Photo Credit – Anabel Dflux
How did you guys come up with the duo name “Ascent”?
The name is inspired by flight. It’s amazing to consider that humanity tried for millennia to figure out to take flight and how to reach beyond our world, and now we’ve had the technology for a relatively short time, and we take it entirely for granted. Meanwhile, we have always had flying birds all around us, for whom flight is as simple and obvious as walking. They are incredibly varied and complex, and we mostly ignore them. There’s so much more depth and detail to the world than we choose to consider most of the time.
Can you tell us a little something about each of you?
Bruce: I’m obsessive about music, and I practice every day. I try to learn to play any instrument I can get my hands on, and I regularly play guitar, drums, bass, piano and mandolin. A lot of the music and lyrics I write come about while doing other things, like cycling. I’m fascinated by numbers, structure and the tiny details in music. I need a constant supply of new music in my life. I love to be outdoors, in remote places, away from civilization. I’m also deeply silly.
Christina: I’m an outspoken activist for the disenfranchised or marginalized. I am a warrior for equal rights and an LGBTQIA community. I love people and enjoy nothing more than a multi-hour conversation that ends only because I have to sleep.
Singing is and has always been the place where I feel most like myself. I sing for others as much as I do myself. Singing is my favorite thing to do and on stage is my favorite place to do it.
What inspired you guys to pursue music?
Music. Listening to artists and musical genres that include Jazz, Prog and Rock, Alternative and Classical. The work of those artists, voices, instrumentation served as the inspiration for our foray into music and still does today.
What is it like being in a duo with your wife/husband?
The benefit is we know each other inside and out. We know how to anticipate what each other will do when we perform, and we know how to push each other to our peak. We also know how to cover each other’s mistakes. In the past, it was sometimes a struggle when we couldn’t necessarily separate our music life from our personal relationship, but we’re way beyond that now. We make each other stronger.
How would you describe your musical style as a duo?
It’s hard to label our music, but we think of it as progressive alternative or dark alternative rock. There are elements of classic rock and metal. The vocals often sound bluesy and soulful. We hope the music conveys emotion and a sophisticated construction. It’s intense and sometimes moody. Many of our themes are quite dark, but the music can be upbeat. We love unusual timings and unexpected modes or chord structures. We put elements from our favorite bands and music into our sound too, like Tool, Radiohead, Yes, King Crimson, Soundgarden,Queen, U2, the Police and Bjork.
What artists do you guys look up to right now?
A Perfect Circle, Muse, Radiohead, Steven Wilson, U2, Bjork, Dead Sara, Bent Knee and Iamthemorning.
Are there any projects in the works you guys can tell us about?
We’re constantly working on new songs and making new recordings. We plan to expand the Bleed Like Us EP into a full LP by the end of the year. We’re continuing to perform regularly all over Orange County and we look forward to some additional shows in L.A.
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
We want it to be powerful and life-changing. We want them to immerse themselves in the music in every way. We want them to adopt the lyrics, music, themes and emotions as their own. We want to be part of the tapestry of their lives.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years in your career and personal life?
We’ve had two successful world tours, are adored by music lovers young and old and are creating the best music of our lives. Of course, we are still blissfully married!
How has this whole music career experience been?
It’s been incredible, heartbreaking, breathtaking and utterly fulfilling. Everyday is a opportunity to learn and grow. Every performance is another opportunity to reach people in a way that only music can. It is a privilege to be invited in by listeners past, present and future.
Do you have any advice for aspiring music artists?
Be prepared for anything to happen. Be persistent, consistent and authentic. Practice humility and gratitude. Be kind, positive, supportive and gracious to other artists and venues. Never, ever give up!
Do you have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
We don’t take a single moment for granted. Each listen, view, share, purchase and your presence when we perform live is noticed and appreciated. Please stay with us on this endless ride. We are going places we’ve all only imagined with music as our vehicle.
