Changing Tides

Band: Changing Tides

Members: Corey J. Robert, lead vocals and guitar; Dan Brooks, lead guitar and vocals; Jeremy Sowers, drums, percussion and vocals

Who we talked to: Robert, 20

You guys are working on an EP? We've been together for a while and I think we, like, officially have been ... really kind of taking our time (and) making sure that we just put together a really solid EP. It's just finally coming out (this week). We're just really excited to finally be able to share the music.

How long have you guys been together? We started all the way back in high school. Around my junior year (at Spring Grove Area High School) is when I ... joined. I was the last to join the band. (It was) nothing really serious at the time, but we really just all are very passionate about music and kept going ... after we graduated. It's been about five years.

Do you think you guys have a closer bond being a trio? It originally started out with four guys. Our bass player ... was the studio musician on the album. Afterward (he) decided he was going to pursue ... music education. We were really supportive of him heading out. As of right now, we're in the midst of auditioning bass players and getting ready for touring in the summer. Having a close-knit group of guys is really cool. We're really tight. We're really open with each other and are not afraid to throw out ideas.

How did you come up with the name? I think the other guys ... had just came up with the name right before I joined. The way I think we've always looked at it is kind of what it symbolizes. The tides are always changing and, as corny as that sounds, life is always changing. Our music is constantly evolving and constantly

developing. There is just an alive-ness to the music.

Describe the band's sound and style. We're a hard-rock band with a pop sensibility. We are high energy on the stage and with the sound that's on the album. It's very in your face. As challenging as the music might sound, at the same time, it's really easy to follow along to, and it's a lot of fun to listen to.

What music do you like? I think the most unique thing about Changing Tides is that each of us comes from a completely different background. Jeremy, our drummer, goes to Temple (University) for jazz performance. Danny, our guitarist, goes to Temple for classical guitar. I come up from a very bluesy background. It's very interesting when we come together with our ideas and put together ... some really cool compositions.

What blues musicians have inspired you? I've been a huge B.B. King fan growing up (and also like) Stevie Ray Vaughan. Guys like that have been great people who I've always look at as ... not just blues singers, but I think they're the gateway to rock 'n' roll.

Is it hard to schedule practices when you guys are in different parts of the state? It is definitely a lot of traveling. We've talked about it and made sure (everyone's OK) with things. We try to keep each other in check and make sure nobody's feeling over-stressed. We love what we're doing, and we know that it's costly for a while. We're willing to just go for it and see what happens.

Is the EP your first trip to the studio? When we were younger, we came out with our own full-length album. It was recorded in my studio, Rhema Studios. We had a lot of fun. We have changed quite a bit since then. It was kind of a 10-song album that was all over the place. I'm in the studio quite a bit. That's my major (at Lebanon Valley College). I'm a recording engineer. None of us were beginners going into the studio. We kind of knew what we wanted ... and laid down exactly (what) we wanted the tracks to sound (like).

Does the EP have a theme? "Mirrors" is the name of the EP, and lyrically, the album is just about reflection - kind of looking at yourself and looking at some of your flaws and looking at some of the ... good things you like about yourself.

Are you friends with bands in this area? We're friends with a lot of the bands in this area. Before Kingsfoil took off, we were good friends with them. Our drummer kind of grew up with the lead singer. They're just great guys, and it's great to see where they're going.

I'm trying to think of

another star like Frankie Muniz who might be available to play bass. If we can have Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers play bass for us that would be awesome. (Laughs)

- Erin McCracken,

FlipSide staff

If you go

Hear a Changing Tides acoustic show 8 p.m. June 2 at Warm Hearts Café, 25 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg. The band will perform June 9 at the Twin Pine Farms barbecue festival, 1428 Seven Valleys Road, North Codorus Township.