An Evening with Palisades

Palisades, an American rock band from New Jersey is comprised of vocalist Brandon Elgar, Xavier Adames on lead guitar and backing vocals, rhythm guitarist Matthew Marshall, and Aaron Rosa on drums. The four-piece is currently on a headlining tour to promote their new album Reaching Hypercritical that’s slated to release July 22nd.

On the days leading up to the show I heard nothing but overwhelmingly positive stories from those that have interacted with or that had met the guys. I have to say they absolutely lived up to the hype. Everyone I met was incredibly humble and kind, even thanking me for coming out multiple times. The show itself was otherworldly. I went in with high expectations and they far exceeded them. They filled the intimate venue with a lot of love and incredible music. Their stage presence was impeccable and their energy was infectious, several fans even had their phones snatched by Eglar as he ran about the stage and took selfies. The Johnson City crowd matched their energy and started a mosh pit halfway through their set. After several high energy songs the band took a moment to slow things down and dedicate a song to the 21 lives that were lost in the tragic mass shooting in Texas that day, just further proving how genuine and kind the guys are. There’s no doubt they care deeply for their fanbase and it’s so refreshing to see them all be unapologetically themselves. If you ever get the chance to meet them or see them live you unreservedly have to!

Interview with vocalist Brandon Eglar

When I heard the band would be making a stop in a nearby town I knew I had to finally check them out and squeeze in an interview. As someone who has personally suffered from agoraphobia and panic disorder, Eglar speaking out about his own experiences has been inspiring. The bands mission to spread awareness about mental health struggles aligns perfectly with KMC’s efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health talk. It was truly an honor to get to know them more during their tour stop in Tennessee.

ASH: Where did the name Palisades come from?
BRANDON: In ancient Roman times, a “palisades” was considered a fort or a wall for defense that was nearly unbreakable and so we thought that would be fitting for our band!

ASH: How would you describe your sound to someone who may have never heard your music before?
BRANDON: I personally always describe us as a rock band with EDM and hip hop elements.

ASH: Would you say your music is influenced by any particular bands or artists?
BRANDON: Oh yes we draw a lot of influence from Linkin Park. But I personally listen to all genres to help me write. Even country. One of the choruses on a certain song on the album is actually influenced by a country artist. So I’m very wide open when it comes to artist influence.

ASH: You’re currently on a headlining tour and will also be at So What Music fest and Blue Ridge Rock fest. How’s tour going so far and do you have any interesting tour stories to share?
BRANDON: This run has been amazing! It’s been great seeing our fans and making new ones! And it’s also just been great performing and structuring who we are as a band and pushing harder than ever before. No crazy tour stories yet though it’s been a smooth ride so far!

ASH: Would you say you have any pre-show rituals that you do before going on stage?
BRANDON:I personally like to sing a couple of our songs before we step on stage along with certain vocal warm ups. I also sometimes sing songs from other artists like Shawn Mendes or Demi Lovato. Pop and R&B is where I mainly started to learn singing so it’s good to keep those roots alive.

ASH: Do you still get performance anxiety if so what do you do to combat it?
BRANDON: After 2+ years of not performing I can definitely say I’ve had the jitters and can feel my body trembling in the first song but once I finally get in the zone my brain shuts off and adrenaline kicks in.

ASH: What is your favorite and least favorite things about touring?
BRANDON: My favorite thing about touring is everything. From traveling to performing and seeings fans, friends and family. Nothing beats it. My least favorite thing about touring is probably the multiple days off in a row. I love performing what can I say

ASH: If you could tour with any band/artists living or not who would it be and why?
BRANDON: I’d love the chance to tour with Linkin Park but unfortunately I don’t think that will ever happen given the circumstances. Slipknot would also be a big deal for us. Bring Me the Horizon and My Chemical Romance. We’re ready for those arena shows. We’re shooting big.

ASH: Your new album Reaching Hypercritical comes out July 22nd can you describe the creative process behind the album?
BRANDON: The album comes straight from everything we’ve battled that last couple years. I got diagnosed with agoraphobia and chronic anxiety/depression disorders. One of our members lost a father. Another member had a divorce in the family. We all battled some serious demons and are still fighting them today. This album is all about it. No concepts. Just straight from experience.

ASH: Is there an overarching theme for the new album?
BRANDON: Mental health awareness i think is the main theme for this album. Everything we went through really took a toll on us and our minds and really threw us down a hole we didn’t think we’d be able to get out of.

ASH: Would you say you have a favorite song off Reaching Hypercritical or song you’re most excited for fans to hear?
BRANDON: I think Invincible(Die Down) is my favorite off of the album and what I’m excited for everyone to hear. Talks about my battle with substance abuse and having all this pressure on my shoulders of not wanting to disappoint everyone.

ASH: Your single Better, from the new album is incredibly vulnerable and raw, can you describe the meaning behind the song and its lyricism?
BRANDON: That song revolves around my battle with agoraphobia and my anxieties. Trying to teach my mind to stay calm and pushing out all the toxicities in my life so I can finally feel better.

ASH: Your vocals shine in all of the singles released thus far, we have already seen an incredible vocal range from you. But was your transition from bassist to lead vocalist a bit of a learning curve for everyone or a was it a seamless transition?
BRANDON: It was definitely seamless in my opinion. I’ve been a singer for almost 15 years now. I’m self taught and I take pride in my vocal abilities and how far I’ve come so I always keep my voice in check and continue to learn techniques daily.

ASH: You all have been in the industry for a while now, but what would you say has been the biggest highlight of your music career thus far?
BRANDON: I think our biggest highlight now, in my opinion, is the new start of this band with myself as the vocalist. We want to show everyone what we’re capable of doing now and bring a whole new light to our craft. This is the best music we’ve ever written and we’re excited to start getting the recognition we deserve.

ASH: What is it about music that makes you feel passionate enough to make a career out of it?
BRANDON: Music helps and saves people. That’s why we do this. We are all people and all deal with stuff and we love being able to make music that relates to others.

ASH: Which songs are on your current personal playlist?
BRANDON: Right now I’ve been blasting Switchblade by Stand Atlantic and the new music from Nothing More! I also blast The Band Camino almost daily

ASH: At KMC we are passionate about mental health advocacy. What piece of advice would you give someone who’s struggling with their own mental health?
BRANDON: This feeling will pass and it will not last forever. We are all loved and cared for by someone. We are never alone. We have each other. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone even if you think you’ll be a burden. I promise you you’re not. The right person will listen. You are loved.