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The group — composed of Sam Marine [guitar and vocals], Stamati Arakas [drums], Kameron Biehl [bass and vocals], and Joe Guese [lead guitar] — stands at the crossroads of California soft rock and daring indie experimentation as evident on their lead single, “Here All Night,” from their upcoming self-titled album (out December 3). Inspired by long days, hectic nights and exhausted inner monologues of mental burnout, “Here All Night” is a melody for hardworking hustlers and was released on Friday, September 17.
The Walks of Life’s sound is an ode to their past roots in Florida, New York and California. “I suppose I have Florida and New York to thank for the energy it exuded and always pushing creativity,” says Sam Marine, the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter. “Los Angeles taught me when to reel it in and simplify things when it’s needed.”
These life lessons are reflected in The Walks of Life sound with soft synth and electric guitar riffs bound to get you lost in a sea-side drive down the California coast. These melodies, mixed with lyrics addressing unspoken and sometimes chaotic personal hurdles, allows their past and present to come full circle throughout the ten-track The Walks of Life.
“The most difficult part of writing this album was starting right before the pandemic and not being inspired to write quarantine songs like so many people did,” recalls Sam Marine. “We got shut down right after I started and I lost motivation to write, almost entirely.”
Instead of letting quarantine burnout get the best of them, the band decided to consider their inner selves and write songs such as the album’s sophomore single, “The Other Side,” which features Phil and Laura Stancil from The Morning Yells.A call to arms for those who feel like they are stuck and spinning their wheels, the song encourages others to get in touch with their dark side — the other side.
He isn’t a stranger to solo writing challenges, though. Before the band formed in 2019, Marine was a solo artist paving his own way in the industry. “I never wanted to be a solo artist,” Marine says. “Playing in bands is what I’ve always done. It can be hard getting people to commit to being in a band, so I was a solo artist more out of necessity for a period of time to keep things going.”
As the band continues to grow beyond their personal hurdles, The Walks of Life’s cinematic score is sure to fit anyone’s soundtrack of life.
We get to sit with the band to talk about the new single, album and more!
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “The Other Side”?
The Other Side is a song I wrote with my friends Phil and Laura Stancil of the band “The Morning Yells.” My verse and the choruses of “The Other Side” are basically a sequel to my previous single “Here All Night.” “Here All Night” is a song about working as a late night service industry person (bartender) and “The Other Side” is about the following night off work, being out and about in downtown Los Angeles where the evening gets a little carried away.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Yes, an evening that led to a pretty wild and out of sorts night that lasted all the way to the next morning.
The single comes off your new self-titled album – why naming the album after the band?
It’s the first full length record we’ve put out and it just seemed appropriate. No other major reasons.
How was the recording and writing process?
Writing and recording with my friends from “The Morning Yells” was actually a total blast. They are super talented and a lot of fun and I look forward to working with them more. The same goes for the rest of the songs.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video from the previous single, “Here All Night?”
That was also a lot of fun. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and having Anna Webber who is also a close friend of mine shoot it made for a very comfortable atmosphere.
What role does LA play in your music?
LA can be just as inspiring as it is humbling. I think those two things together make a pretty good environment for songwriting.
Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
A night where things got carried away and made for a pretty heavy morning.
What else is happening next in The Walks of Life’s world?
Playing as many shows as possible and getting out on the road early next year after the record comes out. We’re currently trying to shoot another video or two as well.
