Greetings from Metalheads Forever Magazine, I’m Keith Clement, how are you today?
I’m doing great Keith, thanks. I’m Dan and I sing and play guitar for Formula 400.
I know it’s been 2 years since the release of “Heathens’, Would you like to tell me about the songwriting and production behind the album?
Wow, 2 years, time sure does fly! haha. Ian, the other guitarist, and I record and produce the music ourselves at our studio in Fallbrook. Writing duties are mainly handled by me and Ian. Usually, we’ll bring in mostly completed song ideas and work them out at rehearsal. We’ll all develop our parts and then go to pre-production after we’ve got the song down.
“Heathens” tracklist
- Light My Way
- Messenger
- Ridin’ Easy
- Spector
- Illusion
- Sun Destroyer
- The Long Road Home
Was there a concept put behind the album?
No, I don’t think there’s a concept throughout the entire album. I chose the title as a tribute to my father, who passed away when I was mixing the record, who was an old school biker. “Heathens” seemed fitting.
Seven amazing songs, beautifully written, great musicianship, each song better than the other, an epic record, how as a band do you feel about the outcome?
Thank you very much! I am very pleased with the outcome of the record. It’s funny, you go through stages of love and hate with the writing, performance, recording, and mixing process of the album. After it’s finished, I never want to hear the songs again, but after a minute you love them once again.
Are you currently working or planning to get back into the studio for another album?
Yes, we are currently mixing our second album, which will have 9 new songs on it, and should be released early in 2023.
How’s the touring schedule for the end of 2022/2023?
We are setting up some stuff for 2023. Trying to book some festivals and tour our way there and back.
The band formed in 2018, how has the road been so far?
It’s had its challenges so far. Since the original pre-production and then release of “Heathens” we’ve gone through 3 drummers. On number 4 now, and it’s a good fit. It’s slowed us down a bit on our follow-up release.
What would be some of the most memorable moments for the band?
Seeing such a great response from the album release has been an awesome experience for us, and we have a great time hanging out on the road.
What would be some of the plans for Formula 400?
Get this second album out and get a tour overseas going. We’d love to book more festivals as well.
Would you like to tell me about the name Formula 400, how did you come with this name?
Kip, our bassist, brought the name in. It’s from the Pontiac firebird Formula 400. Figured it fit with high octane rock and roll
What would be some of the band’s biggest dreams?
Picking up a bigger label and opening on tour for larger international acts.
What would be the message for the fans?
Thank them for their amazing support. We’ve had fans drive 8 + hours, fly from out of state, and much more to come see us perform. We are humbled and blown away, and we always want to give our all for them. Thank you!
