Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
Sorcia / USA
Questions were answered by guitarist/lead vocalist Neal De Atley.
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
One of the things that got me into the immersive and hypnotic sound was Pink Floyd’s Live at Pompeii. What stood out to me was how patient and atmospheric their set was. I heard their more popular songs at the time but that particular set really stood out as something refreshing. They didn’t follow the typical song structure. Like Pink Floyd, bands like Neurosis and Melvins really wrote albums that you were engaged into, not like pop records at the time. The whole album was the work of art versus a particular song. I don’t feel like we make music with the goal of captivating, we make music we enjoy and hope it captivates. I just try to take things that influence me and put them into my music. I hope the things that resonate with me will echo out into our listeners.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
The band name comes from one of our friends Jacob, who was watching the movie Willow. In the movie, Madmartigan (Val Kilmer) gets kicked in the face by his love interest, Sorsha. Jacob made a comment about being in a band that sounded like kicking Val Kilmer in the face. We thought that was funny but it kinda stuck with us. We decided we loved that essence, we wanted our music to be big and loud just like kicking Val Kilmer in the face. So we changed the spelling around and came up with Sorcia.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
The band’s major influences are definitely in stoner/doom and 90’s grunge, but an unexpected influence I pull from is black metal and 70’s hard rock. Both styles have a really strong riff element and honesty in the music. Late 80’s early 90’s black metal usually has a raw production and simplistic song writing which they can’t hide behind, and also can be atmospheric in the song writing. 90’s grunge can have a pop writing structure to it, and we definitely use some of that, but we also use some atmosphere as well. 70’s hard rock was the first wave of heavy music. Bands like the Stooges and Pentagram sounded really aggressive to me, and Sorcia pulls from that. I wanted our music to be honest to us.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
All songs start with a riff. It’s about writing something you want to listen to. I write long songs because I want to give the riffs a chance to live. To have the music develop, to add layers for it to build up to something. You want to have the music swell from slow to fast, heavy to light in order to get the expansive sound, depth and contrast.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How does alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
No, I’d say there are particular songs that have a theme but there isn’t one singular emotion. We try to have multiple through the album. There are a ton of reasons why our songs get written, for instance whether it’s something dark and aggressive to more reflective and hopeful. Because its alternative I’m not stuck in a box, it allows the music to speak for itself.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
We booked a Western US tour last summer playing a show every night. After playing a show in Tempe Arizona, we immediately left for Albuquerque, New Mexico. We drove all night, watched the sun come up in the desert, and slept for two hours before heading back out. When we arrived in Albuquerque, we literally pulled up to the venue, unloaded our gear, and played the set. It shows our love and enjoyment for what we do together. It’s what gives us our resilience, and passion for what we do.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
I see us continuing to write music that pulls us, that we would want to hear, and that inspires us. We are not limited by anything, and we like writing from acoustic to aggressive and loud. We come up with an idea and we execute it.
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
I wouldn’t say it’s one song, all our songs are different lyrically, sonically and in the writing. It’s more of a sound and feeling that encapsulates Sorcia.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
Living in the Seattle/Northwest area we are surrounded by great bands. Two bands in particular stand out. Grim Earth is a sludge band from Olympia, WA. They write really great riffs that are heavy and catchy. Mother Root is another great band from Snoqualmie, WA. They have such a unique sound and are incredibly talented musicians.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
We want our listeners to have our songs resonate with them in some way. The idea of writing and creating music, it’s about writing/making music that you love and hoping it resonates with them. The way it resonates with them will be different to each individual, with the common connection being our interpretation of our music.
Turbo Regime:
– Fuzz or distortion? – Currently, distortion
– Analog or digital effects? – Analog
– Sabbath or Zeppelin? – Sabbath, praise Iommi
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? – Definitely a riff worshipper
– Vintage gear or modern equipment? – Vintage
You can order Lost Season HERE.
Label: Desert Records
