TRAVIS STEVER on Balancing COHEED AND CAMBRIA With L.S. DUNES

Interview by Angela Croudace
Travis Stever, guitarist for both Coheed and Cambria and L.S.
Dunes, is a musician who thrives on creative challenges. In an
interview with HEAVY, Stever reflects on the evolution of Coheed’s
sound, the ongoing exploration of new musical landscapes, and the
balance between his two distinct musical worlds.
When asked about Coheed and Cambria’s latest release, The Father Of
Make Believe (released today), Stever notes that while the band
always experiments with new sounds, what sets this album apart is
the expansive exploration of styles within a familiar framework.
"The box is so massive that we allow ourselves to create within it.
We go outside of it, but not so far that fans will be left
wondering what we’re doing,” he explains. The band continues to
evolve, but as Stever points out, their willingness to experiment
has been a constant, leading to albums that always surprise, yet
never stray too far from their core sound.
At the heart of the new album lies a theme of internal conflict, a
wall within oneself. Stever shares that this theme resonates deeply
within the band, particularly in how personal growth and struggles
are reflected in the music. He describes the songwriting process as
a journey of self-acceptance, where overthinking gives way to
simplicity and beauty. "You realise life doesn’t need to be so
complicated," he muses, pointing to the sense of peace the band has
found in their evolution as both artists and individuals.
Stever's dual role in Coheed and Cambria and L.S. Dunes, another
band that offers a more collaborative and raw sound, presents an
interesting dynamic. The contrast in approach is striking. "In
Coheed, it’s Claudio’s songs, and I add my identity to them,"
Stever explains, noting that his role is often about enhancing
Claudio Sanchez’s vision. However, with L.S. Dunes, the creative
process is more democratic, with everyone contributing equally.
"It’s more of a group consciousness," Stever discusses the band's
writing approach, highlighting how the collaborative effort—where
he adds his own contributions to the ideas brought forward by
fellow guitarist Frank Iero—injects a unique energy into their
music.
Touring is another key topic, and Stever is excited about the
possibility of returning to Australia. Reflecting on his previous
experiences, including Coheed's headlining spot at Australia’s
Monolith Festival, Stever fondly recalls the intimate connection
the band had with the audience. "Tasmania was mind-blowing," he
says, sharing his appreciation for the passionate Australian fans.
With talks of a 2025 Australian tour, Stever hopes the band can
return and continue fostering that special connection.
Finally, Stever offers insight into the evolution of L.S. Dunes'
sound, specifically the band’s latest record, Violet. The song's
optimistic tone marks a departure from the darker, more confined
themes explored in Past Lives. Stever attributes this shift to the
personal growth of the band’s members, especially lead vocalist
Anthony Green, whose newfound sense of balance and self-awareness
has directly influenced the band's sound and lyrical
direction.
Stever reflects on the growth of both Coheed and Cambria and L.S.
Dunes, emphasising that the journey of artistic expression is
always ongoing—full of challenges, rewards, and an ever-expanding
soundscape.


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