Interview: The Mars McClanes - Be Still

The Mars McClanes are excited to announce the release of their new single, "Be Still." The ballad showcases the band's emotive lyrics and dreamy soundscapes. The song is a haunting and introspective look at the difficulties of finding inner peace in today's fast-paced world — or maybe it's just two hungover people trying to get through the morning after a big night out. Either way, it's sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. With a mix of electronic and acoustic elements, "Be Still" showcases The Mars McClanes' ability to blend genres to create a unique sonic experience. The track's atmospheric production and the McClanes' laid-back vocal delivery come together to create a song that is both thought-provoking and cathartic.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

The Mars McClanes are Russ Chapman, Brian Corley, and Paul Constantine.

Kamil) Hey The Mars McClanes, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. How has the time gone for you since our last interview?

Hi Kamil! Things are going well, we’re all rested up from the holiday and back into the day to day: Paul is busy drumming and doing whatever math professors do, while Russ works on riffs and Brian is at least acting busy.

What role does the artist have in society?

Brian: That’s kind of a heady question, and I’m not sure if I know how to answer it. I think it’s important for an artist to be honest—either from their point of view or the point of view of their character, but as far as what our role is in society, I don’t know. We just make the best stuff we can because we’re driven to do it and I guess everyone else kind of decides where we fit from there.

Your latest song is 'Be Still'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?

Brian: I’d just got Logic loaded on my computer and this was my first go of a song. I remember being hungover from a party the night before and was doing my best to take care of my partner because I was in the least bad shape between the two of us. The song came about organically, although there is a strong point to be made I wasn’t taking care of her the hour or so I spent working on this. The files are pretty raw. I recorded it in an untreated room and you can hear birds chirping on the isolated vocals. Russ did a great job with the sounds on the second verse and Larry Crane did an amazing job whipping my tracks into shape.

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?

Brian: Selling Dr. Pepper at Baylor football games. I’d pay $10 per tray, walk around and sell them in the stands and make $10 in profit. Rinse and repeat until I had $40. I don’t know why that number specifically, but for a 4th grader that seemed like a lot.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Nice try, Kamil.

What is your dream project?

Right now we’re making these tracks from home and then going into a studio for a couple of days to lay down drums or maybe some vocals here or there. It would be amazing to have a couple of weeks to create an album from scratch in a top tier studio.

What is your favourite or most inspirational place (in United States, Long Beach)?

Brian: that’s a good question. I don’t know, but I do most of my writing at the kitchen table.

What can we expect from The Mars McClanes in the near future?

More music! We have more than enough singles to get us through the rest of the year and we’re going back into the studio in March. Our best stuff is ahead of us and we can’t wait for you to hear it!