Crystal Cities

What is your name and role within the band?

My name is Geoff Rana and I’m the singer, songwriter, guitarist and keys player in Crystal Cities. Plus, I’ve recently added producer and engineer to my resume’.

How did Crystal Cities form?

It was formed by 3 scientists, Geoff, Dan and Jared, who, after years of experimenting, finally tweaked the fibonacci sequence to complete the first ever rock n roll time machine. We then transported ourselves a 1000 years into the future and have since returned to try and save the future of Rock music.

What’s been happening recently and how has your COVID experience been?

Covid hasn’t been too kind to musicians… But it has allowed us to finish the album a bit quicker than what we normally would have.

Please tell us about your upcoming album:

It’s called Hold Me Close Hold Me Tight and it’s way more loud and guitar-driven than our previous stuff. There’s lots of energy in these new songs which I think people are going to really dig.

Your new single ‘Don’t Speak Too Soon’ is out now, where and when did you record/produce?

We recorded this in Studio A, aka My bedroom which was fitted with all the latest gear and equipment to create the unique sounds we were after. Such gear included:
– Set of clothes draws
– Cupboard
– Fold out bed
– Guitar
– Microphone, and
– An audio interface

If you listen carefully you will be able to hear cars, planes, kids screaming, and vacuum cleaners in the background of the track.

What influenced the sound and songwriting?

I always try to write songs that are going to sound good live. So, that was one aspect…

How did you go about writing Don’t Speak Too Soon?

Well, it’s a classic story that seems to repeat for me… I picked up the guitar, strummed it and then thought “no that’s rubbish”, waited another hour, tried again, and boom it worked! Don’t Speak To Soon was born.

Who did you work with during the creation of the album?

Myself and the other two scientists, Dr Jared King and Professor Daniel Conte ,both outstanding in their field. But it was myself that I worked on the most since I had a lot of issues that needed resolving…

How did you approach the recording process?

From behind. Scared the living shit out of it I did.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding?

Wearing clothes and not wearing clothes.

What do you like to do away from music?

Listen to music.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

My wife.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?

Releasing more tunes and (hopefully) playing some shows…

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Bananas. In trees.