Hi and welcome! Please give us a brief bio of the band.
Illusions of Grandeur “I.O.G.”, is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in York, PA. I.O.G. has been touring in both the United States as well as across the UK, Germany, France, and the Ukraine since 2015.
I.O.G. have made appearances at various festivals including Sav Fest, Dewey Beach Music Festival and Witney Music Festival. I.O.G. has shared the stage with artists as varied as DOPE, Motograter, September Mourning, New Year’s Day, Puddle of Mudd, Stryper, República, Stitched up Heart and Otep.
I.O.G. ‘s Live show The Siren Saga is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Gods, Archangels.
Illusions of Grandeur’s fierce and energetic live show has gained them a legion of fans dubbed “The Siren Nation” who follow them worldwide, at live shows, and on social media.
Why did you choose the name ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR for the band and what is the concept?
The name originated from a time when Maggie was seeking out other musicians to forma band. A lot of the ad’s said “No Illusions of Grandeur here” meaning they just wanted to play music, Maggie thought “Why no Illusions of Grandeur” Life is short go for what you dream and want!
The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.
Give some more info on the writing of your new album “The Siren Rises”.
Illusions of Grandeur’s 2nd album “The Siren” is the 2nd part of “The Siren Saga” draws its story line from the concept albums “The Songs of the Siren prt1” and “The Siren prt2”. Acting out the songs and story on stage amidst a light and video show. IOG’s fan’s known as The Siren Nation are amazing, supporting both in America and Europe.
Who is the band’s main composer and who is the main lyricist?
Illusions of Grandeur’s main music writer is Bassist CM Carroll with lyrics and melodies provided by The Siren. The entire band participates in the arranging and recoding process and each member as songs are produced add elements into it to create the overall song and sound. IOG is continuously writing, normally demoing 30-35 songs per album than finding the songs that carry the story and sound of the record.
What were your favorite bands when you started the band? Do you still listen to them?
Illusions of Grandeur’s influences come from many genres of course starting with metal; like Korn, In This Moment Metallica, Avatar and Evanescence. Each member draws off their individual influences as well which are varied from The Siren’s love of Classic rock like Janis Joplin and heart to CM’s love of The Smiths, Supertramp Soundgarden into Ted’s love of death metal and more. IOG feels this just adds to the sound and allows the band to explore a lot of themes in their music. We still listen to these artists and many, many more.
What is the concept of your theatrical image?
The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.
What is the best and what is the worst comment you ‘ve ever heard for ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR?
Illusions of Grandeur has received many reviews of both the albums and the videos (7 videos in release currently available on iTunes and YouTube, VEVO) Reviewers see the many sides of the band, if you are not really into our music there are the theatrics and acting done both live and in the video. Illusions of Grandeur have been told many times that there is a little something for everyone in what IOG does.
Where was “The Siren Rises” recorded? Was this a fun experience for you all and what was different from previous recording processes?
Illusions of Grandeur’s latest album “The Siren” was recorded mainly in their private studio, Valley Road Recoding in Lancaster, PA. Vocal overdubs and additional tracking were done at multiple studios across the United States such as Sunset Sound and Western Audio in Los Angles and Silk studios in New Orleans, LA. Additionally the tracks Falling, and Demons were Co-produced by David Ivory at Ivory Sound Studios. The final mixing and mastering were done at Valley Road Recording.
It was an amazing and varied experience as a majority of the writing took place before the 2020 pandemic and the record was made during the lock down. This time allowed the band to experiment with different wring styles and sounds.
Do you receive a fair amount of support from people (fans and media)?
Illusions of Grandeur fan’s “The Siren nation” are some of the most supporting fans ever! Worldwide we receive messages and requests for interviews, we feel blessed to have such support.
How can fans order ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR merch?
Illusions of Grandeur’s The Siren Tour continues through the remainder of 2023 into 2024. IOG are currently while tour producing their 3rd album the next story in The Siren Saga “The Siren Rises” which the band looks to have out in 2024-2025.
Come see The Siren Saga Live and check out our latest single and video “Midnight”: https://youtu.be/vLNdfUGkbQM
Illusions of Grandeur new single is on all streaming platforms and available on CD single at shows https://songwhip.com/illusionsofgrandeur/midnight
Illusions of Grandeur is available on all social media and streaming platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG
Band camp: https://illusionsofgrandeur.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iogband
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@illusionsog
