The latest metalcore force on the scene is Raleigh, North Carolina's In Memory. After dropping a couple of explosive singles, all met with rave reviews, they have just released their debut EP, This Place is Real.
'This Place Is Real' is the story of dealing with the grip of addiction, while powering constant mental health struggles. Trying to find a place in this world while dealing with those things are extremely challenging, but not impossible. Finding real peace, and true solace is within reach of everyone that truly wants to achieve it.
Just ahead of the release, I got to chat with Justin Jynx (vocals) to learn more about their journey so far, and dig into the creative process behind This Place is Real.
MSM: Can you tell us the story behind how In Memory formed?
JUSTIN JYNX: So basically, I hit up our producer (Robbie Litchfield from Saving Vice) who I had met with and chatted with in the past. We discussed what my goals were, and then we came up with a game plan on how to execute them, and now, here we are, practically two years since that conversation.
How did you land on the name In Memory? Is there a deeper meaning behind it?
It sounded cool. Just kidding. I feel as if life is made up of memories, both good and bad. And thats what we want to share, as well as make with our new and growing fanbase. Memories to last.
Your album comes out on May 23rd. What does This Place is Real mean to you personally, and as a band?
Honestly, the band as a whole feels pretty much the same about the EP. We love the message. We love the catchy melodies. The hard riffs, the breakdowns, the imagery. All of it.
Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired the overall theme of the album?
For me, our song "Alone" inspired me the most, lyrically. I wrote that from a very low place where I felt as if I was alone, and that I was better off that way. I definitely hope that song helps people that are in the same mindset I was in when I wrote those lyrics.
Is there a track on the album that you feel especially connected to? Why?
Again, this one would be "Alone." This was actually the very first song Robbie and I had written together, and everything about the song, from the lyrics to instrumentals, just resonates very well and sits in my mind.
Can you walk us through your typical writing process? Does someone usually bring an idea first, or is it more collaborative?
So for this EP, Robbie and I remotely wrote everything, and then I flew to New York, and the rest is pretty much it.
For our current material, we all have been writing remotely, then will meet up to execute a demo for pre-production. We will be hitting the studio in July to record new material.
Were there any unexpected challenges you faced while recording This Place is Real?
Actually, yes. During my first visit to Hell Here Studios, I caught COVID, and immediately was down for the count. So, we had to rebook time, and flights, etc etc. It was just a huge headache. But Robbie was excellent to work with, and patient with us, so we were able to get everything done.
Did you work with any producers, engineers, or collaborators that really helped shape the album?
Yep! Robbie Litchfield from Hell Here Studios, out of NY. He has went above and beyond for us, to the point that he’s more of a homie than just a producer. We absolutely love him.
What has been the most surprising part of your journey so far as a band?
Honestly, how quickly this has progressed. I fully expected to not gain as much support as we have so quickly. I guess I’m just negative when it comes to certain things, but the amount of support we have gotten throughout our debut as a band has really been amazing to me, personally.
How do you hope listeners feel after hearing This Place is Real?
I want the listeners to feel a sense of hope. To be inspired to deal with whatever it is they are dealing with and to go out and seize life. Also I want the listeners left wanting more from us.
What would you say sets In Memory apart from other bands coming up in the scene right now?
Oh boy. Honestly, I’m not sure. You know, we strive to be set apart from other bands coming up. Cause you sort of have to have a competitive mindset when it comes to this stuff. But along with talent, it also boils down to who is working harder than who. We as a group have been working nonstop since well before we even announced ourselves as a band. I’m not really sure if this answers the question, but I would say that I am really proud of myself, and the guys, for the amount of hard work we put in as a team.
If you could tour with any artist or band right now, who would it be and why?
Honestly, we’d be grateful for any band to give us an opportunity to allow us to play with them. But I really think we would fit well with bands like: Wage War, Spiritbox, Architects, and Make Them Suffer.
What’s one non-musical thing about each of you that fans might not expect?
For me (Jynx), I’m actually one of the absolute biggest nerds you’ll ever meet, and I also really enjoy working on my yard and spending time with my family.
For our drummer, Curtis, he loves fishing. We have a whole TikTok video about it.
Our bassist Joey loves Magic The Gathering. (That may be more nerd-like than me, honestly.)
And our guitarist, Jacob, is a car enthusiast.
Describe This Place is Real in three words.
Sad. Aggressive. Inspiring.
After the album drops, what’s next on the agenda for you guys?
Writing, recording, and playing shows.
Where do you hope to see yourselves a year from now?
Hopefully giving Music Scene Media another interview! Haha. From how it’s going, we will definitely be pushing more music around this time next year. But we will see what the future holds!
