Amberstein in their own words

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Milwaukee’s Own Amberstein Talks with our Own Coren McLeod Straight off their WAMI Award

Interview conduct on May 1, 2019

by: Coren E. McLeod

From BandCamp: Amberstein is an American hard rock band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, formed in 2012 and founded by members Jake Warne (Vocals, Bass), Andrew Farrar (Drums, Backing Vocals), and Ross Machurick (Guitar). The next chapter occurred with a lineup of Warne, Farrar and guitarist/singer/songwriter Jason Paulsen. Newly revitalized in 2018, the band announced the arrival of Brock Betz on lead guitar and Ivan Mallory on Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals. Since Amberstein’s inception, they have released a self-titled EP, and an unplugged EP titled Reflection, a few singles (all re-released in 2017 as a full-length album), and an EP titled Freedom Known, released in October of 2018. Amberstein is currently writing and recording new music their next release in late 2019. Having honed their sound, the band features an abundance of three-part harmonies, intricate and melodious guitar parts, lyrics filled with genuine emotion and thoughtfully relatable themes, and rhythmic patterns which are both technically complex and easily accessible. Since the beginning, the band has been very impressionable with their live performance. Even in the smallest of clubs, the energy and veracity on stage give the concert-goer an experience they will remember long past the performance. Having shared the stage with bands such as TRAPT, Tantric, Flaw, Devour the Day, Another Lost Year, Screaming for Silence, Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel, and countless others, as well as having played venues such as Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Mystique Casino’s Island Fest, Milwaukee Zoo Ala Carte, Revival, and rock clubs throughout the Mid-West, the band’s list of accomplishments and depth of experience continues to grow. Amberstein recently received a 2019 WAMI Award (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) for Best Alternative Rock Band. Between touring, rehearsing, writing and recording, the band takes their music and the role their music plays in the lives of their fans very seriously. The band has a sincere appreciation for the support it receives from the people who spread the word about their music and those who support the band from showing up at venues, bringing friends, meeting with them after concerts, or purchasing merchandise. Don’t miss an opportunity to catch a show near you!

Coren E. McLeod: Introduce yourselves

We are Amberstein, a rock band out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We’re made up of Jake Warne on Lead Vocals and Bass, Andrew Farrar on Drums and Vocals, Ivan Mallory on Guitar and Vocals, and Brock Betz on Lead Guitar.

Tell me the history of Amberstein

Amberstein has been around since 2012. Jake was going to school in Waukesha, WI, where Andrew grew up. The two were introduced by a mutual friend, and they’ve been leading the band together ever since. While some guitarists have come and gone, the direction and vision for the band has remained. The current lineup was established in 2018.

You are known in Chicagoland/ Milwaukee area. How would you describe your unique style of music?

We just received a WAMI award (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) for best alternative rock band, so that may be a good place to start. We have a ton of influences which show through at times, and border on progressive rock. Our writing process is thorough and we pride ourselves on strong melodies, relatable lyrics, three-part harmonies, strong guitars, and expansive rhythmic variety while maintaining a focus on tone, texture, and feel.

Who influences you in music and in life?

Our musical influences include, but are not limited to: Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Shinedown, A Perfect Circle, Switchfoot, Rise Against, Ozzy Osbourne, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Rush, Kansas, and too many others to mention. Mostly, were influenced by each other.

In life, were influenced by the amazing teachers we had growing up, our incredibly supportive families, our loving wives and girlfriends, and our dogs.

What is your favorite venue to play at?

We have favorite venues in every region, and sadly, we’ve outlived many of our all-time favorites (RIP The Frequency, The Metal Grill, BBC, etc.). That being said, it always feels like home when we play Hijynx in Ft. Atkinson, WI.

You just won a WAMI! Describe that moment when you heard your name called out as the winner…

We were just so excited to be there, and in such great company with the other bands. We’ve been working very hard for a long time and it’s moments like these which keep us motivated. Anytime you can receive recognition from the scene for your efforts it feels amazing, and the feeling is really just more excitement for what’s to come. Things happened fast and we took the time to thank everyone onstage. Once we got off stage there were so many people there to congratulate us that we were on cloud nine. We all took turns holding the award. Luckily we remembered to bring it home with us!

I saw you for the 3rd time at 1175 Sports Bar and Grill opening for my favorite band Tantric…. How did that all come about?

We’ve opened for both or those bands once before, separately. Trapt a few years ago at The Metal Grill in Cudahy, WI, and Tantric last year at The Back Bar in Janesville, WI. We made friends with Tantric at that show, and when we saw the two bands playing together without an opener we jumped on it. Between reaching out to the venue and Jaron from Tantric (bassist, backing vocals, and all around awesome dude) we had everyone in our corner. Best of all, a lot of our fans made it out, and we had a great night with everyone!

Name some of your favorite guitars/ bass/ drums to play on….

We’ve all tried a lot of brands, but we’ve been pretty consistent with our gear for a while now. Andrew plays Tama drums with Sabian cymbals. Ivan plays PRS guitars and Brock trusts his arsenal of Ibanez guitars. Jake has been playing a Wawick bass for a long time.

Okay. You have been a band for some time. Name an awkward moment that happened among all of you…