Spiritbox is set to make a significant return with their highly anticipated album, Tsunami Sea. This metal album is not just a reflection of their heavy sound but also a rich tapestry of the band’s diverse influences. During a recent appearance on Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show, singer Courtney LaPlante and guitarist Mike Stringer delved into the creative process behind the album, sharing insights into their musical journeys and the inspirations that shape their artistry.

LaPlante has openly expressed her admiration for contemporary R&B artists. Although these influences may not be immediately apparent in their music, she shared with Jackie that artists often draw inspiration from the sounds they immerse themselves in. She emphasized, “Most artists are impacted by their listening experiences, even if those influences aren’t overtly recognizable in the final product.”

“Michael and I are both passionate about exploring a wide range of music,” LaPlante explained. “Whether we are critically analyzing the production elements or connecting with the lyrics and overall vibe, I find it impossible to write in isolation. My creativity is always shaped by the music I encounter.” LaPlante’s commitment to embracing a diverse musical palette highlights the importance of influence in artistic expression, showcasing the band’s willingness to evolve.

Stringer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Drawing inspiration from a variety of musical genres is essential. Each genre offers unique tones, songwriting styles, and melodies that can enrich our own creativity.” He humorously added, “So, it’s crucial not to confine yourself to just listening to breakdowns.” Their collaborative approach to music-making reflects a broader understanding of artistic growth and the importance of diverse influences.

The couple also discussed the intricate process behind creating their new record, emphasizing the significance of album packaging as a vital aspect of their artistic vision. They provided updates on bassist Josh Gilbert, who recently faced challenges after losing his home in the Los Angeles wildfires. In a lighthearted moment, the duo shared stories about the lessons they’ve learned about one another during their extensive touring experiences. They also revealed their aspirations and resolutions for 2025.

Catch more of Spiritbox?s engaging conversation below.

It’s Full Metal Jackie, and this week, we welcome Courtney LaPlante and Mike Stringer from Spiritbox. We’re thrilled to have you on the show for the first time as the band promotes their new album, Tsunami Sea. Before diving into the album details, I want to express my condolences to Josh Gilbert for losing his home in the wildfires. The band has initiated a charity raffle to provide financial support. How has Josh been coping with this situation, and are there additional ways for fans to help?

Mike Stringer: Josh has shown remarkable resilience. He lived in Altadena, an area heavily impacted by the fires. Once we learned of the situation, we immediately offered our support, suggesting he could take a break from the tour or postpone things if needed. However, he insisted on maintaining a sense of normalcy and continuing with our plans.

Josh is strong, and he and his wife Steph are navigating this difficult time. Thankfully, they found a new place to live, which is a relief. The charity raffle has been incredibly successful, raising over $50,000, which is just amazing.

It?s heartbreaking that he lost everything, yet his determination to keep going is inspiring.

Courtney LaPlante: What truly speaks to Josh’s character is that this charity effort isn?t solely for him. It reflects our collective desire to support others affected by the disaster. It?s a profound reminder of the goodness inherent in people, especially in the face of adversity. Even when confronted with one of life?s most challenging situations, he remains focused on helping others.

It?s heartwarming to witness the metal community rallying together to support its members. Despite the troubling events occurring globally, it?s uplifting to see positive actions emerge from the chaos.

LaPlante: Absolutely. We?re thankful to have the means to assist him during this time, empowering him to believe that our business can help him rebuild his life. This opportunity is significant, especially considering that many people lack such support, reinforcing why it matters so much to us.

He will persevere. Josh is incredibly resilient, but those facing such challenges often don?t have the luxury of dwelling on their pain. We, on the other hand, can afford to feel sad because we aren?t the ones directly affected. He has to focus on rebuilding his life.

Exploring the Creative Depth of Spiritbox’s “Soft Spine”

We?re thrilled to have Courtney and Mike from Spiritbox with us, discussing their new album, Tsunami Sea. The title itself conveys a beautiful, flowing quality. Courtney, you touched on this during a fan Q&A on X after the album announcement. Can you explain how Tsunami Sea encapsulates your current creative journey as a band?

LaPlante: Each time we create new music, it reaffirms our belief that we don?t need to conform to any expectations to thrive artistically. We are fortunate to share our music and connect with fans, allowing us to focus on what genuinely inspires us to create without outside pressures.

Some bands may feel the weight of expectations, often contemplating whether their new work will resonate with listeners or if they should craft something more commercially viable. Fortunately, I haven?t experienced that pressure.

READ MORE: Why Spiritbox’s ‘Tsunami Sea’ Feels Like a New Start for the Band

This album exemplifies our commitment to simplicity and authenticity. We continue to create music that resonates deeply. For Michael, it feels like an extension of himself, while for me, the lyrics represent a gradual unveiling of my identity. With each song and album, I reveal more of who I am.

This latest album is a testament to my current emotional landscape. I may sound intense, but it reflects my inner thoughts. For many, like myself, music is the primary means of self-expression.

After the success of Eternal Blue, which was immensely loved, you filled the interim with the acclaimed Rotoscope and Fear of Fear EPs. Given your previous releases, does this set a higher standard for your studio work?

Stringer: Absolutely. I?ve mentioned before that working on EPs is liberating because they come without the pressure of meeting expectations, whether from the creative or industry side. It?s a space where experimentation is encouraged and embraced.

For instance, Rotoscope was largely an industrial experiment, while The Fear of Fear had a strong conceptual focus. While all our albums are conceptually driven, that particular one was designed to be experienced from start to finish. Full-length projects undoubtedly carry more stress, but we had ample time to refine our ideas, allowing me to write nearly 30 songs before narrowing it down to the best 11.

There?s certainly pressure, but these experiences and live performances help shape our understanding of what works and what doesn?t. We still love our music but also seek to push boundaries and explore new territories based on audience reactions.

LaPlante: Are we enjoying ourselves?

Stringer: Exactly. With increased time and experience, the songs inevitably evolve. However, full-length albums are the most challenging, without a doubt.

LaPlante: The lead-up to a full-length album is intense. With an EP, there?s less obligation to follow a traditional album cycle, offering more flexibility and instant gratification in sharing new music. However, with a full-length album, we strive for a more structured approach, ensuring it receives the promotion it deserves so that as many people as possible can connect with it.

Consequently, the anticipation builds, contributing to a more climactic experience, making it inherently more stressful.

Let?s discuss the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards. For the second consecutive year, you?ve been nominated in the Best Metal Performance category. While your primary focus is on creating music for yourselves, what does it mean to you to receive this level of industry recognition?

LaPlante: Being part of a band like ours, which doesn?t have as broad an audience as some other musical genres, makes such recognition feel distant. It?s not something we consider while making career or music decisions because it seems so unlikely for bands in our niche.

It?s surreal to even see our names alongside the nominees. I recently heard an actress say that winning awards isn?t about validation but rather confirmation. It?s essential to not let industry recognition dictate self-worth, but it does affirm that we are respected in the industry, which we look to for guidance on what resonates.

It?s a fantastic experience, yet remains surreal for us, as it feels so outside our realm of possibility.

Stringer: I completely agree.

Courtney, in a recent feature with Spin, you expressed your love for modern R&B, mentioning artists like Sza and Mary J. Blige as some of your favorites. How do these external influences shape your creative process? Do you find inspiration beyond rock and metal genres when crafting your music? Additionally, do you deliberately listen to different styles to take a break from your usual sound?

LaPlante: I believe most musicians are influenced by the music they?ve grown up listening to, and it undoubtedly seeps into their creative work. We tend to analyze every detail, so even if I recognize a specific influence from a lesser-known band?s B-side, others might not make that connection.

Every piece of music I listen to informs my creativity, and I can?t escape that influence. Both Michael and I are avid listeners of various genres, whether we’re critically analyzing production techniques or connecting with the lyrics and overall vibe. Writing in a vacuum is simply not an option for me.

Many metal musicians echo this sentiment. We often find ourselves gravitating toward different genres, taking breaks from metal to explore the vast array of breathtaking music available.

Stringer: I consciously try to avoid listening to metal, especially while I?m writing. Of course, it?s impossible to completely escape it since it?s everywhere, whether it?s through YouTube recommendations, radio, or other means.

Nonetheless, I wholeheartedly agree with Courtney; it?s vital to draw inspiration from a myriad of musical styles. Each genre holds its own unique tones, songwriting techniques, and melodies that can enrich our creative endeavors. It?s essential to not limit ourselves solely to crushing breakdowns. (laughs)

One aspect I admire about Spiritbox is the striking visual aesthetic that accompanies the band. Everything appears meticulously planned and executed. Courtney, you mentioned in a Q&A that one measure of success for you would be finding joy in selling vinyl records, as the packaging is so thoughtfully designed. Can you share your experience in creating the packaging for this album? Are both of you fans of vinyl, and do you have a favorite piece in your collection that holds special significance?

Stringer: We?re fortunate to have Kevin Moore, who also designed Eternal Blue, from British Columbia. We?ve known him for a long time, and he?s incredibly talented. With Eternal Blue, he presented us with the entire design even before we completed the music, and we had no feedback to give; we simply approved it.

For this upcoming project, we collaborated with him in real-time. While we were still mixing and finalizing the record, he was listening along, and the album holds deep personal significance. Much of the imagery comes from Vancouver Island, and the lyrics reflect that connection. He understands us well, given his roots in British Columbia, allowing us to engage deeply in the design process.

We provided him feedback on the meaning behind the songs, and he reciprocated by sharing his imagery ideas, which was an enriching experience. It’s incredible to work with someone who understands our vision and has been part of our journey from the beginning.

LaPlante: While most listeners will likely consume the album digitally, we want it to look stunning on screens. However, we believe the true beauty of the vinyl lies in its physical format. The cover will offer unique elements that differ from the digital version, showcasing different textures and designs.

I must admit, my vinyl collection is embarrassingly small due to financial constraints. But now that I can invest in some beautiful records, my favorite is the Beyonce album Renaissance, which comes with an impressive photo book. It exemplifies the kind of stunning packaging that reignites excitement for the album itself. What about you?

Stringer: My favorite vinyl is the double edition from Misery Signals, featuring Controller and Mirrors. I cherish it because I initially ordered a shirt from them, and to my surprise, the vinyl was included. It felt like a delightful surprise.

LaPlante: That was like 10 years ago!

Stringer: Yeah! I didn?t even mention it; I just thought, “Well, I guess this is mine now.”

Being a couple in a band means sharing a lot of time together. What have been some of your favorite moments during this journey? What have you discovered about each other while on the road that you might not have learned otherwise?

Stringer: Traveling with Courtney is a joy. We get to explore amazing places together, enjoy tourist activities, and share meals. Performing together and experiencing the fulfillment that comes from it is incredibly rewarding, even though touring can be quite challenging.

LaPlante: Most people spend time away from their significant others.

Stringer: We?re fortunate to be in the 0.1% of couples who get to share this journey together.

LaPlante: One interesting thing I’ve learned about Mike while touring is his need for a very cold hotel room. He has all these creative hacks for overriding the hotel air conditioning settings to get it as cold as possible. He?s knowledgeable about the different brands of air conditioning units and their “VIP Mode.”

Stringer: Check out VIP Mode on YouTube!

LaPlante: This is a fascinating new insight I gained about him, especially since we never had the chance to travel together before our band took off, primarily due to our financial struggles.

Stringer: The only thing I?ve learned about you is your incredible ability to fall asleep anywhere, regardless of noise levels.

{Laughs} That?s a valuable skill, especially considering your profession. We?re excited to have Courtney and Mike from Spiritbox with us. As the year progresses, let?s discuss your resolutions and goals for 2025.

Stringer: That?s a fantastic question.

LaPlante: I have mine figured out. I want to work on being less self-deprecating. Both Mike and I often feel uncomfortable discussing our successes and career highlights, leading to self-deprecating humor whenever someone compliments us.

Throughout this morning?s interviews, I?ve caught myself diverting the conversation or joking about my shortcomings. I believe this discomfort stems from being unaccustomed to accepting positive feedback. This year, I aim to be more mindful in these discussions.

When fans invest their time and money into supporting us, it?s essential to recognize their belief in our work and reciprocate that confidence.

Stringer: I have similar goals, but my primary focus is to walk at least 10,000 steps daily.

LaPlante: You’re doing an excellent job! He’s really committed to it.

Stringer: That?s my goal.

LaPlante: I?m not doing as well, but he?s excelling.

Thank you to Courtney and Mike from Spiritbox for this insightful conversation. Their album Tsunami Sea is set to release on March 7, and fans can purchase it through their website. Stay connected with the band on their Facebook, X, Instagram, and Spotify accounts. For more information about Full Metal Jackie’s weekend radio show, click here.