Interview With Famous Strangers

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

Our music sits somewhere between haunting melodic rock and gritty soul with touches of blues and heavy atmosphere. It moves from soft, emotional moments to loud, cathartic ones. It is moody, melodic, heavy, spacious, and artistic. It pulls from vintage rock, modern metal, psychedelic textures, and a good dose of weird.

What is the significance of your band name?

Famous Strangers started as a simple spark. Jeff was driving while listening to Perfect Strangers (Deep Purple) and passed a restaurant called Famous Donair. The two ideas collided. Over time, the name grew into something much bigger. Everyone is famous in their own way, yet everyone is a stranger. People carry stories, talents, and histories that others never see. When fans come up to us and say, “What’s up, stranger?” It makes the name feel alive.

What are your musical influences?

Influences shift from day to day. Some days it is rock and roll, some days metal, some days jazz or blues, some days EDM. Amanda pulls from Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Slipknot, Emma Ruth Rundle, Agnes Obel, Tool, and Alice in Chains. Jeff is all over the map and searches for anything that gives him a feeling. Beej sits between blues, jazz, heavy funk, metal, and classic drumming greats. Braden leans into grunge and modern alt-country. We draw from everything because every genre carries something powerful.

What are your musical inspirations?

Life, emotion, and the people around us. Jeff is inspired by friends and musicians who push him to grow. Amanda was shaped by seeing bands thrive on the road and the raw experience of touring for twenty years. Beej is powered by anyone who brings real energy and elevates the room. Braden pulls inspiration from people who make him a better human and a stronger player. Everything from heartbreak to weather to random moments can spark a song.

If given the chance, what musicians would you like to collaborate with?

The list is endless. Jim Morrison, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Tool, Deftones, Battle Beast, Unleash the Archers. Jeff’s current pick is Arctic Monkeys. We love the idea of collaborating with artists who bring strong emotion, unusual ideas, or completely different perspectives.

What is your upcoming album about?

The record leans toward themes of self-worth, self-love, inner fire, and the space between darkness and light. Some songs push confidence and empowerment. Some explore vulnerability. There is a hint of political tension, a touch of fantasy, and even some space and alien-inspired imagery. At the core, the album is about reminding people of their value.

What do you hope people take away from the new songs?

Motivation, love, inspiration, and a sense of inner strength. A lyric from "Rain" says, “Give yourself the love that you deserve.” That line captures the heart of the record. We hope listeners walk away feeling lifted.

Which songs on the album were the most fun to write, and which were the most challenging?

"Rain" and "Please Her" were some of the most fun to create because they were fully collaborative and full of energy. "Home" was also a blast because it pushed us in a new direction. The most challenging songs were "Fire Inside," "Relic," and "Rain" for Amanda, since singing softly rather than belting required real growth. Every challenge made the songs stronger.

What did you allow yourself to do creatively on this album that you have not done before?

We finally embraced the softer side of the band. We let things breathe. We experimented without fear, took feedback openly, changed parts that had been set for months, and stepped into new sonic territory. No one got precious about old ideas. We let every song evolve. That creative openness became one of the strengths of the record.

Do you have any favourite songs off the new album?

Yes. "Rain," "Home," "Relic," and "Please Her." Every song is someone’s favourite. They are all our kids.

When you find yourself in a creative rut, what helps you reconnect?

Sometimes stepping away for a few days resets everything. For Jeff, playing different types of music in his day job pulls him out of ruts. For Amanda, even a chaotic day can flip into inspiration once she gets into the jam room. For Beej, some songs take time to click, and patience is part of the process. Braden turns to different genres or plays with different people to recharge. Taking breaks, listening widely, and returning with a clearer head always helps.

Do you have favourite songs to perform live?

"Rain" has become a standout because the reaction has been overwhelming. "Stars" gets the crowd singing. "Please Her" always hits hard. Different songs come alive in different rooms but "Rain" has been a special moment every night.

If you could perform a show anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

Red Rocks, Brixton Academy, Brighton Beach, Starlight Room, and the London Forum. Anywhere that supports live music. Line up every city from A to Z, and we will play them all.

What do you have planned for the remainder of the year?

Recording, recording, more recording. Tracking drums and bass, finishing pre-production, eating too much candy, and getting everything ready for 2026. And hopefully getting a visit from Santa.

If your music were a type of food, what would it be and why?

Goulash. A mix of everything good. Also, Christmas dinner because it is warm, heavy, comforting, chaotic, and full of surprises. Dim sum also works since it comes in many flavours.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened while performing?

One time, Beej fell off the back of Festival Place, and his brother Troy caught him mid-fall and threw him back on stage with the seat still in place. Braden once cheered someone, and the bottom of the pint fell out, dumping an entire beer on him. Amanda once had porn accidentally blasted into her in ears during a show on a European tour thanks to a prank by Battle Beast’s sound tech.

What is the most random thing that has ever inspired you to write a song?

A breakup. A sudden rainstorm in England. A trip to the bottle depot revealed that someone was famous in that tiny world. Old history books turned to random pages. Randomness is not the problem. Inspiration shows up when it wants to.

What is the most useless talent you have, and would you incorporate it into your music?

Amanda can make a weird mouth sound that goes "da da da da," and yes, she would absolutely use it in a creepy intro someday. Braden can curl his toes and walk on them, which is useless for music unless we do a barefoot video. Beej refuses to admit that any talent is useless.

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you, Crucial Rhythm, for having us. We appreciate the support and the platform. To everyone listening, sharing, and showing up to shows, we love you. You keep this band alive. Find everything at famousstrangersband.com.