heightens those thoughts and sentiments, and brings them to a new level that I could never imagine if I were doing this on my own.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
As a band our musical influences vary, from Corey’s love of musical greats like Radiohead, Oasis and Pink Floyd; to my romantic views of singer/songwriters such as Ben Howard, Jeff Buckley, and Van Morrison; to the folk roots of our bassist Nash; the pop-punk stylings on Zack; and the rock background of drummer Rob Z; we have quite the range of sounds that culminate into All Poets.
There are a ton of artists we’d love to work with, but we are currently working with Allen Tate of San Fermin and it’s been an incredible experience.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
There have been so many incredible moments in our five-year career, but the best (and this may be COVID induced) was our last show. We basically sold out our hometown music club, and had quite the night. With us not having played any shows in awhile, and missing my playing live, those are the nights we miss.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
This is always the hardest thing about pursuing any sort of artistic endeavor. Luckily, we all work jobs that are flexible and understanding of our dreams. As far as family and friends, they could not be more supportive. There have been some rough patches for sure, but we always get through it because we know what we want and we’re not afraid to chase it and make the sacrifices to get there.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Hard work pays off. This may sound cheesy, but it’s true. Stay true to yourself and your goals and the right doors will open. We may not be where we want to be yet, but the right doors are opening.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for always sticking with us! Where we’re going is only made possible by you support.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
As I mentioned before, we are currently working on new music with San Fermin’s Allen Tate. It my take some time, but it will be a great follow up to Occhiolism. So keep streaming and sharing. We’ll have updates to follow soon!
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