Getting to Know… Random Ties

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For the 103^rd interview on The Musical Hype, we chat with Youssef, the vocalist/guitarist for alternative rock band Random Ties.

“Our sound is heavily influenced by the 90’s grunge sound bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters.” Rock on🤘! For the 103^rd interview in the Getting to Know… series on The Musical Hype, we get the scoop from Detroit-based alternative rock band Random Ties. The band is comprised of Youssef (vocalist/guitarist), Thew (guitar), Steven (bass), and KD (drums). Youssef – You for short – answers all of our burning questions regarding the band. So, without further ado, here is Getting to Know… Random Ties: Interview #103.

Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Random Ties distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

We are a heavy hitting alternative rock band based in Detroit, KD who plays the drums thunderously bringing that heavy hitting power with amazing fills & breaks, Thew whose on the second guitar, compliments my playing with his fills that are all over our EP & Steven originally from Nirvana’s hometown brought a grunginess to the album with some great bass lines & myself You vocals & guitar.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Random Ties form and what were some of the goals or the visions you had as a band early on?

Fast forwarding to today, my wife & I recently moved to US, we really didn’t know anyone or how the music scene was in Detroit which is where Random Ties are based. We formed in the summer of 2019, I started going to open mics with my acoustic guitar & meeting other musicians then one thing led to another & me the rest of the guys. The vision for the band always has been first & foremost for everyone to passionate & enjoy what they do & second try and get signed by a major label. You can check our latest EP, Believe on Spotify or all other major streaming platforms

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

Our goal is to remain consistent by providing quality music to our audience & reach a wider audience geographically so a big thanks to you for giving us this interview & a voice.Given that the future of live shows is up in the air, we are turning to social media more to connect with our fans & new listeners, keeping them engaged with good content via our Instagram page or Facebook.

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

Our sound is heavily influenced by the 90’s grunge sound bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters. Their music shaped who we are as a generation honestly growing up listening to them it was so powerful the riffs & the lyrics hit home.

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.

Few of those but the two that stick out to me is playing a gig in Chicago. We finished our set but the crowd wanted more. It was a surreal moment energy wise, so, we ended up playing a few more songs, losing track of time, and passed the curfew of when music could be played. The venue was hit with a fine which I hope they made up by selling more drinks. Another story for another day is me losing a bet and having to walk 200 miles to our next gig.

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

For me my favorite song is always the last song we write it’s just a special experience going through the creative process & bringing it to life. If I had to choose a song today it would be “Week 39” & we just released a video for it

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I was born in Beirut, Lebanon. I grew up in a period of war & chaos, moved around a lot when I was young, and lived in 9 different countries. My first exposure to music was listening to my granddad sing opera which sounded so melodic yet powerful & thought I would follow in his footsteps. When I was 8 years old, I started listening to the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaugh & that’s where my love for music grew.

Closing this thing out, what is Random Ties currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

We are working on releasing our new single, “Thawra,” along with a music video on August 14^th & started working on our second EP which will be released by the end of the year no title yet. What I can share with you is the cover of “Thawra” that’s not out yet so your viewers would be the first to see it.