Embark on a musical journey with Faithless Town, an Americana rock band hailing from Atlanta, GA, that has carved its niche in the indie music scene. In this exclusive interview, Indie Vibe caught up with singer-songwriter, Gene Owens.
Formed with the support of fans through a successful crowdfunding campaign, Faithless Town made waves with their debut full-length album, "American Refugee" in 2012. The single "Ghosts Of My Hometown" garnered FM radio play across the American Southeast, setting the stage for their musical exploration. Their sophomore album, "Empires," released by Spectra Records in 2020, showcased singles like "California Come Home" and "New World Order," further solidifying Faithless Town's presence in the indie rock scene. The band continued their musical evolution with the 2022 release of "Into The Light Vol.1," earning critical acclaim for singles like "What I'm Dreaming Of" and "Coal Mining Man." In April 2023, Faithless Town unveiled the second part of their musical saga with "Into The Light Vol.2," featuring the lively and romantic lead single, "Bride." The track, featuring a cheerful duet with Leora Joy Perrie of Winsome Kind, exudes a vibrant ukulele melody and infectious choruses, making it a potential contender for the catchiest tune of the year and a go-to wedding song.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough, then tell us more!
Melodic Americana Rock
Was there something (an experience) or someone in your life that was the "catalyst" for you to start writing or performing music? Tell us about it:
When I was in middle school someone gave me a copy of the first Doors album. That record changed my life. I had never heard anything that weird before and it set me on a path of musical discovery. Shortly thereafter I saw Nirvana on MTV Unplugged and that solidified my urge to write and perform music.
What has been the high point of your music path?
I've had a bunch of high points, including playing some bucket list venues, receiving rave reviews, sharing the stage with some amazing musicians, and having my songs played on the radio.
So, how do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? I usually write with an acoustic guitar. Sometimes I'll start with an idea of what I want to convey and then I try to find the right chords & melody. Other times it's like an automatic process, as if something is working through me and I'm just there to help facilitate the song coming into the world.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Indie Artists today? Or, if you could ask the music industry to change one thing, what would it be?
I think the biggest challenge artists face right now is censorship and the culture of fear and conformity that seems to be pervasive throughout the music community. Artists are afraid to express themselves truthfully out of fear of being “canceled” and fear is no place to create art from.
If you could share the stage with one other artist or band, who would it be and why?
I'd like to share the stage with The Defiant. They are one of the few rebellious rock bands still out there.
Pick one song that was your greatest challenge to write. Tell us about it! I think the song "God's Love" from our album "Empires" was one of the most challenging songs for me. I had the verses and pre-chorus for almost a decade before I was able to come up with the right chorus for the song.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why: I love all of it. For me, creating music is a sacred thing. When I'm writing a song I feel like something is working through me and that I'm fulfilling some higher purpose. In the recording studio the songs take shape and it's fun getting to choose the right sounds and arrangements to dress the song up with. When it comes to performing, nothing is better than playing live and connecting with an audience in person.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy listening to music, reading, bowling, and watching movies from the 1980’s & 90’s.
What's coming up in the future for you? New music, new shows, and new episodes of my podcast Live Free with Gene Owens.
Faithless Town's musical prowess has graced some of the most iconic stages in the country, including The Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room. Sharing the stage with acts like Chris Knight, Graham Colton, and Jake Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, they have left an indelible mark on the indie music scene.
"Packed with powerful vocals, driving rhythms, and infectious hooks," Faithless Town's "Into The Light Vol.2" is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock and alt-country with a folk twist.
Experience their musical tapestry, available on all digital platforms, and delve into the captivating world of Faithless Town. For more information on Faithless Town, please visit their website.