A Ripple Conversation With Illusions Of Grandeur

Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?

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 recording 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 then finding the songs that carry the story and sound of the record. -The Archangel (CM) writes an outline of the music as a starting point and basic format for the songs. The Siren will then take it and add lyrics and melody to it. Next Ares and Dimios will put their spin on the outline that was originally made.

Who has influenced you the most?

IOG’s influences range from: In This Moment, KORN, Alter Bridge, Evanescence and Avatar to Led Zeppelin and The Who. These bands all influenced us in different way, but mainly as story tells and how they craft songs that carry emotion to the listeners.

We're all a product of our environment. Tell us about the band's hometown and how that reflects in the music?

Illusions of Grandeur hail from York, Pennsylvania USA. Each member from different cities, but that’s where IOG calls home. Mainly the music reflects our history and influences.

Where'd the band name come from?

The name originated from a time when Maggie was seeking out other musicians to form a band. A lot of the ads 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!

You have one chance, what movie are you going to write the soundtrack for?

Queen of the Damned, because Jonathon Davis hit that soundtrack out of the park! We would have loved to have been involved with! We do have one coming out in 2024 , more details to come

You now write for a music publication (The Ripple Effect?). You're going to write a 1,000 word essay on one song. Which would it be and why?

I would have to say “Upon my Life” because of the mix of metal and rock also the tempo really shows off the bands playing. IOG’s “Upon My Life” video was shot live at the tail end of The Rise of The Demons tour 2022 at The Vanguard in Hampton, VA. Upon My Life captures a section of the bands live show. Additionally, the “Take Me Alive” video was shot at the same show.

Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?

Touring and connecting with our fans and meeting new people worldwide, traveling is the best experience I feel you can have. During Illusions of Grandeur’s “The Songs of The Siren Tour 2019” the band played a few weeks in the Ukraine. One of those shows was in a small town called Smila in the Cherkasy Raion, Cherkasy Oblast of Ukraine. What we thought was a festival we were playing on, turned out to be a small festival built around IOG headlining. It was crazy they turned the central park of the town into a festival ground with a large stage and it seemed like the whole town came out for the day. It was an amazing experience.

Tell us about playing live and the live experience for you and for your fans?

Illusions of Grandeur’s stage show “The Siren Saga” transport the concerts to another world telling the story of the battles of “The Siren”. Maggie and CM formed Illusions of Grandeur in 2015 after they had been touring in a rock band together for about year or two. Maggie and CM realized that an element of entertainment was missing from the show, theatrics. Maggie and CM sat down and planned out what they would want to hear and see at a live show and the styles of music that would best focus that vision. Illusions of Grandeur was born.

What makes a great song?

That is a loaded question! There are so many elements that can make a song great, from lyrics to melody, tempo to just plain raw emotion. What to us makes a song great is if we love t and it connects with our fans.

Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?

The 1st song written for Illusions of Grandeur was “Breathe” off of our debut album “the Songs of The Siren. Funny enough it is the only “Love” song the band has.

Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?

Well Vinyl is always amazing sounding, but digital seems to be remaining king.

Whiskey or beer? And defend your choice

Well Beer

We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. What's your hometown, and when we get there, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?

Vinyl Alter in Philadelphia, Pa. The store supports the scene and has an amazing selection.

What's next for the band?

Illusions of Grandeur will be releasing the 3rd part of The Siren Sag” in 2024; The Siren Rises pt1 The Raven Witch. The 2024-2025 tour to follow will feature a lot of new material and a revamped show. Stay tuned!

Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?

THANK YOU FOR HAVING US!

You can reach out to Illusions of Grandeur on all social platforms but going to www.iogmusic.com is the fastest and easiest way to reach the band:

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

Video Links:

Midnight: https://youtu.be/vLNdfUGkbQM?si=VjVAypv_QqrF-jOT

Demons https://youtu.be/50N6tSUvgI0