Editor’s Note: New York City’s own Don’t Believe In Ghosts have had a stellar 2019 so far. They headlined the Bowery Ballroom in NYC and they have released their second single this year entitled “The Chase”, which features the finest roller girls of New York City and the legendary comedian Gilbert Gottfried. In this interview with Madness To Creation, frontman Steven Nathan discusses working with Gilbert Gottfried, mental health awareness and what is next for Don’t Believe In Ghosts. Fans can find Don’t Believe In Ghosts at the following locations:
Madness To Creation: Tell us about working with Gilbert Gottfried.
Steven: Gilbert is the best! I had a dream that he did the introduction for our video and basically woke up and wrote out that script exactly how he said it. 6 hours later we had his video, just really cool!
Madness To Creation: One song you would cover with Gilbert Gottfried in a duet.
Steven: Probably “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston
Madness To Creation: Tell us about the song and the video for “The Chase”.
Steven: The song is actually far more organic than it may sound… the kick was hitting the back of an acoustic guitar, the snare is the crushing of a Poland spring bottle. the swooshes are my sink and the lead synth line is my vocals with some effects. For the video we wanted to do something super colorful and stylized. We were super lucky to find the amazing girls in NYC that roller skate and they really added a lot of life to this song!
Madness To Creation: We are about mental health awareness. When you struggle, what gets you through, what keeps you going?
Steven: Oh man, well somedays are really hard and no matter what people tell you… the darker it is the harder it is to see an exit. But I think for me it’s really about keeping it in perspective and doing my best to smile.. try not to get self indulgent on it and allow myself to be down… not punish myself for it. Also I think just kind of being aware that there are highs and lows and make the choice when I can to choose more positive thoughts really helps get through it.
Madness To Creation: For my readers that might be struggling whether it’s anxiety and/or depression, what advice do you have for them?
Steven: My advice would be to never think of things in absolutes or give up. When things go wrong do all you can not to assume the world is against you and that it will continue. Always look for the light, the smiles and the laughs. Get out and clear your head… for me writing always helps… when I don’t write for a while I get really depressed.
Madness To Creation: Take us into New York City and the scene there.
Steven: It’s a big scene here in NYC. everyone has seen it all and has so many options… the scene has been a bit more fractured lately. We just love finding new like minded people and incorporating them into all were doing and really that’s what it’s all about.
Madness To Creation: What can fans expect from a Don’t Believe In Ghosts concert?
Steven: These days a lot of new music… we have a whole album worth of new songs we’re slowly releasing and premiering at shows!
Madness To Creation: The sunroof is open and you have the open road, what’s in your cd player(or 8 track or bluetooth or whatever).
Steven: In an ideal situation it’s something brand new that excites my mind and makes me feel alive… I much prefer that to something old that makes me feel nostalgic.
And there you have it! Go to Don’t Believe In Ghosts official website for latest news and happenings!
