Doomed Confessionary: Greg Schwan (Witnesses)
New York City-based Witnesses was established in 2016 with the release of the haunting cinematic ambient »I«. By 2019, the project had already expanded into new territory with »To Disappear And To Be Nothing« – a deeply personal album that drew influence from classic British doom metal, but with elements often described by fans and writers as post-metal.
Since then, Witnesses has continued down this mainly two-track approach of ambient and metal releases, with ambient follow ups »II«, »III«, and »IV«, and doom full-length albums »Doom II« and »The Collapse« (2021’s »Poltergeists I« was a detour into barren, acoustic-driven minimalism). Thematically, Witnesses alternates between stories and introspective lyrics, sometimes blending the two together.
Witnesses will release their doom metal album »Joy« featuring the captivating new single »Joy (Like A River)«. The album is set to make waves on November 8th, 2024. The band’s line-up currently consists of Greg Schwan (guitar, bass, keys, lyrics), Simon Bibby (vocals) and Angel Hernandez (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Sure. Witnesses is a multi-genre project. Primarily it’s focused on Peaceville 3-inspired doom/post, but there is also this cinematic ambient side (as I like to call it), and even some other stuff. I guess that’s the most concise overview. Thematically, the music focuses on both introspective lyrical themes and stories.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Being multi-genre, probably. I think it can be confusing for listeners and maybe even alienate some. It also means a lot of music gets released under a single moniker. I’m the type of person who always has to be writing, and I feel like doing complete works helps me grow as a writer. But it has its drawbacks, perhaps in overwhelming people. I could be imagining all this, though.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The new album, »Joy«. If I didn’t think it was the best work to date, it wouldn’t exist. I feel a new release should always be one’s favorite, at least for a time. Though being favorite does not mean the most fun to have created.
What was your biggest regret?
I’ve made some horrendous mistakes doing my own mastering. The reason I did my own was because I wanted to learn the basics. But you cannot learn without mistakes. So in a sense I only have myself to blame, but I find some stuff in the back catalog unlistenable.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We haven’t done live shows yet. Though I’m thinking about a live lineup now for the first time.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Not sure. If I limited it to heavy stuff, recently the amount of OSDM out there surprises me. Not a bad surprise as I enjoy some of those old sounds. But I wouldn’t have predicted it, that’s for sure.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Not much honestly. It’s just not where my head is at right now. But I am excited about an upcoming project called Am I in Trouble? and I’ve been listening to the last Woe album a lot.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Art is not finished, only abandoned. It’s true. You have to let go at some point. I see other musicians end up in complete agony over small tweaks to their mixes that no listener will ever notice. Just let go at some point. It’s OK.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t believe in this concept, honestly. I love all types of music and I do not limit myself. Maybe my most guilty pleasure is Taco Bell. Not sure if you have that in Slovenia. If not, you’re probably lucky.
Can you say something more about current music scene in New York City?
Well, I live in NYC, so every type of thing is here, frankly. We’re fortunate to have so many creative people and venues. I don’t mean our bands are any better or worse, I just mean it’s great to have a lot of activity.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nowhere yet. But it’s very possible something will happen in 2025.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The short term goal is to write a follow up to Joy that is better. Predictable or not, the goal is always to write the best thing yet. It’s that simple.
How can people best support your band?
Aside from buying stuff, if you like it, posting about it on social media. I’m starting to wonder if a few good social media posts are more important than good reviews.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Yes, thank you. Every stream matters. Every purchase matters. Every message matters. It’s humbling to have people listen to the music given how much good stuff is out there these days!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well