Photo credit: LP Hastings
Gone Gone Beyond is a band with a message. Their upcoming record 2030 arrives on Friday, June, 25. It is about the not-so-distant future which could determine a tipping point for humanity. The quartet of David Block, Danny Musengo, Kat Factor, and Mel Semé each bring something new to both international music flare and messages to the world.
We caught up with them to talk about their newest album, its themes and even the future.
Beyond The Stage: How did you all come together to form Gone Gone Beyond?
Gone Gone Beyond: We had all collaborated with David as The Human Experience. Then, one fateful weekend, we all ended up in San Francisco together and after a day of making music, it was pretty clear this was a band.
BTS: Who are your influences?
GGB: They run the gamut and they’re very different for all of us. Many of the artists listed above have inspired us but all of us started singing in houses of worship as kids so we’d say in general, we all grew up with soul, gospel and/or choral and orchestral music.
BTS: Will you describe your songwriting process?
GGB: This record was interesting because we started it all together in LA but then Covid hit so we ended up sending ideas to each other from different states or countries and expanding on ideas from a distance. It turned out to be a very refining process.
BTS: Being an “international” band, what unique experiences are you all able to bring to your sound and lyrics?
GGB: Mel’s Afro-Cuban roots play a pivotal role in the overall feel of the music. He played most of the instruments on the record. So those sensibilities show up everywhere. Kat spent a lot of her youth in Georgia and with an Elvis Impersonator as a father, so you get to hear a bit of that southern soul and rock in songs like “Riptide.” Danny spent most of his life in New York being exposed to so many genres of music but really connecting to old 70s rock, indie and classic country tunes and you can hear that influence in a lot of songs he wrote on the album. David traveled all over the world over the last 10 years and his influences are pretty vast spanning from living in India to connecting to his California coastal roots and you can hear that in some of his production.
BTS: We’re enjoying “Another Earth” and really all the singles from 2030. What’s your favorite song on 2030?
GGB: It would be impossible to pick a favorite. Each one of us would have a different answer on a different day. We can definitely tell you this is our favorite record we’ve made together.
BTS: What do you think people can do to ensure a future on this Earth as opposed to “Another Earth?”
GGB: It all comes down to self-awareness. Being conscious of how you move through this world. How you contribute and care for our shared home.
BTS: Spotify has put your new tracks on lots of playlists, what do you want these same new listeners who discovered your music online to know about you?
GGB: We’d love to tell those people to come experience us live. The shows have a really beautiful vibe. The world is opening back up and we’ll be out there.
BTS: Any plans for a music video that accompanies songs from this record?
GGB: We actually just shot some Super 8 footage of us hanging around Topanga Canyon near Los Angeles that will become the video for “Canyons.” We’ve also been making these epic live videos for all the songs on the record. Going to beautiful locations around the world with a battery-powered 8 track and making it work.
Listen to the single “Canyons” by Gone Gone Beyond on Spotify below:
BTS: You have all performed at Coachella, Red Rocks, and even the UN General Assembly. What is the coolest venue you have performed at and what is your dream venue?
GGB: On top of a 747 airplane for sunrise at Burning Man was definitely a favorite.
BTS: Any plans for some post-pandemic shows?
GGB: We just started scheduling our tour. Excited to get back out there. We’ll be posting them soon.
BTS: How about the rest of 2021?
GGB: The rest of 2021 will be dedicated to getting this record out there, connecting with the audience, and refining our craft. We’re excited to take the next leap with the world!
Be sure to keep up with Gone Gone Beyond on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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