Circle The Wolves Are In A Metal “State Of Mind” On New Single
The Canadian metal-rockers Circle The Wolves, of Edmonton, Alberta, are in a “State of Mind.”
The collective, made up of Michelle Johnson (vocals), Steven Johnson (guitar), Corey Johnson (guitarist, bassist, keys, producer), and Keith Runco (drums), have created a new, gothic style of metal-surging electric riffs and laden with the vocal prowess of Johnson. Infusing orchestral and piano-based melodies with wavetable synthesis, Circle of Wolves are re-inventing metal into an entirely different and exciting sonic experience. By combining harmonies with complicated chord progressions, and an exhilarating stage show, Circle The Wolves are intent on tearing up the rule book, forging a path of songwriting, and performing uniquely their own.
On “State of Mind,” the band says,
“It’s about being in a relationship with someone that is narcissistic or controlling in some form or another. The singer is screaming that she needs to stay in that state of mind so that the relationship never ends.”
“Every Wednesday, Steven, Michelle, and Corey get together and write a new song,” Circle The Wolves says of their songwriting process, explaining that: “Michelle does the lyrics all by herself.” The band will create the skeleton of the new track, with Johnson giving them time to flesh out their ideas. “They then say, ‘it’s ready for you, and Michelle heads into the vocal booth having no idea what the idea sounds like yet. All lyrics are written on the fly. Michelle likes to work alone when creating the lyrics and melody for the Circle The Wolves songs. She feels she can better connect when there isn’t anyone else in the room!”
The result of “State of Mind” is a resounding and powerful attack on the nature of broken and toxic relationships and seeking refuge to find your way out of the dark. Johnson’s sheer emotional toll on the vocals, mingled with the heavy interpolation of the instrumentation, brings the fear of self-loathing to new heights. The listener is enveloped in the extreme of Johnson’s pleading, seeking, and desperation while also throwing horns with the thrash of the music behind the melody. Together, the song is an anthem for each of us who have found ourselves on the bottom rung of life’s unrelenting punishment on our hearts. The listener is dared to examine their own likeness to Johnson’s story – raw, unadulterated prose on hurt, pain, and sorrow.
“State of Mind” also comes packaged with a visual component.
“We had a low budget and Michelle wanted to do a cool selfie-like video for this single. Something that showed her personality,” Circle The Wolves says, adding: “She thought she’d wear a mask to be mysterious but be able to show her face. There are clips of live performances on this video mixed with unique videos she found on stock video photography. Combined with some overlays and a video of her singing all dressed up showing her emotion. It really came together in the end to show a very tortured Michelle.”
Viewers have found themselves connecting to the video through Johnson’s lyrics and performance.
As the “endemic” looms, Circle The Wolves are back on the road, touring and taking stages at various shows throughout 2022.
Watch the video for “State of Mind’ below and learn more about Circle The Wolves via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi Everyone! My name is Michelle Johnson. I am the lead vocalist, lyricist, and melody writer for my metal band Circle The Wolves. We are an Edmonton, Alberta, Canada-based Metal Pop Rock Band comprising Keith Runco, Corey Johnson, Steven Johnson, and Michelle Johnson. Every Wednesday, we book the studio at Catalyst Productions and write a new Circle the Wolves tune. Right now, we have enough songs for five albums! Currently mixing the updated album 2000 Pieces which will be released in early 2023. We are very excited as it leans more on the “Commercial” End of the metal album. This album will also include our single #stateofmind
Tell us about the process of writing “State of Mind.”
We get together every Wednesday at Catalyst Production Studios in Edmonton, Alberta. Usually, Steven Johnson and Corey Johnson will head into the studio and start playing around with ideas. Michelle is usually sent to pick up some Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner. This gives Steve and Corey enough time to get a cool skeleton of a song together for Michelle to write. Once the song is somewhat ready with basic guitar, bass, and drum, that is when they will send Michelle in to write to. Michell likes to be alone when writing the lyrics and melody, and usually, in a couple of hours, she has a great take to go with the song. After the vocal has been put in, all the effects are added, and Keith comes in and plays a proper drum track once the vocals have been laid into the song. Michelle always writes her lyrics and melody on the fly as she likes to feel the song and see where it leads her. This is how State of Mind came to what you all hear now.
What’s it like being a musician in Edmonton?
Being a musician in Edmonton can be hard sometimes. We don’t have a lot of venues we can play at. The ones we did have, like #ShakersRoadhouse, have been shut down due to the city’s yellowhead trail expansion. Some closed during the Covid 19 pandemic. Some only book bands that have a huge following. So playing live becomes tricky. We try to get into as many events as possible. We played Pride 2022 on the 1st night of the main stage. That was amazing! We are always looking for new festivals and applying to festivals to get our name out there more.
Who was the first Canadian artist to blow you away?
Michelle will forever be in love with Sarah Mclachlan. She knows she is an adult contemporary artist, but Michelle grew up loving this kind of music. As well as big Divas like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Michelle also listened to a lot of rock music with her three older brothers around, she heard a lot of Poison, Motley Crue, Ozzy, and more.
You’ve been making music for while now. What’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Our biggest piece of advice to all new bands, songwriters, and artists. Never put out a piece of work you’re not proud of. Make sure it’s “Exactly” what you want it to sound like. You only have one chance at a good impression. So IMPRESS Everyone! Be Your Best Always! Perform & Look Your Best Always! Show the world what you got! Don’t let your music just sit on a computer! Release it. Get it out there. No one is gonna know you exist if you don’t let anyone hear it!