Breath in your Worries, Exhale your Spark: Meanings in Life and Music with The Scarlet Opera

When was the last time you remembered the feeling of being alive ? The rush that you get from daring activities to affirming notions of who you are as an individual the good, the bad, and how all of it makes you beautiful? Some can call this nostalgia, but what happens when there's a mix of these elements- an alluring nature that not only takes you back to the best parts of your life but excites and inspires you for a brighter future? The answer to these questions is none other than The Scarlet Opera.

A band rising to fame in our midst. The Scarlet Opera is based out of L.A.- their music embodies the upbeat silhouette of 80's rock. To add a cherry atop this cake of fun and vigor, they pull from musical theater to further inspire their artistic atmosphere, which can be felt through their newest EP titled Comedy.

A Motley Crew all on their own, the band consists of lead singer Luka Bazulka, guitarist Chance Taylor, drummer Justin Siegal, bassist Daniel Zuker and Colin Kendrick on keys.

In a recent interview hosted by the creative team and publishing network 1824, The Scarlet Opera was invited to answer a multitude of questions regarding life, their music, and what Comedy has in store- thankfully MAARS attended in support!

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Justin Siegal, Colin Kenrick, Luka Bazulka, Daniel Zuker and Chance Taylor; Picture provided for by 1824.

During the over- hour panel, the band was eager to answer all the questions and trains of thoughts from many publications, such as style choices, musical backgrounds, and the path that led them to where they are now. Colin, not only the skilled pianist of the group but also the first member, credited to have gathered his fellow bandmates, emphasized just how different each of their styles in music often are,

"Not a single member of the band would say anything we've [each] grown up with is the same. And I remember when we were starting the band- things were totally different. I called Chance and was like "listen- I'm thinking Parliament Funkadelic meets Adele."

This earned laughter not only from publications but better yet a boastful cackle from from frontman Luka. As exciting as their early days were, Colin continued by expressing that once they came together and focused on their strong attributes, their sound of "glamorous rock" was born.

The message they aim to deliver with this sound is as uplifting as their melodies. The Scarlet Opera focuses on the best parts of humanity- and the best is not equivalent to perfection, quite the opposite actually. Luka expressed the band's motivations and their wants for their audience to,

"Rid yourself of any shame that you might have grown up with- to let go and become your best self."

He then personified their name as a group to dictate the "Scarlet lettering of the misunderstood." The collective then takes that shame, spins it on its head, and introduces us to the Opera- a space where these otherwise outcasts are lifted into a "fine art world" in which they are idolized and made to feel beautiful, worthy, and loved.

Comedy EP Cover; Provided for by 1824

Colin chimed in on this idea and how the band aims to create this atmosphere within their live performances,

"The Opera was taking the idea that this was something that was kind of reserved for the few and making something that is accessible for the many. We want our shows to be a big tent where anybody can come to."

All walks of life are not welcomed, they are sought out. This extravaganza of a people fuels such "ridiculous, fun, bombastic songs", with Colin emphasizing, "That is the world that we hope to create and stories that we hope to tell ."

So far, The Scarlet Opera seems to be doing a worthwhile job of performing and creating such epics. When asked about their latest release, Comedy, the group quickly remarked how the collection of songs will be "one hell of a show". Luka provided more detail with this description,

"Thematically {recent singles "Alive" and "Big City Thing" off of Comedy} it's like, this funny storytelling- but stories that if you focus on the words are kind of heartbreaking, It's all high energy, but underneath the witty banter and the one- liners is something so aggressivley human. So I think that's why we decided to go with Comedy because it felt like they all sort of live in that world- it's very fun, silly, campy, flamboyant music. But if you listen to the words there are little ''trials and tribulations' over and over again."

"Alive" and "Big City Thing" single cover art; Derived from Scarlet Opera Instagram.

Justin followed after to say, "The unreleased songs are kind of the connectivity of what we have put out so far- there's a five to a six part story in there that has yet to be fully revealed. These songs will provide that context" and thusly, create the full picture and play that is Comedy.

Colin came into view to speak up on another important aspect of Comedy- which is the live performances,

"When writing it, the live show is very much in mind. I think more than anything we see ourselves as entertainers- a live band more than recording artists. We all love the recording process but without getting together. The five of us having and {then} connecting with the audience up close- it doesn't feel as important. So when we made Comedy we {made a point to} transferred it to a live show."

And as on should ask for, one shall receive! All of The Scarlet Opera's hard work has paid off with this newest release, and those live performances! From April 3rd until April 12th, The Scarlet Opera will be performing in a handful of cities down the west coast. Tickets are still available- as you place your order, hit replay on Comedy- an outstanding collection of five songs that will take you on an amazing and uplifting journey through life.