Getting to Know… Lake Mar/E | Interview

In the 493^rd Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from northern Utah rock/metal band Lake Mar/E. 

Right on, Lake Mar/E! In response to our first burning question, Kris Bashaw, the band’s bassist, expounds, “We rock our audience’s socks off by bringing them into our world.” Oh, to be in the world of Lake Mar/E, sigh! Bashaw gives us the inside scoop on the northern Utah rock/metal band’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… Lake Mar/E: Interview No. 493!

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

Kris Bashaw: We’re unique in our vision to not be boxed into a genre… sure, it’s going to happen, people need to categorize bands, artists… I do it too, but we set out to blaze a new trail, carve a unique soundscape, and style.

We rock our audience’s socks off by bringing them into our world… whether someone wants to come to be entertained, or lose themselves entirely, whether it be sonically while listening to our songs or whilst in the live setting with us, we are bringing the listener into the world of Lake Mar/E.

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Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Lake Mar/E form, and what were some of your goals or visions early on?

KB: The origins of Lake Mar/E are Eric and Stephen connecting via Craigslist, both having been in several previous successful bands, and both having songs that had not been developed and produced in those bands. So, they decided to collaborate and bring fresh ideas and songs to life.

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

KB: No and yes. No, our goals have not changed since the beginning, in that we want to make original music to connect with our audience, make an LP, and play high-energy shows.  Yes, some of the small goals change as you learn to be in the band with your bandmates and learn one another’s needs and constraints.  It shapes how and what you do, what you are trying to accomplish.

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

KB: Willie Nelson. I love listening to Willie’s music.  Many days start with Willie’s 1978 Stardust album.  He expresses amazing feelings through music.

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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.

KB:  Number one… While on tour, we pulled into a gas station in Jackpot, NV, to a pickup truck overflowing at the pump with gasoline all over the ground.  I thought we were all going to explode!  I sprinted to the pump, turned it off while the owner came walking out.  I said, “Hey man, nice shot,” and walked away… without the explosion, ha ha.  I mean, the explosion would have been cool if no one had gotten hurt, but there were too many people in and around the gas station, so, good thing we got it shut down, and no explosion.

Number two… So many problems during our first live shows, ha ha ha… In ear monitor issues, broken strings on Steph’s floating bridge, slipping strings on my headless bass… it seems like our first several shows had mishaps all over the place. It stresses you out, but you just keep rocking, try not to miss a beat!  Ya do miss some beats but just keep rock’n!!!

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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?

KB:  “Indigo Ghost”, by far.  We’ve not yet released it.  Structurally, this song pushes the bounds of originality and uniqueness, yet it’s still very much listenable, jammable.  Sometimes songs that tend toward complex become just “prog salad” and “what?!” “Indigo Ghost” is just a solid, amazing song through and through.  Also, I think the origins of the song as an occurrence involve Stephen, our guitarist, having an awakening, a moment… with someone, or something else (a scepter?).  This song is deeply personal, being sent with hopes that it will land with others, the listener, who can make it their own, perhaps an awakening. “Indigo Ghost” is fun to play, fun to listen to… the best!

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Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Lake Mar/E? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

KB: Lots of secret talents with the members of this band, all of which contribute as ingredients to the baked goods being delivered.  We’re all country boys from more rural settings with great access to the outdoors.  Our active lifestyles add to the grit of the sound, whether it be hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, skating, skiing, or snowboarding, we like to live and play!

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What is Lake Mar/E currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

KB: We are hoping to release or debut full full-length LP in 2026. We’ve got a lot of the tracking done yet still have a long way to go.  It’s a lot of work.  Fortunately, we’re not waiting around for ideas. We’re a pretty creative band, so it’s just a matter of harnessing it, organizing it, and giving it life.

Also, we have ambitions of playing outdoor festivals throughout the country, throughout the world… we’ll play anywhere.  We just want to get out there and let the world participate in and experience Lake Mar/E with us.

We hope to see everyone, wherever you may be, live soon!

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

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Getting to Know… Lake Mar/E: Interview No. 493 [📷: Lake Mar/E]

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