This Title Means Nothing: Gillian Carter on Authentic Sound, Community in the Scene, and Upcoming Tour!
Photographed by: @themirandajayne 2023
Formed from Florida back in 2005, three-piece Gillian Carter has established a heavy and lasting presence in the screamo scene, creating boundaryless noise by fusing elements pulled from hardcore, post-rock, and emo genres. Putting out a certifiable record titled, “Salvation Through Misery,” in 2022 Gillian Carter gave fans and new listeners a look into one of the most innovative-ly charged and creatively mastered albums of the last few years. With every single track varying in sound and spirit— it’s become a must-listen record. Lead vocalist, Logan Rivera, connected with Rambler Magazine a few weeks ago, to preview the past decade of Gillian Carter, offer a perspective on music as a coping skill, and prepare listeners for what’s to come in 2024.
To start off if you could introduce yourselves/self and your role in the band.
Logan: My name is Logan Rivera & I play Guitar/Vocals.
I am also really interested in what your first screamo (or hardcore) experience was like?!
Logan: My first Screamo experience was at a battle of the bands in Melbourne, Florida in 2003. Back in the day the battle of the bands was a huge deal. On the 2nd day I watched a band called Beneath low Flying Planes and they blew my mind. My life was forever changed after that experience. Still to this day I've never witnessed anything that extraordinary live. They started the set standing and ended the set on the floor, even the drummer.
What are some of the inspirations for Gillian Carter either musical or nonmusical?
Logan: Most inspirations for the band are life experiences & Death Metal. Musically we tend to let it flow & focus on what feels right for the music.
Being labeled primarily screamo, but obviously having influences of hardcore and post-hardcore etc. really being genre defying, what’s the creative process like for Gillian Carter (the latest ‘Salvation Through Misery’ album, and prior records)? How has your sound changed since forming in 05’?
Logan: I listen to all kinds of music. Music in general is inspiring to me. All of the screamo bands I was listening to all broke up around or before 2003. No one was trying to play Screamo in my area. I tried to start this band for a year before we actually started. The first record (“The Flood That Came After the Storm”— 2007) had a lot of ambient influences. At that time I was mostly listening to bands like Explosions in the sky, Godspeed, Silver Mount Zion. When it came time for our 2nd record (”Having Lost…” –2011) I was listening to a lot of Coconut Records and The Beatles. At that time we didn't play much (1 show every year) because it sort of felt hopeless. We did an insanely disastrous tour in the summer of 2007. When it came time to start on our 3rd record (“Lost Ships Sinking With the Sunset”— 2013) I made myself take zero influence from any other music I would be listening to and stuck to a rule of just allowing the music to come out. It was insanely freeing. I've kept that method ever since. We've never been afraid to mesh other genres with our own. In terms of the sound changing since 2005, this band has always been a way of coping with life.
Listening to the most recent album release, I think it’s clear the fusion of genres, and the stylistic differences from more mainstream screamo. In your opinion, what sets Gillian Carter apart from the rest of rising screamo style bands in the scene?
Logan: I'm honestly not really sure. Musically we're not 100% screamo like Pg99 or Orchid and our live shows are like going to see The Chariot in 2009.
If there could be one track you recommend or promote to a new-listener, to pull them into the Gillian Carter community, what track would it be, and why?
Logan: The track I would recommend to a new listener would probably have to be either "Abandoned & Lost in Time" off of (Salvation Through Misery— 2022) or "Terminal Brain" off of (Songs of Summer - 2022) because "Abandoned & Lost in Time" is short and has the best of both worlds. It's got the loud and abrasive side as well as the calm, soothing side.
It’s insane what Gillian Carter is able to do with just four lines in a 63 second song. Allowing listeners to experience a world of pleasure and pain from the aching riffs and contorted screams, to lyrics that encompass familiar feelings of apathy from isolation, is impressive in the least. I highly recommend “Synthetic Lies,” (…This Earth Shaped Tomb—2018) for a musically pioneered piece, distinguishable from their other songs.
Screamo or any type of emotionally fueled music generally is accompanied with incredibly involved fans and listeners, what is that experience like for the band? Is there still a strong sense of community?
Logan: The experience is tough to describe. It's a very strong sense of community I'd say. I think our listeners aren't just fans, you know? I think our listeners go beyond that. We've sparked a lot of friendships through touring and have connected with a lot of the people that have come out to our shows. I think anyone who likes this band connects with the music. They can relate with the subject matter and hopefully they can feel a sense of freedom at our shows. I always want the listeners of our band to know that they're not alone.
What morals/beliefs/ethos are important to the band as a whole?
Logan: Number 1 is always: treat everyone with respect, don't be an asshole, be kind. Hatred gets you nowhere. No room for negativity.
What’s the current state of Florida hardcore, or screamo/ the scene in general, and how has the scene changed since you’ve been a part of it?
Logan: I'd say the state of Florida hardcore/screamo is alive and well. When we first started the only bands that were playing were Christian, straight edge, hardcore bands. Now there's all sorts of hardcore. It's not just limited to one style.
What can fans expect from Gillian Carter in the next year? New music etc.
Logan: We will be doing some touring. Planning on hitting the West Coast finally as well as working on a new record.
Any final thoughts or words to share to listeners and readers?
Logan: Stay safe and sane and hope to catch you on the road at a show!
This brief introduction to Gillian Carter should be more than enough of a recommendation to stream something of substance, with an atmosphere of inclusivity, and gnarly music to back them up. Stay tuned for what’s next for Gillian Carter this year!
Written by: Allison Payne (@allieepayne)
Published on: 07 January 2024