Southern Californian metal band Of Mice & Men – consisting of lead vocalist Austin Carlile, rhythm guitarist Alan Ashby, lead guitarist Phil Manansala, bassist/vocalist Aaron Pauley and drummer Valentino "Tino" Arteaga – is much more than meets the eye.
Beneath the metal screams and powerful instrumentals, there is an insightful and passionate quintet that works exceptionally hard to create meaningful music for the fans they cherish so fondly.
Since the original formation of the band in 2009, the band has undergone various band member changes. But the five members who make up Of Mice & Men today are stronger than ever and are a true representation of perseverance and dedication, as established by the January release of their album, Restoring Force.
The album strikes a distinctive balance between forceful metallic vocals and captivating melodies, evident in the song "Would You Still Be There?"
The creative process for Restoring Force was one of the utmost commitment, with songs such as "Bones Exposed" and "You're Not Alone" involving deep thinking and reflection.
Between these two songs, Of Mice & Men opens up to its fans, with "Bones Exposed" addressing the importance of healing from imperfections and "You're Not Alone" establishing how their fans should never feel alone in life, as they are moving through each day together with Of Mice & Men.
Restoring Force is an album that Carlile cites as one purely meant to move listeners. With the underlying theme of togetherness, it is an album signifying that Of Mice & Men is a fully restored band ready to continue their musical metal voyage throughout the world.
Drummer Valentino "Tino" Arteaga took the time to answer some questions via email for me, where he discusses John Steinbeck's novella "Of Mice and Men," the meaning behind the Restoring Force conch shell album art and some of the best presents the band has received from its fans.
Benazir Wehelie: What is the correlation between your name and John Steinbeck's novella, "Of Mice and Men"?
"Tino" Arteaga: It stems from the saying in the book, "The best-laid schemes of mice and men often go awry." Our band was created with different musicians and personalities coming together to achieve our dreams. We knew it wouldn't be easy no matter how hard we tried. It was and still is a very fitting name.
BW: Some of your band members have moved on and the band has evolved to include new members. How have these changes impacted your music and dynamic as a band?
TA: With each change, the band grows stronger having to overcome the challenges that happen. It has made our band a very solid group. As a core, we've always had a grasp on how we want our music to sound. You can hear the evolution of the band if you listen to our back catalog.
BW: Compared to your previous work, what are the major differences in your latest album, Restoring Force?
TA: Well, with Restoring Force we were able to set aside time to involve ourselves in a very extensive album-creating process whereas the last albums were made very quickly in between tours. Working with producer David Bendeth also really helped shape our vision.
BW: The Restoring Force album art is of a conch shell. What is the meaning behind this?
TA: The idea came from the shape of the cochlea, or inner ear, where equilibrium is maintained in the human body. Its imagery reflects balance.
BW: Much of your music is very personal and positive. What are the influences and inspirations behind your lyrics?
TA: Our own experiences influence our music, and our fans inspire us to create music that will move them, emotionally and physically. Our music means everything to us and is incredibly personal, and our fans can really pick up on that.
BW: Many of your fans travel all over the world just to watch your shows. Where is somewhere you've never been before that you would love to play for your fans?
TA: We really want to get out EVERYWHERE in the world, but we'd love to hit South America soon and more of Asia!
BW: Your fans have also given you many presents – many of which are quite crazy and unusual. What are some of the most meaningful presents you have ever received?
TA: Our fans are some of the most generous people we have ever met! Right before this interview we were in the airport in Mexico City and a group of fans gave us some games that were part of the local culture, which was really funny trying to figure them out, but they had to show us how to use some of them. We also have a ton of extremely talented fans who are artists and they make us paintings, sketches and portraits of us ... It's so inspiring for them to share THEIR talents with us as we do for them.
BW: If you weren't musicians right now, what would you be?
TA: We've all had jobs in the past other than playing music, but I know we would all agree that for us, there was never the thought of NOT being a musician. But with all of our different personalities we could make a pretty funny TV show probably!
– By Benazir Wehelie
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