INTERVIEW: After personal tragedy, Don’t Believe in Ghosts are ‘Still Holding On’
Photo: Don’t Believe in Ghosts, a rock band, have recently released the single “Still Holding On.” Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by O’Donnell Media Group with permission.
Don’t Believe in Ghosts, the alternative rock band who have made quite the name for themselves, recently released a powerful new single called “Still Holding On.” It’s hard to listen to the new tune and not think about the many challenges facing the world in 2020, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, which tragically touched the life of one member of the band.
Steven Nathan, vocalist and guitarist for DBIG, has been open with his fans about losing his brother to the coronavirus pandemic, and his challenges during this past year have led to doubts, second-guessing and uncertainty. He took these experiences and put them together for “Still Holding On,” an anthem for these definitive times.
Recently Nathan exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about DBIG’s journey in 2020 and what fans can expect in the future. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What’s the inspiration behind the new song ‘Still Holding On’?
Lyrically it’s about those moments in life when everything changes, and you need to find a purpose to keep going. We’ve all been facing a lot of challenges the last year. These lead to doubts and second-guessing, so much uncertainty. This song is about realizing it’s these moments that define us, and in time we will be OK. And we will get better.
Do you believe the song can help those people most impacted by the pandemic?
Well, I lost my brother to this pandemic, in such an insane time with literally no normalcy to mourning. Having this outlet certainly helps a little. I’d just want anyone else really affected to know they aren’t alone, and we will get through this.
Will the song be included on a future album?
Yes! Each one of the singles we’ve released are leading to a full album!
How did you accomplish recording given the difficulties of no travel and quarantine orders?
We do a lot of work remotely. We have our own studio and have kind of adapted to the new norm of working virtually.
Have you been surprised by the success of the single ‘Living Like This’ when it came out earlier this year?
I was surprised, especially since it landed right at the start of the pandemic and losing my brother. We worked so hard on the song and video, and then all of a sudden it all had to kind of take a back seat for us. But then it started reacting. We started getting tagged by radio, playlists, press, etc. It was a tremendous virtual hug in a time when hugging was not allowed.
When do you think you’ll get in front of a live crowd again?
Oh goodness, not soon enough, but when it’s safe we’re there bringing the best show we’ve ever brought. It’s going to be a party, that’s for sure!
How did the band get its name?
The name Don’t Believe In Ghosts is about not giving energy to the ghosts of your past. It’s about living in the now and designing the future you want.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Don’t Believe in Ghosts’ new single is “Still Holding On.” Click here for more information.
