Fireal (Pt. 1)

Interviewed by Kaheli

Singer/songwriter Caleb has been writing songs for over twelve years now, first with Bleak and now for FIRE▲L. Since the announcement of Bleak’s break-up and the launching of FIRE▲L, there’s been some discussion on the differences and similarities between the two bands. And, apparently, some confusion. We recently had the opportunity to talk with Caleb about this and quite frankly, Caleb is a bit surprised that the message hasn’t gotten through to everyone…

"I thought that with the logo and all, it was obvious we’re talking about the same thing."

He describes Bleak as something similar to HIM: "There are bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers that create music collectively, and then there are bands like HIM where one member writes all the music and lyrics – even designs the band’s logo. With Bleak and FIRE▲L, it’s practically the same thing."

The Beginning…

"I began working on [Burns Inside] in 2004 with producer Tomi Malm, and by 2005, I had almost all the songs written for the album – songs like ‘What You Are’, ‘Modual’, ‘[9]‘, ‘M’, ‘Good Girl’, ‘Crossword’, ‘Burns Inside’, ‘Silvertigo’ and ‘Stains’. Later, after finishing the album, I co-wrote ‘Fate’ with Tomi Malm and Ana Johnsson."

The turning point in Bleak’s career was in 2004 when Bleak recorded their self-financed single ‘Crossword’. The single contained two songs written by Caleb, ‘Crossword’ and ‘Good Girl’, which represented the new musical style he had been creating. The song got some radio airplay. They later signed a record deal with Helsinki Music Company.

Interesting Secret About The Single…

"Actually on that version of ‘Crossword’, the drums were played by FIRE▲L’s drummer Tayo. It’s funny since that song was the beginning of success for Bleak in the first place. It’s one of the first songs I wrote with the idea of FIRE▲L."

"I remember the other day I found some of my old writings from 2005 and there was something about the idea of FIRE▲L. I had totally forgotten about that – it’s amazing to see how similar the original idea is to the present FIRE▲L."

The Difference…

"Imagine HIM releasing their new album as for example, Heartagram, but with a different line-up – it would still have Ville as a front man, it would still have the same heartagram-logo, and it would still sound like HIM. Would you then say that they were two completely different bands while the music remains the same? When the songs are written by one person, you shouldn’t say they are ‘the band’s songs’ – they are songs written by the songwriter. So, when the front man-singer-songwriter recruits new members in his band and changes the name of the band – while the music remains the same – what’s the difference? There’s no sense in saying ‘Bleak was better than FIRE▲L’ since all the Bleak songs are now FIRE▲L songs."

The Reactions…

Caleb, however, understands the divided reactions about the new song ‘The Imperia’, a song that represents a rougher and heavier side of his music. "I know some fans might find ‘The Imperia’ too heavy and complex after listening to the more straightforward [Burns Inside]. But the thing is, ‘The Imperia’ would’ve been released by Bleak anyway, just like all the other FIRE▲L songs that will be on the upcoming album." He also points out ‘The Imperia’ is not finalized…"It will be redone, remixed and remastered. It’s not meant as the final version; it’s only giving you an idea of the new sound. The final version will sound more like ‘Burns Inside’, but better."

Caleb says he’s saving the best for the last: there are more simple hit songs coming up – but they will be released only after signing a record deal.

"It’s only a matter of time – you’re just gonna have to wait!"

About The Breakup…

"Imagine yourselves in my shoes: you’ve got 60-70 songs written for Bleak’s second album and you’ve got this whole new visual image designed but the problem is you’re arguing with some of the band members with no improvement after twelve years. So, you’re starting to realize you can’t be in the same band with them. That being enough, the other members write stuff that doesn’t sound like Bleak, yet they want the band be more about co-writing. So, what would you do? Discard all the work you’ve done for almost two years – and start from scratch just to do things "together" with no guarantees that it would even work and continue to fight over stupid matters again and again? Or would you do the only sensible thing, continue with new band members to end the arguing once and all?"

Once the agreement to disband the current line-up had been reached, Caleb declared his intentions to continue Bleak’s music with new band members. However, he wasn’t allowed to announce it on Bleak’s website, and since he wasn’t in control of the site, there was nothing he could do.

"I know a lot of the Bleak and FIRE▲L fans would’ve appreciated it. This whole situation could be different now if it had been made clear from the beginning that FIRE▲L is NOT a new band, but instead Bleak with a new line-up."

The other members had denied him the use of the name ‘Bleak’ despite the record companies stating that it would’ve been ok for him to continue using it. Caleb, however, thought it would be best to pick another name for the band.

"I know I could’ve continued using the name Bleak, and maybe it would’ve been clearer that way – but I really needed a symbolic, fresh start, something different to represent the rebirth of a new, enhanced version of Bleak. That’s when I remembered the idea of ‘FIRE▲L’."

The Importance Of Fans…

"I’m really grateful for all the support fans from all around the world have shown me. The word is spreading like fire and more and more people are learning each day that Bleak has not died but is in fact alive and kicking – only with a new name and a new lineup. All the true Bleak fans have realized this: it’s not about the members or the name. It’s only about the music – the one thing that hasn’t changed here."