Getting to Know… Frequency Overload | Interview

In the 441^st Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from Long Island heavy metal band, Frequency Overload. 

“We are a melting pot of metal.” Rock on, Frequency Overload! The band expounds, “The influences are from classic metal through contemporary without being pigeonholed… We stick out like a sore thumb..” We get the inside scoop on the Long Island heavy metal band’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump into Getting to Know… Frequency Overload: Interview No. 441!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Frequency Overload distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

One thing we feel that makes FREQUENCY OVERLOAD unique is that we are a melting pot of metal.  The influences are from classic metal all the way through contemporary without being pigeonholed.  We have been called genre-less, we have been called hardcore-tinged crossover, we have been called melodothrash, but in truth, we stick out like a sore thumb.  We like to arrange our set list like a journey.  We come out swinging and end swinging, but we do have some more thought-provoking songs in between.  So far the response has been great.  In a sea of bands that sound identical to each other, we feel our unique style has an appeal for all listeners.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Frequency Overload form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

FREQUENCY OVERLOAD formed with guitarist Corey Schaefer, and drummer Kevin Daily.  The two meet at a travel basketball tournament that their sons were playing in.  Being the only parents there with metal shirts on they gravitated together and started a friendship.  Then the pandemic hit, and they were given the time availability to get together and jam.  Shortly after Mr. Bush posted an ad on the Facebook group, Long Island Musicians Wanted.  Something like, “ Metal singer/songwriter looking for a band to join.  That same Facebook group turned up bassist Steve Little a few weeks later. Boom, FREQUENCY OVERLOAD was born. Our vision at first was to write enough originals to play a set at a local club for fun, and maybe record.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

The goals and aspirations have slowly grown for FREQUENCY OVERLOAD.  We quickly took the positive response to our music and recorded a full-length album.  With sound engineer, mentor, and recording artist Joey Z from Life Of Agony behind the console we recorded our debut album, FATE ANTHROPIC, released in spring 2024…and now available at SODEH RECORDS.  Now we have signed with SODEH, and are recording album two, as we scope out festivals and a possible tour for 2025.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Whom would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

Corey Schaefer (guitar): Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Pantera

Kevin Daily (drums): Metallica, Slayer, Tool

Steve Little (bass): Iron Maiden, Tool, Megadeth

Mr. Bush (Vocals): Carnivore, Judas Priest, Crumbsuckers

I think when you hold a band as a favorite, you use their tunes as a sounding board.  You can refer and compare your songs to those highly esteemed greats that you hold dear.  “What would Pete Steele think about “LOVE AND BULLETS”?  I like to think he would chuckle, and smirk 😏.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

Ok, so at one show, there was a typical drunk moron starting shit in the pit.  Intentionally trying to hurt people, etc. Then there’s this smaller guy minding his own business, but he’s got the cauliflower ears and the five-mile stare of a man who has not one fuck to give.  Predictably, the drunk grabs the guy from behind and throws him toward the stage.  Spinning and sliding with cat-like grace, he spun and attacked.  With precise strikes and a quick judo throw, this drunk douche was LAID OUT!  Now, this happened in seconds, but from watching UFC fights, it was body mechanics 101!  That dude was dragged out and banned, the cauliflower guy got drinks bought for him!

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

I would have to say, “LOVE AND BULLETS”.  For one, our pal Joey Z, from Life Of Agony, jumped in on backing vocals for that song.  Also, it has gotten the biggest love from the fans and has become a crowd participation highlight when we play live.  The crowd now joins Steve and Corey on the backing vocal spots.  That’s what makes that song special for us.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Frequency Overload? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

One thing few people know is that singer, Mr. Bush was a reptile guy for many years.  He had over 200 reptiles in his home and did educational exhibits, as well as breeding them.  The first night we came to his house we were like, “WTF?”.  We walked into the back door of his garage and were face to face with a four-foot caiman crocodile!  He showed us pictures of him in the water at a zoo in Canada with full-on, full-size alligators. It was called CROC U, lol a 4 university of alligator training!

What is Frequency Overload currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

FREQUENCY OVERLOAD is currently promoting the debut album FATE ANTHROPIC, and simultaneously recording our second album!  The new album is in the pre-production and tracking phase now.  We will present the songs to SODEH Records, and they will evaluate and critique so we can add or change anything if necessary, or at least hear them out.  We are also discussing and approaching booking agents for some of the Metal fests here in the US for 2025.

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

Thank YOU, for your interest and please visit www.frequencyoverload.com for great info, social links, and you can even join the mailing list!! NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS THAN METAL!

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Getting to Know… Frequency Overload: Interview No. 441 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Frequency Overload]