By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Anaheim, Calif.-based rock band Future Colors recently dropped the lyric video for their second single “Lost Inside,” which features the first official appearance of new guitarist Doug Weiand, who joined at the end of 2020.
The project – formed by Seann Nicols (Westfield Massacre, Adler’s Appetite, Quiet Riot) and Mark Dalbeth (Bellusira, Dirty Machine, Rav Medic) in the midst of 2020 downtime – got to work on their full-length album, recorded at Nerve Strike Records.
Their goal was to create a “high-energy rock record,” with an emphasis on catchy melodies, grooves and heavy riffs, inspired by predecessors like Linkin Park, Godsmack and Sevendust.
The Music Bugle had the chance to catch up with Dalbeth about their music.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Anaheim, California to someone who has never been there before?
Mark Dalbeth – It’s a really nice spot in the hub of Orange County. Home to Disneyland and many other attractions, so it’s not uncommon to have lots of tourists hanging around all year-round. Lots to see and do and everything is not too far a drive away.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the name “Future Colors”?
Mark Dalbeth – As any new band does, we spent a number of weeks bouncing ideas back and forth until landing on this one. It was a name we felt really signified what we as a band and people are about. Trying to create something new that has yet to be heard and taking pieces and genres of music that sometimes wouldn’t normally be seen together and blending them in the mix. We also were conscious of not having a name that was too genre-specific. We want to keep the whole project as wide open as possible.
Music Bugle – What was it like making your full-length debut record?
Mark Dalbeth – It has been going great – we are still in the process of finishing up the last few tracks. It’s been a good challenge developing ideas and pushing the envelope out there as much as we can. Everything is written with the notion of making each piece as epic as possible, the biggest chorus, the biggest melody, etc..
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Mark Dalbeth – My music playlist changes every few weeks, but in high rotation at the moment is Manic Street Preachers, Miley Cyrus, Rapsody, Dua Lipa, Cool For August, Lindsay Sterling, Metric and Die Antwoord. When I am in a writing mindset, I always try and listen to music that is a stark genre difference to what I am writing, as it keeps my mind open.
Music Bugle – What made you choose “Stand Down” as your debut single?
Mark Dalbeth – It was the first one ready to go! Felt like it was a strong opener to introduce the band also. A more direct hard-hitting track.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt music?
Mark Dalbeth – It really depends how it is used. It can be a great benefit, but the downside is it’s very easy to over-flood the market, so it just needs to be treated carefully.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Mark Dalbeth – Lost my job, but then found another one. As with anything in life, it’s just a case of picking yourself back up and carrying on. Hasn’t been the best of times, particularly out here in America, but it’s all about staying positive and for me personally, staying as creative as possible.
Music Bugle – What motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Mark Dalbeth – Connecting music with others is a big one for me. When you hear that something you wrote helps someone get through a tough situation, there really isn’t much better!
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Mark Dalbeth – That bands stopped uploading their music to Spotify.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need to escape?
Mark Dalbeth – Anywhere outdoors is always good for me to get out and recharge. Sometimes, the whole connection with the world can be a bit much, so I try and escape that for a bit.
