Music can have many purposes, from enjoying the beat, appreciating the musicianship and compositions, to letting loose and partying with friends, to deep emotional feelings and connections. We are Sovereign focuses mostly on the feelings and connections part of music. The album, Step Out Your Comfort Zone has many elements of life emotions. They have maintained the importance on the human experience and utilize their platform to help others feel less alone. It is an honorable thing.
We Are Sovereign is out of Derby, UK. They consist of band members: Laura Russell (harsh vocals), Ash Ho (clean vocals), and Ed Shiers (drums). They mix metalcore style with synths and soundclips of different things as well as some spoken-type words. It is a very interesting blend that works well. One really creative thing they have done with this album is each song has a parenthesis of what the song is about, i.e., “Keep Going (Survival)”. This is such a unique way of expressing themselves with giving guidance to the listener. The track, “These 4 Walls (Torment)”, is a powerful and highly emotional song about a topic that so many humans struggle with, suicidal ideations and suicidality. Most people have either had the feelings themselves, or known someone who has had the emotions or succumbed to them. How magical is music to help us through the hardest of times? This band really does an impeccable job of presenting life’s obstacles, while soothing with their musical abilities and soundscapes.
Step Out Your Comfort Zone ends with a song titled, “Overcome”, which is spoken word with a calming melody in the background while reminding you to “not quit”. It is so beautiful. I love this album for so many reasons, and I know you all will too.
Laura was kind enough to sit down and chat with this about this album and mental health. (If you are viewing from your phone, please scroll to the bottom and click, “View Desktop Version” to gain video and interview access).