Rediscovering Roots: An Exclusive Interview with Low Phase on 'Winter Clothes' and Their Musical Journey
- Kayl Bitson
- Aug 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 15, 2024
Grand Rapids' own Low Phase has just dropped their mesmerizing new single, "Winter Clothes." This four-piece band, led by vocalist and writer Caleb Waldvogel, includes guitarist and backing vocalist Marley Ferguson, bassist John Homer, and drummer Miles Ferguson. Known for their captivating sound and heartfelt lyrics, Low Phase is set to embark on an exciting tour with dates in Bay City, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. We caught up with the band to delve into the creative process behind "Winter Clothes," their experiences, and what fans can look forward to on tour.
VIBRANT: "Winter Clothes" has been part of your live shows for a while now. What delayed its release, and why do you feel now is the right time to share it with the world?
LOW PHASE: Honestly, I think we just overlooked it. It was the first song we worked on as a band, so always kind of got pushed to the back burner as newer songs came through! I think the reason we finally gave it attention is because we are leaning back towards our roots musically and settling in to a sound we love. One full of energy, walls of guitars, and lyrics we can scream live.
VIBRANT: What aspects of winter resonate with the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty you explore in "Winter Clothes"?
LOW PHASE: The lyric “I’m not scared of anything” is a mantra ive used in my own life plenty of times. Simple things really twist my stomach up, going out to dinner, seeing a movie, public places in general, so I would repeat this to myself and it seemed to help. The whole song is basically just learning to navigate these new, scary feelings and learning to lean on people you love.
VIBRANT: How does "Winter Clothes" represent the current phase or direction of Low Phase as a band?
LOW PHASE: Winter Clothes is one of those songs that's completely stream of consciousness and completely unfiltered, written in maybe 30 minutes. That's something we’d definitely like to get back to. Less picking apart songs to make sure that they are perfect and more of accepting them as they came to us.
VIBRANT: What has the response been like to your new single so far?
LOW PHASE: It’s been lovely! We’ve had so many people reach out and let us know that they’ve been waiting for this one which is a crazy feeling. Just glad that it exists in the world now :)
VIBRANT: You have an exciting lineup of shows coming up in Michigan. Are there any specific performances or artists you’re particularly excited about?
LOW PHASE: Yes! XLNC fest is happening this weekend and we get to share the stage with some favorite local and touring artists including Prince Daddy and the Hyena, Pesky Kid, Free Throw, Carly Cosgrove, and so many more.
VIBRANT: Do you have a favorite song to perform live? What makes it stand out for you?
LOW PHASE: John - Thin Mirrors
Miles - Float (Unreleased)
Marley - Smokescreen
Caleb - Float
But everyone's close second is our song, Swimming. We end almost every set with this song. The energy we get to give to the crowd when screaming “I feel the weight coming off” and the energy we receive when they scream it back is unmatched. The best feeling in the world.
VIBRANT: Caleb, as the primary lyricist, what inspires your writing, and how do you approach creating lyrics?
LOW PHASE: Writing lyrics is one of those times you get to be fully honest with yourself. If somethings bothering or weighing on me, the only time I get to truly work through that is when i see it laid out as a song. There are so many different things to be inspired by, its different every single time, maybe thats why writing is so addicting.
VIBRANT: How would you describe the genre of your music, and how has it evolved since you first started?
LOW PHASE: I think we are all very much 90’s inspired kids. Thats what most of us grew up listening to! Pavement, Built to Spill, Radiohead. I wouldn’t say our sound has changed too much since we started writing together, we are just getting more comfortable with writing what we love!
VIBRANT: Can you share the story of how Low Phase came together as a band?
LOW PHASE: It was born in the pandemic. I’ve (Caleb) played with Miles and John my entire life. When I started writing these songs, I couldn't picture playing them with anyone else. Marley is someone I had never had the chance to play or write with, but had admired her songwriting for so many years. When we all got together it clicked and we just ran with it <3
VIBRANT: What can fans look forward to from Low Phase in the coming months or years?
LOW PHASE: Lots of music, lots of shows, lots of meeting new people! The goal is to be writing and touring as much as we possibly can. We all love each other dearly and just want to share that with the world.