Pathway is an alternative to genre-based heavy music. They take decades of influence and roll into a deliberate, abrasive, in-your-face, poetic sound. With their out-of-the-box approach and individual influence, Pathway delivers a sound that is truly their own. Applying three-part harmonies with their multi-vocalist style to a traditionally singular vocal sound they raise the dynamic bar.
Formed by Billy Steele in the winter of 2020 Pathway went through some growth periods. After a few lineup changes they found their stride and began pre-production of their upcoming debut album, Raised in a Haunted House.
The members of Pathway all come from different musical backgrounds, all rooted in the heavier side of music. They refer to their sound as being hardcore-influenced rock n roll. Riding the heels of the grunge era, and growing up in the early 2000s pop punk/emo scene you will hear plenty of that embedded in their sound as well. With a darker element to their lyrical style, and sound a friend coined their sound as having a “spooky groove”.
2023 looks to be a bright year for Pathway. With the release of their first single, “White Rabbit” Pathway hopes to make a strong sonic wave. Followed by a full-length album Pathway doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
We had the chance to ask Pathway A couple questions as part of The Refrain Interview Series. Check it out below.
Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have a new single out now. What’s it called?
Pathway: The song is called, ” WHITE RABBIT”
RMB: What is the song about, in terms of lyrics? Any overarching messages or themes?
Pathway: The song is a part of the concept of our album. It’s the moment in your life where you realize you went down the rabbit hole, and maybe have been chasing something that is unattainable. So you refocus, become grounded, and start to find the path that is meant for you as opposed to chasing that “White Rabbit”. Realizing base hits wins games not home-runs.
RMB: Is this single part of an album?
Pathway: It is. Our upcoming full length is entitled, “Raised in a Haunted House”. It focuses on how the basis of the constructs of family, and how the values, virtues, and shortcomings affect the individual which in turn affects society as a whole. We look at the man at the liquor store beggin for change as an outcast of society, but someone along the way helped guide his path right to that unfortunate position. How do we rid ourselves of the ghosts that haunt us(our house).
RMB: How does this single differ from your previous work?
Pathway: We have only released one previous song so far which is also re-recorded and part of the album. We are a heavy band with decades of influence. This song is a little more in the grunge vibe of what we do. We can’t wait for everyone to hear the album. We like to think all of our influence rolls into a cohesive sound. We just love heavy music.
RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded?
Pathway: We recorded the music for white rabbit with Jamie King(Producer for BTBAM, Glass Casket) at The Basement Studios in Winston, NC. A lot of us in the band have history with Jamie with other bands over the years. It is always a great experience recording with “The King” This record has been a couple years in the making. We wanted to produce the best possible work we could, and we feel we have done that whole heartedly.
RMB: Tell us a little about the band. Who all is in it and how did you form? How long have you been together?
Pathway: The band is Me(Billy Steele), Bradley Steele, Garett King, Ryan Orren, and Steve Brooks. We all grew up in the heavy music scene in VA/NC. We cut our teeth in Hardcore, metal. and punk bands. Then we all had our years in softer genres, but couldn’t stay away from the heavier side of music. The passion, and drive just comes out heavier when we play together. We are all best friends, and have been for years. Even while being in different bands. We have been this lineup for about a year now, but it is the lineup we were meant to be.
RMB: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Pathway: Personally for me(Billy) I draw a lot of influence from Nirvana, Pixies, Thrice, Jawbreaker, Pink Floyd, and some newer acts like Drug Church, and IDLES. Everyone in the band come from different backgrounds musically but all rooted in heavy music. There is a lot of Grunge, hardcore, and punk influence in this band, but like to keep it pretty rock n roll too.
RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?
Pathway: Finishing this record, and not settling for the single route. Albums are almost becoming a thing of the past in this fast paced, low attention span world. We wanted to present this album as an entire piece of art, and we are all super proud of how it has turned out.
RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?
Pathway: Remember how great the music was in the nineties and early 2000’s? Well we will give you all those feels inside one band while still giving you something new!
RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?
Pathway: Hope looks for a way around the fire, faith walks through it. Belief is the most powerful thing you can have. Hold tight to the idea that you are gonna make it through.
RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?
Pathway: Don’t rush it.
RMB: What’s coming up next for your musical project?
Pathway: We have two more singles to drop, and then we will be dropping our debut album, “Raised in a Haunted House”. Then it’s show time!
We want to say thank you to anyone who has and will support us. But also just support art in general. People pouring their heart and soul into something they are passionate about is what being human is all about. Keep on rockin’ in the free-ish world!
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