Colorado Music Buzz Presents: Shatterproof
by Daniel Gallagher
photo credit Daniel Gallagher
Branson Hoog: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
TJ Wessel: Violin
Jeremy Warmor: Lead Guitar
Ben Spoliansky: Drums
Josh Schroenig: Bass
CMB: Why did you guys pick the name Shatterproof? Give me a couple of reasons behind the name and how it fits into your band’s message.
Branson Hoog (BH): We started thinking of cool things that were unique and meaningful to the band. While thinking of things that no one really knew about us, Josh’s metal rod that supports his spine and Ben’s titanium plates in his face from a cliff diving accident came to mind. We also thought about how all of us are strong and have overcome hardships, just like a lot of our prospective fans, and thus the name… shatterproof. You can’t break us; no matter how hard you try.
CMB: How long have you been together as a band?
Ben Spoliansky (BS): This lineup has been together for 2 years now. The lead singer was the last to join, but the band has been searching for the right people for about 5 years. We re-invented ourselves in the last two years: changing our sound, what we are about, who our audience is, etc.
CMB: Your music videos are remarkable! Tell me more about the lyrics and how they tie into the message you want to convey to your audience.
BH: The songs are generally about overcoming hardship. Our goal when writing songs is always to hit the audience in a place that makes them relate to our message. The messages may vary, but it is always our goal to help people by giving them an “anthem” to whatever they are dealing with at the time. We want our fans to be able to listen to one, or many of our songs, when they feel down, discouraged, confused, lonely, and be reminded that everyone goes through the bad times. The lyrics and the music are there to comfort and reassure that whatever it is they are going through, they can get through it. They are, in fact, shatterproof.
Josh Schroenig (JS): Our music videos so far have all been filmed and produced by Hudson Bloom, and they are meant to be just as powerful and intense as the music that inspires them.
CMB: What are your favorite parts about Colorado? If you were to convince someone to move here, what would you say?
Jeremy Warmor (JW): One of our favorite things about Colorado,more specifically Fort Collins, is that it is really good about promoting local musicians and local artists and it’s a very nurturing environment. This means that someone from out of state would get to be able to experience the art culture, with lots of live, local music and different forms of entertainment everywhere to enjoy. We also love the breathtaking mountains, and all they have to offer, like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rafting, camping, and hunting.
CMB: What are some hardships you have overcome (personally, as a band, etc…) that have further enhanced the meaning behind the songs you write?
JS: Some of the hardships that we’ve been in as a band have ranged from divorce, break ups, unhealthy relationships, and death. Music is our way of expressing grief and pain, and writing new songs is a great way to cope and overcome difficulties. Branson says, “As the songwriter, I write the lyrics but I have been very lucky and haven’t had to overcome many significant hardships, but I try to put myself in the shoes of others who may be going through something difficult.” I read a book once about a family that gets brutally murdered, and one of the daughters who were killed had a boyfriend. I wrote one of our songs in the perspective of the boyfriend, trying to capture his thoughts, his anger, and his sadness into his lyrics. Point is: a lot of hardships in the songs aren’t hardships that he’s actually been through, but hardships that he has put himself in the perspective of someone who has.
CMB: Tell me what you would want to tell someone who is struggling immensely with motivation. What would you say to them to press on and keep their head up?
BH: For anyone who is struggling to stay motivated- don’t ever forget that you’re worth it. Whether you believe it or not, you have so much potential to do well and find happiness. Never think you are the only one going through this. Sometimes it is really tough to find the motivation or the courage, and I would hope everyone finds the reason they were put here. If you ever feel like your presence is pointless it is because you haven’t found it yet, NOT because there is no purpose.
JS: Also if you’re on the other side, remember, “be kind to everyone, for they are fighting a tremendous battle.”
CMB: Anything else you’d like to add? (New releases, music videos, EP in December, merch, plans for the future, etc.)
TJ Wessel (TW): We will be coming out with a new EP in January, we are very excited to share some new music with the Shatterproof fans! We will also be releasing two music videos within the next year!
Online: http://www.weareshatterproof.com
Category: Buzzworthy
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