By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Recommended for fans of Touche Amore, mewithoutYou and Cursive, North Florida-based post-hardcore/emo act GILT recently self-released their first studio LP, a 12-track offering entitled ‘Ignore What’s Missing,’ via Knifepunch Records.
The LP was recorded at Earthsound Studios and showcases what makes GILT different from the pack, as they regularly embrace themes related to the LGBTQ+ community, mental/physical disability advocacy and political activism.
GILT is vocalist/guitarist Tyler Fieldhouse (They/Them), vocalist/bassist Nico Bacigalupo (They/Them), guitarist Tristan Kormony (They/Them) and drummer Ash Locke (They/She/He).
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with the band with about ‘Ignore What’s Missing’ and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Tyler Fieldhouse – It’s actually buried in the lyrics to the first song I wrote, “Numbers,” where it talks about casting gold! It’s a term I picked up in art school and I just thought it fit as a motif, as well as a homophone.
Music Bugle – How would you describe North Florida to someone who has never been there before?
Tristan Kormony – North Florida, particularly Jacksonville and Saint Augustine have an incredibly rich history that has been bent politically in favor of the people with the least connection to it, kind of like most of the South. It has its moments – the beaches are nice and there’s a lot of local business around here, which I think help make things less cookie-cutter. Our D.I.Y. scenes are/were? – pre-COVID – relatively strong and highly accepting, being only matched by Gainesville in my opinion for Florida scenes.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about post-hardcore/emo music?
Tyler Fieldhouse – The ability to go to the fullest extent of sad and angry in the same song. I’m the first to say I’m not into “original” emo like Rites Of Spring because I find it kind of stiff and monotone, but listening to stuff like Touche Amore, where the lyrics are breaking your heart, but the music makes you want to smash things is exhilarating. I can’t think of another genre that gets to use such a visceral dichotomy.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs do you find gets the most unique reactions?
Tristan Kormony – A few of these songs we’ve played live and have been since day one, like “Flowers” and “What Color Is The Light When It’s Turned Off?” As someone who has played these songs a countless number of times, I am surprised to see how much people really like “Flowers,” especially considering the noise solo in it! (Laughs) I guess overall though, the reception to “You’re The Sun” is what has surprised me the most. I’ve spent so much time in music trying to be angry and loud that I forgot how in emo, you can also be sad and quiet.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your LP ‘Ignore What’s Missing’?
Ash Locke – It felt like having a puzzle set with hundreds of extra pieces. There were so many other things we wanted to add. There was even supposed to originally be a track on there titled, “Swim,” but it didn’t make the cut. When we were in the studio about to finally start recording, it was like tearing all the songs apart to record and then putting them back together again and when they were finished, it was almost like hearing these songs for the first time.
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder for a band to stand out these days?
Nico Bacigalupo – I think in all honesty, especially with the state of the world right now, social media presence is really important. I think that over the next couple of years, social media is going to shape how people view influencers, bands, artists, etc.. It’s navigating new territory for some bands, for sure, but I think, just like anything else, it’s all about adapting, which means navigating livestreams and more socially-distanced online events.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Ash Locke – I’ll admit I very recently just got into BTS, which is completely different from most of what I’ve listened to before. On the other hand, I’m supremely overjoyed with Deftones’ new releases and have been listening to that. I think I’m mostly looking for songs that are for when I’m trying to be calm.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Nico Bacigalupo – We’ve all been affected in different ways, I would say. For me, I lost both of my jobs once COVID-19 hit and being high-risk, it’s been difficult for me to be able to work a service job, which is what I’m used to. I have had to reevaluate the way I make my income, which has been difficult. A lot of others in the group have lost their jobs and I think all in all, it’s been a difficult time mentally for many.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Tyler Fieldhouse – Whatever the newest headline is, really. Every day, there’s a new catchy slogan reminding me that the world is run by monsters and even if we can’t fix it, it takes constant unyielding effort just to halt the steamroller from crushing us further.
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in “the scene”?
Ash Locke – I suppose if there was one thing I wish happened more, it would be for shows and tours to actually be diverse. The time for having your one “token” POC or LGBTQ+ on your shows is way beyond over. I want to see more work done to look for the artists that have not been given the same opportunities that a five-piece cis straight white guy band have been given. I wish there was an even bigger spotlight on the artists who have been hidden.
*Photo Credit – Christian Denmark*
