Interview with Love Ghost: Finnegan Bell

 
We spoke with Finnegan Bell, the lead singer and guitar player, from the band Love Ghost.  The band is comprised of Ryan Stevens (bass), Nicky Renard (lead guitar), Samson Young (drums), and Cory Batchler (keyboard).  Love Ghost’s music is a great blend of different genres, specifically with a focus on emotional alternative rock.  Their music sparks a deeper understanding between the connection of lyrics and riffs with overlaying beats.
 
Bell was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.  When discussing the formation of the band, he mentioned that the current line-up has only been active for about six months.  Bell was 14 years old when he decided to talk to people in his life who shared his love of music; from this Love Ghost was formed.  The drummer of the band, Samson Young, and Bell actually met at the school of rock music center in California. For those of you who do not know, School of Rock was filmed at Wagner College, so we always get excited to see the impact the movie has had on other musicians.
 
Sometimes the best music comes from areas where the scene is nonexistent.
 
Bell states that, the local scene in Los Angeles is fascinating because there are so many different genres of music prominent. When discussing the direction the band’s sound is heading in, he says that their unreleased material can be considered trap-rock.  The tracks created were influenced by 90’s rock bands, like Alice in Chains and Nirvana, as well as Suicide Boys, Little Peep, and JuiceWRLD.  The juxtaposition between rock riffs with track beats sampled over the song allows listeners to experience a different type of vibe that sets the young band apart from others.
 
This is our era.  This is our age.
 
When discussing their newly released song, “Let It All Burn,” Bell mentions that the song was created when the members were jamming out.   “Sometimes a song is created by laying down a guitar riff and the other members and I work together to create our own parts.” This is a great way for the band to create exciting arrangements. Bell worked with a producer to create beats that would overlay on to the existing track.  He says that the process for “Let It All Burn” lasted around 2 days. The music video is actually filmed at a foundry in Southgate; he mentions that there was iron swinging and it was like 110 degrees.
 
Bell was inspired to learn the guitar because of musician Kurt Cobain. When he was around 7 years old, he saw a video of Kurt and said that he wanted to be able to do exactly what he did.  So, Bell just ran with this dream.   We asked Bell what message he hopes people see in his music and he replied that “I want my music to help other people. Anyone can make music and you don't know who will relate to it.”  To put music out there into the world is a positive experience regardless. The influence of the music industry has definitely been a positive one for the band, Bell mentions that when he was a senior in high school, he released his song and over the span of 3 weeks it reached over 100,000 views listens.  This best represents the important of the connectivity across the world and the importance of streaming services for budding artists.
 
The odds aren't necessarily in your favor it's super cool to just make a difference
 
Music is always open to interpretation. Bell says, “What I hope people get out of our songs is that they don't have to feel alone.”  He also believes that you can't predict where your life will end up. He finds it funny that the lyrics he sometimes writes tend to predict the future.  Sometimes he just wishes things will happen and then maybe they will one day come true.
 
In 2020 we can expect a lot from the band Love Ghost. They're planning on releasing 13 or 14 songs within the year. The band is also big on creating music videos. Bell's favorite concept utilized in one of their videos is stop motion.  He loves making films since it shows another side of the song the band is releasing. On January 24th, the band will be releasing a new song and music video titled “Dead Brother.” Go check it out and listen to the amazing songs that they have created thus far. We can't wait to see what they do next!

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Check out their music on Spotify