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CANYONEER melds ambience with heavy riff-driven arrangements across the latest EP, Disarmer. Influenced by soundtracks, and genres both inside and outside of metal realms, the result is a melodic and textural style.
Project mastermind Joe Henao comments on the musical inspiration:
What are the origins of Canyoneer?
Canyoneer is a solo project and I’ve been consciously creating music for about 3 years now. While it’s solo, I’m thankful to be surrounded by people who inspire me musically and non-musically constantly.
What should people expect when they check Canyoneer out?
Hopefully more is unexpected than expected, I think that should be the goal of most music. That being said, I visualize sound as a big expansive, and a groove to live to. I think those can be expected throughout
How did you feel performing your first gig, and how was it?!
I haven’t done so since college, and admittedly I didn’t enjoy it. Performing is a bit nervy for me, but that could change in time.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I released an album in October. My Bandcamp page has all my past records available.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Supervoid Choral Ensemble. The guitarist Ben’s previous solo project, Cloudicker, is an all-time favorite of mine, and I saw Supervoid live recently in Brooklyn – Blew my mind.
What frustrates you about the music business?
Lack of honesty, overall. I’ll leave it at that.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I watched a cover of the guitar solo of ‘Alive’ by Pearl Jam on YouTube. The guy had a blue Fender Strat with a turquoise pickguard, and absolutely crushed it – begged my parents for a guitar not long after.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Frozen Soul and Power Tap, with some talented openers. Admittedly a bit heavier than I’m used to, and I’m a bit long in the tooth for getting in the pit these days, but fun nonetheless.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Israel-Palestine and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Additionally, anti-semitism. It is hard to believe people see the two as mutually exclusive.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?’
Most of my Spotify, to be fair, is emo and singer-songwriter acoustic stuff. You’d never know I make the music I do.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
Open world RPGs and immersive fiction.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
This subgenre of vaporwave called ‘barber beats’. As a Barber myself is appropriate, but the vibe is great to work to.
What do the last stages of 2024 hold for you?
My upcoming album. “Disarmer,” and marrying my fiance in Sicily. One is more important than the other, clearly.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I am fortunate enough to have the privilege of laying low on social media, and I prefer to keep it as such.
