Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect opens up to Soundsphere’s Dom Smith about how he has developed and changed as a musician over the years, and more on the influences and ideas that run through the band’s new album, ‘As Above, So Below’.
Highly Suspect, the trailblazing rock outfit comprised of Johnny Stevens [vocals, guitar], Ryan Meyer [drums, vocals], Rich Meyer [bass, vocals], Matt Kofos [guitar], and Mark Schwartz [keyboards/guitars], are gearing up to unleash their latest opus, LP As Above, So Below. Known for defying conventions and embracing their own sonic instincts, this forthcoming album promises to continue the band’s tradition of pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo within the rock genre.
With As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect invites listeners on a sonic journey that blends their trademark gritty guitars, haunting piano melodies, and off-kilter synths with a newfound sense of introspection and exploration. This album is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike with its raw energy and thought-provoking lyricism.
To celebrate the news of forthcoming As Above, So Below, Highly Suspect is unveiling the first single, “Summertime Voodoo.” “If my life is a book, then this album is the first chapter that truly addresses the central conflict,” says Johnny Stevens. “The recognition of an ego, the problems its caused – and the birth of its death. “As Above, So Below.” If I’m being real, I hit rock bottom again. After another close call with death, I feel wide awake. I don’t know how the book ends yet, but I’m very engaged in the plot now. I’d rather it not end at all.
For the past few years I don’t think I gave a shit one way or the other. Like Thom once said – “for a minute there I lost myself.” – “Summertime Voodoo” is the introductory paragraph to this chapter.
We didn’t know which song to put out first, so this time, instead of trying to guess which one sounds most like a single, we just decided it makes the most sense to start at the top of the story.”
For more on the release of ‘As Above, So Below’ (out on July 19th), PRE-SAVE HERE!
