What was the beginning point for your music career? How did it all start?
We’ve all been playing in different bands for most of our lives. The roots of Famous Strangers started with Jeff and Beej playing together in a band called This Is War. After that split up, they kept writing, not worrying about starting another band right away. Over time, they brought in Braden for a cover project, which evolved into a short-lived band called The Rogue Species. Amanda joined when they needed a vocalist for that same cover project, and once the four of us were in a room together, it stopped being casual. The chemistry hit hard and never stopped.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Always. The biggest challenge in music has been trying to keep it going while still having to survive outside of it. Most of us have side jobs, and we pour every extra hour and dollar into this band. Finding the right lineup also took time. We’ve all dealt with setbacks in past projects, but the good thing is that those bumps shaped who we are now. We learned, adjusted, and came into this band sharper and more focused than ever.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
The May 10th headline show at the Starlite Room in Edmonton was huge for us. First all-ages headline. Packed room. It felt like something clicked that night. But honestly, one of the most fulfilling moments was just when we all said we were in. That was the shift. No more half-measures. We committed to this and haven’t looked back.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
It’s emotional, heavy, unpredictable, and honest. One song might hit like a freight train, the next might drop into something bluesy and vulnerable. We’re not trying to stay in one lane. If it feels real, we follow it. Some songs are raw and explosive, others are slower and haunting. It’s all built on feel and whatever energy we’re carrying in the room that day.
What is your creative process like?
It usually starts with a riff. Jeff or Beej bring something in, and the two of them lock down the rhythm. Braden comes in next with bass lines that shape the mood. Amanda builds lyrics and melodies over that, and then we all fine-tune it together. It’s collaborative from start to finish. No one is precious about their parts. We all contribute and adjust. If it works, it works. If not, we move on. Some of our songs were written ten years ago and reworked with new vocals and bass to become something brand new. Others were written fresh with all four of us in the room. Either way, it’s always about chasing that feeling.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
We would change how hard it is for working musicians to survive. Streaming platforms don’t pay fairly. Promoters, venues, and ticketing platforms all take their cut, and sometimes the band walks away with just enough to put gas in the tank. It would be great if artists didn’t have to work extra jobs just to afford the gear and time to make music. If the industry supported bands better, more people could focus full-time on their craft without burning out.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Write what feels real. Don’t chase trends. Don’t wait around for the perfect lineup or the perfect time. Get in the room, play, record, make mistakes, and just keep going. Be willing to evolve and learn. And most importantly, don’t fake it. People can tell when it’s not real.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
The May 10th show at the Starlite Room. That one hit differently. It was our first proper all-ages headline, the room was full, and the energy was intense. We also played Rain for the first time live, which is one of our softer, more emotional tracks. Amanda put everything into it and the reaction was overwhelming. It showed us that we can go heavy, soft, emotional, weird, or wild, and the crowd will still be with us.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We’re releasing our next single LSC on June 3, with a full music video dropping June 12. It’s one of the heaviest, most intense tracks we’ve ever written. It dives into themes of love, sex, and control through the lens of a spider-human hybrid — raw, emotional, and unapologetic.
We’re also hitting Decimate MetalFest, Armstrong MetalFest, and Loud As Hell this summer, and planning a Western Canadian tour with stops in Calgary, Kelowna, and Vancouver. If all goes right, we’ll be hitting Los Angeles before the year’s out. Alongside that, we’re recording a new four-song EP set for release in the fall. We’re writing, filming, touring, building — and we’re not slowing down.
