Welcome to our interview with On a Limb, the brains behind the captivating album “When the Skies Parted.” This musical journey features six original compositions, five crafted by pianist and bandleader Andrew Haug, and one by bassist Ethan Marsh. The album delves into themes of transition, vulnerability, and new beginnings, offering listeners a heartfelt exploration of emotion.
Recorded over four intense days at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, CT, “On a Limb” poured their hearts into every track, ensuring each one reached its full potential. From the dreamy vibes of “Know What You Know” to the raw emotion of “Tried to Leave My Demons in Otis,” the album takes you on a journey through a sonic landscape like no other.
With the legendary Dave Darlington at the mixing and mastering helm, “When the Skies Parted” truly comes alive. In this interview, we get up close and personal with On a Limb, digging into their creative process, inspirations, and the hurdles they’ve faced along the way. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we uncover the passion and dedication driving this exceptional band.
Listen to When the Skies Parted below
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What is your stage name?
On a Limb
Is there a story behind your stage name?
It took awhile to settle on the band name. We wanted something unique that described our sound; something that was thought-provoking, yet familiar. We had our friends vote on a handful of options, and “On a Limb” was the stand-out choice.
Where do you find inspiration?
We draw from everything – music we love, life experience, nature, inspiring people in our life, meditation, etc. Ideally our music is a reflection of our full selves and everything we have been through.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music was always sparking my curiosity. I would always go to the piano as a kid and try to pick out melodies of my favorite songs. There is something so satisfying, empowering, and exciting about that, and I feel that even to this day.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Our drummer Charlie Schefft learned from his father who was also a lefty drummer! Both of my parents have played a little bit of piano as well.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
At the core, the love of the music has fueled everything else, and that’s really what keeps us centered. I don’t think too many people enter this industry these days expecting to make a lot of money (laughs).
How did you learn to write/play?
I would listen to my father play Beethoven and Chopin pieces when I was a kid, mimicking him and memorizing the songs phrase by phrase. Eventually I started taking classical lessons, joined jazz band in high school, and went on to study at a music conservatory. I also learned so much from all the great musicians I’ve met and played with throughout the years.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
When I was 11 years old, my father took me to see The White Stripes!
How could you describe your music?
My compositional style has been described as “honest and thoughtful, beautiful yet energetic, with a hint of mysteriousness and darkness.” As a trio I think we’ve developed a chemistry that is very unique, dynamic, and interactive.
Describe your creative process.
I often get song ideas when I am openly exploring at the piano. I immediately get a scratch recording of any idea, so I can come back to it later and develop the song more. Usually I will bring in a piece to the band that is 80% finished, and prefer to get their input on the final touches and arrangement.
What musician do you admire most and why?
It’s impossible to pick a singular musician, but in terms of my development as a pianist and artist, musicians like Thelonious Monk, Shai Maestro, Art Tatum, Brad Mehldau, and Herbie Hancock (to name a few) have been hugely important.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Definitely. Everyone has grown as a person in the 8 years we’ve been band, and I think you can hear that in the music as well.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I view technology as the biggest threat to what we do, in the sense that recorded music has been de-valued through the rise of streaming, and live music has also taken a hit partially due to covid and partially due to the fact that we have so much access now.
It requires a lot less effort (and money) to watch a performance of your favorite band on YouTube as opposed to attending a live show. Collectively as a culture we need to continue supporting artists if we want their output to remain sustainable.
What are your interests outside of music?
The band loves playing pool and playing chess. We also like to cook and take road trips to national parks.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I often get asked this, and the truth is it’s so hard to imagine doing anything else! If I had to though, I would most likely want to get involved in social work.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Musicians can very easily face a lot of doubt along their journey due to financial hardship, comparing yourself to others in the industry, realizing how much work is required to be great and to realize your dreams, etc.
Being aware of these hardships and not letting them affect your motivation or your love of the music can be challenging. Ultimately we have learned how to stay grounded, how to persevere, and how to love ourselves unconditionally, even if the path looks nothing like we’d imagined it to be!
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
That’s such a tough question. I think ultimately I would want the people creating the best art to find fame/success. There are so many musicians under the radar that are creating beautiful things and I want the whole world to hear them!
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“When the Skies Parted” reflects a time of intense transition for each member of the band. I wanted a title that paints a dramatic and vivid picture, and I think we captured that.
What are your plans for the coming months?
We have another album, an EP, and two stand-alone singles already recorded that will be released later this year and in 2025, so we are working on the production of those projects at the moment.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
We do, yes, but we will wait to reveal those artists closer to the release date.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Thank you so much for your support, it truly means the world! Stay tuned, this is just the beginning.
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