Saves the Witch is a dynamic mostly instrumental project led by Eric Maynes, singer/songwriter turned Post Rock guitarist. STW blends the flavors of Post Rock, Post Metal, Art Rock, Shoegaze, LoFi and more; with blues undertones sprinkled in. Saves the Witch has been praised for their eclectic and guitar driven sound. "She Dances with Knives" is the first single on what will be the project's third full album. With a fantastic groove, a moody melody, metal chorus and sludgy bridge; it certainly shows that Saves the Witch continues to pack a punch.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Saves the Witch, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
When I was a little kid, my great grandmother was very musical. She played banjo, and I remember her buying me these little musical toys like a plastic mini drum set, and kazoo. When I got older around age 7, she got me my first guitar. A Peavy Predator strat style electric. I still have it today.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I really love technology, and I’ve always been a big gamer. Now days I’m kind of a sucker for open world type games. Legend of Zelda, Fallout, Stardew Valley, No Man’s Sky, Spiritfarer to name a few.
I also like watching sports. I’m a huge Kentucky Wildcat fan, and I love my Green Bay Packers.
Your latest song is 'She Dances With Knives'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
I wanted to release a single fairly close to Halloween that had a spooky feel to it. I was also inspired by the Native American side of my heritage when I came up with the drums, I wanted something with a tribal vibe. That was the first part written this time. The guitar I kind of improvised until I found some parts that felt right.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
On a statistical and theory level I might be able to get close, but it would be far removed from anything I’m doing with this project for sure. I’m not writing hits by any means. I’m happy putting out atmospheric stuff that people can sleep or study to, and some heavier stuff that serves as a good background for when people are working out or driving. I’m beyond grateful it’s been well received, and I’m fine knowing it’s not going to chart on Billboard.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
That’s a bit of a paradox in some ways I think. I don’t want to lose the root sound of the project for sure, but I try to remain open to anything that feels right for a song, even if it’s out of my comfort level. In the end, it’s honestly something that you just can’t worry about too much. Some people will like what you do, some won’t. Can’t change that. If I’m happy with how I’m developing, that has to come first.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
Emotion in general. Feelings we get that are hard to describe. That’s one reason this project has thus far been instrumental. I have been a vocalist in the past, and may one day bring that element in; but sometimes words can’t explain how we feel. I’ve leaned into that a lot.
How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?
I mentioned video games earlier, I also meditate. I love a good documentary, and I love to read non fiction. I won’t turn down an episode of Shark Tank either!
Do you have a mentor or coach?
You know, I hadn’t thought of it much but I guess I don’t. I have become close to some other people who play similar music and to a degree we all inspire each other in different ways. There is no one person I can point to though.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
Guess it depends on your definition of established. If you work hard you can totally become established as an artist in your own right. You have to be okay not making much money though, because that’s the difficult part if it’s what you want.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I would like to hold my current course, put out music, hopefully the kind that some people enjoy. It is also a goal of mine to explore sync opportunities, and I have gotten very close several times. I did recently sign a limited publishing deal, and I believe there is a high realistic likelihood I’ll have a song included in a game, show, or commercial in the next five years.