Occurrence (original) (raw)

Recently I was able to connect with NYC-based indie rock band, Occurrence, to discuss everything that went into their latest single called ”Feeding Time.” On top of the new single, the band is thrilled to announce their new LP called Real Friend that will be out wherever music is sold on February 28th. In this brief interview, I asked the band about how the new single helped shape the upcoming album, their improved writing process, and the themes present in Real Friend. The new LP is available for pre-order here.

The album began with a hug and a conversation about friendship. How did that initial moment shape the creative direction of the record?

Cat: It all started with me hugging Ken for an awkwardly long time, and me saying, “I love you, you’re my REAL FRIEND!” I mean, of course I knew we were friends, but in that moment I had a sharp realization that what we all share goes further than the music we make. Ken and Johnny have been there and their friendship is vital to my happiness.

Ken: The three of us were reflecting on how the pandemic impacted so many friendships. And as Cat hugged me in the kitchen for a long time, I was struck by how our friendship, how being in a band together, had survived, how it had gotten stronger. Once I had written that song “Real Friend,” all the things that bonded us together became the connective tissue of what all the songs on this album are about.

“Feeding Time” has a distinct rock sound. Can you tell us more about how Damian Baldet’s guitar work shaped the final version?

Ken: I recorded a rough version of the song in the woods of New Hampshire back in 2022. One day the lyrics hit me so I wrote them out.

Johnny: Ken brought me into the studio and asked me to sing his lyrics. There was something about them that made me give him something much more aggro than usual.

Ken: I asked Damian if he’d be interested in contributing some guitar to the track after Johnny and I had recorded a rough version of it. The way Johnny sang it got me thinking that this song needed some guitar. Damian enthusiastically agreed and sent me a ton of stems, lots of different takes. As I started comping them together, I ended up re-arranging the song. Then I sent it back to Damian and he sent me some more parts. It took a bit of time. I thought it might need more. But I played it for Cat and Johnny and they were like “that’s it.” It is one of our more straight-forward, rock-leaning tracks.

How does “Feeding Time” tie into the overarching themes of Real Friend ?

Ken: Some friends are toxic, but sometimes that toxicity ends up revealing your own flaws. You feed off that bad stuff. That’s what the song is about. The three of us had to let go of some people over the past few years. It’s a song about letting go. But you can only do it after you face some hard stuff.