EP379 Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red Talks 20 Years, Seasons of Surrender, Vocal Technique & Touring

Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red joins Tom on And Now The Band for a conversation about Seasons of Surrender, August Burns Red's 20-year career, songwriting, authenticity, vocal technique, live performance, touring, and maintaining creative chemistry after decades together.Jake explains how August Burns Red approached Seasons of Surrender with the goal of creating the best version of an August Burns Red record rather than chasing trends or making a drastic stylistic departure.He discusses the band's creative process, rewriting songs and endings, pushing one another in the studio, and developing the trust necessary to accept criticism from bandmates.Jake and Tom also compare the new album with Death Below, discussing how the darker and more progressive character of that record reflected the COVID era while Seasons of Surrender represents the band embracing who they are while continuing to evolve.The conversation covers authenticity, songwriting, collaboration, audience connection, live performance, vocal technique, touring, and longevity.Jake shares the story behind developing the low vocal technique required for "Legions", including working with vocal coach David Benitez, and explains how he prepares his voice for touring and live performances.The episode also explores what it takes to keep a band healthy after 20 years: trust, humility, honest criticism, compromise, personal relationships, and the willingness to keep challenging yourself.Topics include: August Burns Red, Jake Luhrs, Seasons of Surrender, Death Below, metalcore, songwriting, vocal technique, "Legions," "Sonic Salvation," touring, live performance, audience engagement, vocal health, and 20 years of August Burns Red.