Like me, you may have first come across the name Forrest Isn’t Dead when it was attached to an aspiring Atlanta rapper and vocalist. The alter ego of then solo artist Forrest Kleindienst, the project blended hip-hop, pop, and rock elements to create a hybrid sound that maintained a broad appeal without losing its unique edge. But although tracks like “Idle Hands” earned him recognition and some accolades around the local scene, Kleindienst wasn’t convinced he was pursuing the right path. With one foot in hip-hop and the other in rock, he felt the need to pursue something more focused and collaborative. That’s when Forest Isn’t Dead the band was born.
“Initially it was just me, and I was trying my hand at rapping,” Kleindienst explains. “It wasn’t really gluing together the way I wished. I had always been split right down the middle between the rock and rap worlds. Once me and [guitarist] Matt [Vassy] decided to start producing together, I started singing more and rapping less, which kind of just evolved from there. I still produce a lot of rap beats and work in that realm of music, but my band is my primary passion.”
Consisting of Kleindienst, Vassy, and drummer Zendé Murdock, the trio has spent much of the last year coming together as musicians and working on their debut release for local label Madison Records (Chelsea Shag, ZALE). Their first single “The Light,” which Kleindienst notes was inspired by the tragic passing of Prince, sees the group tapping into a dreamy form of alternative rock that is atmospheric and melodic. Comparisons to Los Angeles alt-pop brooders the Neighbourhood are probably apt—at least aesthetically—but there is a greater sense of mystery and adventure within Forrest Isn’t Dead’s shimmering tones.
“I would describe [our music] as emotionally transparent and kind of stuck in a dream you don’t wanna wake out of,” says Kleindienst. “I try to be emotionally energetic when I perform and record our songs. I don’t typically write our songs. I just go into the booth and say whatever first comes to my mind and just lay it all out on the table. As far as what we’re trying to achieve creatively, I think it’s to just have fun and be open with our music. We don’t really set too many ground rules or borders. We just create until it feels done. I think we’re just so well trained as producers that we don’t have to think about a goal to get results.”
Directed by Daniel Oramas, the accompanying video was shot at the beloved Atlanta institution Videodrome. With its smoky orange-pink hues and kaleidoscopic visuals, the location drifts somewhat into the background, but the clip does manage to breathe a bit trippy ambiance into the group’s effervescent songwriting. Overall it’s a good look for a band that seems to wear their hearts on their sleeves—a moody, heartfelt vision that draws you in and holds your gaze.
Watch/listen above.
More Info
Web: forrestisntdead.com
Facebook: @forrestisntdead
Instagram: @forrestisntdead
Twitter: @forrestisntdead