This week, Spiritbox made waves by announcing that their highly anticipated album, Tsunami Sea, is set to drop on March 7. In a recent Q&A session on the X social media platform, lead singer Courtney LaPlante addressed multiple fan inquiries, shedding light on various aspects of the upcoming record. Below, we unpack everything we know about Tsunami Sea, drawing from both official press materials and LaPlante’s candid responses to fan questions.

Discover the Inspirations Behind the Album’s Unique Direction

During her interaction with fans, LaPlante was queried about the specific influences shaping the album’s thematic direction. She revealed, “My island,” indicating that her personal experiences and surroundings play a pivotal role in the music. This insight suggests a deep connection to her roots and the emotions tied to her upbringing.

When fans probed about the choice of the album title Tsunami Sea instead of simply Tsunami, LaPlante elaborated, saying, “One is a single wave or series of waves, one is the metaphor of an ocean entirely made up of the tsunamis.” This distinction hints at the album’s expansive themes, reflecting broader emotional landscapes.

On the topic of musical experimentation, a fan inquired whether the band would venture into new genres or revisit past sounds. LaPlante responded affirmatively, indicating that listeners can expect a blend of innovative and familiar elements in their new music.

Unveiling the Creative Process Behind the New Album Artwork

The visual representation is a crucial aspect of any Spiritbox album, and fans are naturally curious about the artwork and merchandise that will accompany the new album cycle. When asked about the celestial and zodiac motifs featured in some designs, LaPlante confirmed, “Yes! A siren who sings in the dark, guiding me back to the stars,” suggesting a mystical and otherworldly inspiration.

Another fan inquired if the imagery was influenced by Vancouver Island, to which LaPlante responded positively, indicating that both the artwork and song lyrics are intertwined with her home. This connection adds a layer of authenticity and personal resonance to the project.

When asked about the inspiration for the cover art, LaPlante elaborated, “It is our island, a place we always wanted to leave but it longs for us to stay,” revealing the emotional tug-of-war that informs their artistic vision. This sentiment of longing and attachment is likely to resonate with many listeners.

Several fans noted the use of black and white color schemes in the artwork. In response, LaPlante remarked, “All that ever was, will ever be,” further explaining that this choice symbolizes “going back to where we started.” This artistic decision reflects a journey of growth and nostalgia.

Additionally, a fan pointed out the band’s use of distinct symbols tied to each song on the record. LaPlante credited their collaborator, Kevin, for designing these symbols after listening to the album, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind their creative process.

Exploring the Deep Themes and Concepts Embedded in the Lyrics

LaPlante confirmed that Tsunami Sea is indeed a concept album, though it’s not presented as such. She explained, “Every record we make is a concept album, but we don’t market it like that normally. I like to show not tell,” highlighting her artistic approach to storytelling through music.

When asked whether the album’s concept leans more towards storytelling or personal reflection, she emphasized, “It’s always personal,” explaining that it encapsulates her feelings growing up on the island and the complex emotions tied to isolation and longing. This depth adds a rich layer to the listening experience.

Fans started piecing together clues from the lyrics and previous works. In response to whether Tsunami Sea serves as a “direct sequel” to their acclaimed album Eternal Blue, LaPlante suggested, “I would say it could be EB‘s sister,” indicating thematic continuity between their projects.

One fan noted that the Fear of Fear EP contained self-referential lyrics and inquired if Tsunami Sea would feature similar elements. LaPlante confirmed that there are indeed connections in the writing style, which may excite fans looking for familiar lyrical threads.

When a fan asked if the lyrics “ebb and flow” from “Perfect Soul” connected to “The Summit,” LaPlante acknowledged, “Yes, everything is always connected,” reinforcing the idea of a cohesive artistic narrative across their music.

Another fan inquired if “Black Rainbow” references the movie of the same name, to which LaPlante affirmed that connection, showcasing her penchant for weaving cultural references into her work.

Additionally, the singer confirmed that certain songs and parts were inspired by different aspects of Vancouver Island, emphasizing the geographical and emotional significance of her surroundings.

LaPlante also shared her favorite lyrics from the new album, expressing, “On an island / With a clear view / Would’ve lived for you / Would’ve died for you,” revealing a poignant glimpse into the emotional core of the record.

Understanding Jordan Fish’s Role in the Album’s Production

In January 2024, news broke that Spiritbox had collaborated with former Bring Me the Horizon member Jordan Fish in the studio, prompting questions about his role in the new album. LaPlante clarified this by stating, “No, he didn’t produce! I don’t mean this as anything negative; we enjoy working with him. But the fact is we did a fun writing session together, and everyone thinks that means he produced it because someone said that, and everyone ran with it lol! Produced by Dan and Mike as always.” This clarification underscores the distinct roles in their creative process.

LaPlante reiterated that none of the songs they worked on with Fish would appear on the album. The final credits list Dan Braunstein and Mike Stringer as the producers, with Zakk Cervini handling the mix and Ted Jensen responsible for mastering, ensuring a polished and cohesive sound.

Deciphering the Monster Imagery in the “Perfect Soul” Video

Fans expressed curiosity about a striking figure from the “Perfect Soul” music video, with one asking if the monster represented a “clicker,” a character from the TV series The Last of Us. LaPlante responded, “He is the ocean floor where I met my demise,” suggesting that the monster symbolizes deeper themes of loss and transformation. She reiterated that the creature represents the “ocean floor,” linking it to the album’s overarching motifs.

When questioned if any video game or TV series inspired the monster’s design, she noted, “I think it looks that way maybe in black and white, but in person, he looks like everything you would find in a tide pool in the Pacific Northwest,” highlighting the blend of natural imagery and fantastical elements in their visual storytelling.

Spiritbox, “Perfect Soul”

Celebrating Courtney LaPlante’s Pride in the New Album

Reflecting on the expectations surrounding the new album compared to its predecessor, Eternal Blue, LaPlante shared, “Over time, I realized there are many metrics for success, but I would still be happy to sell a lot of vinyl because the packaging is very thoughtful. There is more to it than the photo shows as far as the cover.” This insight reveals her appreciation for the artistry involved in physical album presentations.

When asked what she is most proud of regarding the new album, she emphasized, “That it represents the duality of our band and where we came from.” This pride in their evolution speaks volumes about the band’s journey and artistic integrity. Furthermore, when asked what she loves about the record, she noted, “It’s the one way I can explain how I feel,” highlighting the album’s emotional significance.

These responses are just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of insights LaPlante shared with fans. For the full thread of questions and answers about Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea, head over to the X social media platform.

How to Pre-Order Spiritbox’s Tsunami Sea and Join the Excitement

As mentioned, Spiritbox’s new album, Tsunami Sea, will officially release on March 7. Fans eager to get their hands on this exciting new music can currently pre-order the album through the band’s official website, ensuring that they are among the first to experience the sonic journey.