One of the quintessential bands of their generation, Greta Van Fleet are on an upward slope towards global stardom. Influenced by the rock pioneers who have come before them, the Michigan four-piece that developed into a distinctive and creative force, selling out stadiums worldwide and receiving public and critical adoration.

This summer, the band returned with the third full-length studio record, Starcatcher, as well as embarking on a worldwide tour to promote the LP, which is currently in the midst of its European leg. Produced by Grammy-winner David Cobb, it’s the most characterful, cinematic and dynamic record then band has released, leaning further into the relationships between themselves as musicians, and the chemistry that has evolved following their tenure as a band.

With visceral subtle cuts like “Meeting The Master” to the storming energy of opener “Fate Of The Faithful” and riff-tastic robustness of “The Falling Sky”, the album is an eclectic and entertaining listening experience, a sharp illustration of the band’s craft, class and artistic vision.

We spoke to drummer Danny Wagner and bass guitarist Sam Kiszka, reflecting on the early days of Greta, their collaborative process, and the making and meaning of the new record.

Listen to Starcatcher…

Read the interview…

Could you let me know where you are right now in the world, and what the rest of today will involve for you?
DANNY WAGNER: We are currently on our European/UK leg of the Starcatcher World Tour. More specifically, Brussels! The rest of our day involves us four preparing to take the stage for the 4th show on this run, immediately followed by a commute to London.



Looking back at the very earliest days of Greta Van Fleet, was it inevitable that you would all become a band together, or did you ever think of playing with other people, separate to being in a band with each other?
DW: “Inevitable” is a decent word that I would use for myself personally when looking back. When I started to become close to the brothers around the age of 12-13, I became absolutely determined to apply my abilities to their configuration of three. I would say from the first time that the four of us specifically played music together, it was then certainly “inevitable” that the four of us would be the four who would take this band to the ends of the earth
.
Did any of you ever have paid jobs outside of music?


DW: Jake and Josh had a job briefly at a local and beloved restaurant in Frankenmuth and I worked at the local golf course for about 3 years prior to touring.



When you’re working on new music, what is the collaborative process like? Particularly with Starcatcher, how did that album form shape?


DW: When the four of us step into a room filled with instruments, we seldom find ourselves searching for creativity. We feed each other in that sense, like atoms colliding creating an explosion of ideas. With Starcatcher, we wanted to harness that atmosphere in real-time while actually tracking the songs. We intentionally went into the studio with semi-completed songs and even then only a handful. The idea was to sonically capture the raw emotion that went into the creation of the music while we were writing it. Once the process began, it was very hard to stop the music that was coming out of that room.



Do you have a favourite track on the album or one you’re most proud of? Is it the same as the other band members or do you all have different favourites?
DW: My personal favourite track(s) at the moment are “Meeting the Master” and “The Archer.” I feel that both of those tracks showcase a good dichotomy of the type of music we create. “Meeting the Master” was one of those songs that spawned out of thin air. Written, demo’d, tracked all in a very short time all while in the studio. It’s special to witness a song be born and mature so quickly. “The Archer” harnesses a feeling and power that almost acts as a beautiful bridge between the last album and this one. Working on this one was a fun challenge due to its cinematic nature. It showcases a lot of beautiful dynamic throughout.

You’re known for your incredible live performances. What considerations do you make while recording music for how it will perform on stage?


SAM KISZKA: We don’t like to think about the translation of the music to a live setting until it’s done. Considering factors like that works as a constraint against what the song is as we’re building it. The song lives forever as its own entity, while the live performance is only of the moment; so they’re innately different expressions. So, a song can be modified, stretched, & molded for the purpose of the show based off of the instrumentation we’re using & the arrangement of the set. 



What is it about performing for an audience that gives you energy and really brings everything to life?


SK: The excitement of the crowd permeates the air long before we step on stage. As soon as people start to enter the arena, a magic is created by the community; friends meeting, sometimes for the first time, & fans dressed up as if they themselves were performing that night. The feeling propels all of us, including the audience, to a higher place. The positive feedback loop never stops. From us with the music, to the people singing along, we all rise together.



We’ve been waiting quite a while for more Greta Van Fleet shows in the UK, and your fans are excited you will be here in November. Do you have plans for any more European shows next year?


SK: Actually, yes. There is an iconic venue in London that we’ve been eager to perform at for years. The plan is just now coming to fruition. 



Do you have a career highlight thus far?


SK: It’s been a whirlwind of a journey so far, with many stories yet to tell; but some of the highlights are the arenas we’ve had the privilege to play along the way. For example, Madison Square Garden, The Forum, & Wembley Arena have all been monumental, as the great performers before us have all graced the halls of these old buildings with their music.



What would be your greatest ambition for Greta Van Fleet? 
SK: As far as ambitions go, we’d love to delve into the film world when the time is right. Scoring for film is in the plans, & perhaps a Greta Van Fleet directed motion picture eventually. We’re still building the “Infasonicosm,” which is the world within the GVF universe. It is all encompassing with characters repeatedly referenced through lyrics, worlds depicted by album art, etc..