Misha Mansoor and Spencer Sotelo of Periphery spoke to HEAVY recently about their creative journey, the evolution of their music, and the unexpected fate that led to their latest release, 2 Song Acoustic Single.
The discussion kicked off with an intriguing insight into the band's new acoustic single. Spencer shared how the project was born from a casual jam session during a U.S. tour with guitarist Mike Dawes. "It kind of came about as an accident really," he explained. "We were practising in a warehouse in Las Vegas and just started running over these acoustic versions of our songs. They turned out awesome!"
Misha highlighted his role in the project, "I contributed some layers and backing vocals, but it was really Spencer and Mike's baby. It was cool to take a back seat for a change."
The collaboration proved fruitful, as they received positive crowd responses during live performances. "After the tour, we decided to actually sit down and put together acoustic versions," Spencer said, emphasizing the organic nature of their creative process.
Reflecting on the band's beginnings, Misha discussed the challenges of forming a cohesive group. "Spencer is our fourth singer, but he's the only one who survived," he joked before adding, "Bands are tough. It's like being married to five people, and you have to get along."
Spencer acknowledged the tough early days, noting, "I wasn't the best singer in the world back then. We got a bit of hate online, but we never worried about it. If we were happy, that's what mattered." Misha admired Spencer's growth, stating, "He was very green at the time, but I saw immense potential. He always had the fire to improve."
The songwriting process in Periphery has evolved significantly over the years. "Every album has gotten more collaborative," Spencer noted, particularly referencing their latest work, PV: Djent is Not a Genre. "It was a huge group effort in music, vocals, and lyrics. We cut entire songs if someone wasn't happy with them."
Misha added, "It's about problem-solving and creating something we're all stoked about. The process is very sacred to us, and we've learned to follow the creative thread wherever it leads."
While Periphery's sound is rooted in metal, the band members draw inspiration from various genres. Misha admitted, "Metal music is the last thing I choose to listen to. I find inspiration in classical and jazz music, which allows me to focus without invading my analytical brain." Spencer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom. "Our music feels very honest. We write for ourselves, and it's amazing that it resonates with others."
As the conversation drew to a close, excitement bubbled over their upcoming tour, particularly the long-awaited return to Australia for Monolith Festival. "It's been seven years since we've been there, and I genuinely love it," Spencer said, looking forward to the beach and the summer vibes.
Misha humorously added, "I would enjoy Australia if it was real, but we all know it's not - just crisis actors!" This light-hearted banter showcased their camaraderie and passion for performing.
Periphery remains committed to their authentic vision in a world of ever-changing sounds and styles, continually evolving while honouring its roots. Their journey, marked by collaboration, experimentation, and a shared love for music, promises fans an exciting future filled with sonic exploration.