Interview: Fort Lean
Photo Courtesy of Brian Rentas
August 4, 2015
After just finishing up their tour, Fort Lean is gearing up to release their album Quiet Day on October 2, 2015. An American rock band, composed of five guys, define music with an indie chill sound. Fort Lean has opened for acts ranging from HAIM to Unknown Mortal Orchestra. We chatted with singer Keenan Mitchell about the band.
OS MAG: You are releasing your first album, Quiet Day on October 2. What are you looking forward to the most from this album?
FORT LEAN: I’m looking forward to playing the songs in front of people, looking forward for our fans to finally be able to hear the songs.
OS MAG: Each member of the band contributes to writing all of your songs. How does the songwriting process work for this band?
FORT LEAN: There are different ways. Usually, there is a core idea or sometimes it’s just words or a riff or whole full blown song with all parts written. In the last album, I think there’s at least one song from every member where they wrote their own song and then brought it to rest of band bring it to rest of guys play in practice space, get flushed out and allow it to take shape, filtered through sound and the get the perspective of all other members.
OS MAG: How would you describe Quiet Day?
FORT LEAN: Pretty good tunes that make you feel real good and real weird.
OS MAG: How do you think your album will be different from singles that you already released like “Perfect” and “Change Your Name?”
FORT LEAN: We know our way around the studio a little better, hopefully that be reflected in our sound, more time, better facilities, more money to spend. There was more planning and consideration where we were able to work on all avenues a little longer and harder. It will sound bigger and better.
OS MAG: After just finishing up your tour with Chappo, Yukon Blonde and Dave Monks, you came back to New York. How would you describe your touring experience?
FORT LEAN: Hot. For the month of July, we were touring in Texas. It was like cruising down the road in a metal box with 105 degrees outside and no air conditioning. But, it was good times, good shows where we got meet fans and drink a lot.
OS MAG: In the time that you have been together as a band, have you noticed any adjustments in terms of your sound?
FORT LEAN: We have been together for four or five years now, so we are better at playing instruments, we know how to play to each other’s strengths a little bit more, know what everyone else is good at, and being able to get all the right parts together.
OS MAG: Fort Lean originated in Brooklyn, New York. How did you all come together as a band?
FORT LEAN: We all met in college, we all were in few different goof around college bands back then, and then all kind of went into different stuff. A couple years after we graduated, we came together and now have some groovy tunes.
OS MAG: I have one last question for you, here at Omnisound, we want to know what your spirit animal is and why?
FORT LEAN: Coyote, because they are good singers.
Interview by Naba Ahmed