Vocalist says he takes a lot of inspiration from artists from the past, even though he mentions a specific current name
O Greta VanFleet emerged to the world in 2017 offering a true dive into the classic rock of other times. The young band formed by brothers Josh (voice), Jake (guitar) and Sam Kiszka (bass) next to the drummer Danny Wagner It has even received frequent comparisons with the Led Zeppelin due to different “mannerisms” in their sound.
However, the American group’s influences go beyond the legendary British quartet. And they even transcend rock.
In an interview with Forbes (via CheatSheet), Josh Kiszka reflected on some of his biggest references in music. The name of Robert Plantsinger of Led Zeppelin, was not mentioned. However, other “retro” inspirations had their names duly mentioned: James Brown, Elvis Presley It is Aretha Franklin.
The trio of late giants was highlighted, specifically, while Kiszka discussed his influences as a live performer.
“I always have to go back to the way I James Brown or Elvis Presley would have behaved. Until Aretha Franklin. There’s a great presence to them.”
Right away, Josh pointed out particular characteristics of each of the artists — including a comparison with a current icon.
“Elvis I could just stand there and be very casual and very cool. James Brown he was so acrobatic — and a showman. AND Aretha It’s another level. She had practically everything Beyonce could have today, which is this really beautiful feminine power. Just being up there on the stage, just rocking out. She was really very passionate. This is amazing. But then again, she could consider herself too causal.”
Another name of the present was mentioned, now escaping from more traditional genres: Florence Welchleader of Florence + the Machine.
“We kind of bumped into them a few times, sharing a few stages over a few years of touring. We watched their show a few times, it’s a great rock ‘n’ roll band, a great rock ‘n’ roll performance. […] Florence acts almost like a fairy. She just throws herself into the audience.”
Greta Van Fleet and relationship with current music
Despite the highlights Florence + the Machine It is BeyonceO Greta Van Fleet really prefers to mirror the names of the past. In an interview with Classic Rock(via website Igor Miranda), the guitarist Jake Kiszka commented that he and his bandmates do not identify with current music.
“There is an element of circumstance in how we grow up. You can say that this is also an impediment, because we were a little out of touch with what contemporary music was then. We listened to pop radio on the bus to school and at friends’ houses, and it was like, ‘hmm, that doesn’t move me as much as the records we listen to at home’.”
Still according to Jakeif he and his partners hadn’t grown up with classic music, you wouldn’t be able to imagine if they would be working on music today.
“It wouldn’t be as true or organic. We feel a responsibility with this type of music because of the craftsmanship. You create a song and it takes time, rather than relying on machines or artificial intelligence. There’s an element of reward in all the attention and skill, and then realizing you’re becoming part of the lineage of this thing called classic rock.”
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
