Young rock band Greta Van Fleet promotes peace, love, unity
Presenting musical messages to Madison in concert this week, group goes beyond paying homage to famous 'rock gods' who came before them
by Celeste Benzschawel · Oct 9, 2018 Share Tweet
Courtesy of Greta Van Fleet and Sam Kiszka
From playing music together in high school to selling out shows all across America, Greta Van Fleet has proven that rock n' roll isn't dead — and that it never will die.
They're coming to The Sylvee for another sold-out show, and dual-threat Sam Kiszka (bassist and keyboardist) discussed the band's success and upcoming album.
These boys have revived much of what we love about the classic rock music of our parents' generation. Their highly-anticipated debut album, Anthem of the Peaceful Army, is sure to prove it and more.
Greta consists of three brothers and their good family friend, all from Frankenmuth, MI – twins Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), younger brother Sam and friend Danny Wagner (drums).
Madison to eclipse Milwaukee music scene with The Sylvee grand openingMadison is no Milwaukee in terms of population, but when it comes to live music the state's capitol has the Read…
All four were surrounded by music their whole lives, whether that meant playing multiple instruments or being involved in theater. They all also grew up listening to their parent's vinyl records, plenty of which were the rock born from combinations of blues and soul. Their music career started at a young age – they were playing music in bars before they were even old enough to drink.
But 2017 was when they started playing music professionally, and they've blown up significantly over the past year. They're even afraid of catapulting too fast, Kiszka said.
They have a team behind them actually holding them back a bit — Greta could be selling way more tickets that they're being allowed to right now, but they want to grow and develop at a more realistic pace.
"We want to work our way there just like everybody else," Kiszka said. "We've started from the bottom and have come a long way. But, we have a long way to go."
BROCKHAMPTON proves abusers have no place in music industry, The Neighbourhood nab Ghostface Killah feature on new releaseOver the weekend, music fans had a lot to consume through their eardrums. Leading the swath of projects was a Read…
It's all been a blur for them, he said, and they're gaining traction in multiple music communities and receiving praises from the likes of Tom Hanks, Elton John and Robert Plant himself.
"They are Led Zeppelin I," Plant said in an interview. "Beautiful little singer, I hate him. He borrowed his voice from somebody I know very well."
It's meant to be more of a compliment than shade.
Speaking of Led Zeppelin, that's probably their biggest comparison. Yet, they're more than their rock legend predecessors, and the band is excited to prove themselves with their debut album, Kiszka said. Their EP From the Fires catapulted them forward, and they hope the new album will bring new meaning to Greta Van Fleet.
Kevin Morby brought exciting, yet relaxed performance to High Noon SaloonKevin Morby performed at the High Noon Saloon Monday with Hand Habits. A packed and excited crowd met Morby, with an audience Read…
Their writing has taken a few steps up from where they started, and that comes from being on the road and playing 200 shows in 2017, Kiszka said. There are some acoustic numbers on the album to represent where they started and where they're going, and they've made a point not to overdub the music. The goal was to bring what they have on stage into the studio, so what we hear on the album is what we'll get at a show.
There's a message that they want to promote with Anthem of the Peaceful Army and their band as a whole – peace, love and unity. Historically speaking, Kiszka said, differences between people have caused a lot of unnecessary bloodshed, and that tension still exists today.
"I think we need to promote peace and welfare between man and understanding more than ever," Kiszka said. "If we're in a position to make a difference, then it would feel wrong not to."
If you're shocked by #MeToo, you're actively contributing to the problemIn March of 2014, Christine Fox set out to disprove an ignorant comment made by a man on her timeline, Read…
The album shares those sentiments, and asks some large questions, like 'who are we and why can't we get along with each other?' They've found those inspirations from spending time in nature, which has been important for them. It's been mentally grounding and reminds them of their upbringing, Kiszka said.
"It's important to us to be present in our character and present in our art," Kiszka said.
In those regards, while most rock gods had careers surrounding drugs and alcohol, that's something the band has shied away from. They've looked back on their favorites and have learned what not to do, Kiszka said. Their family and upbringing have played a large part in making their choices.
In the end, they're not playing rock music to bring it back or pioneer some new path – they're just playing the music they want to play, Kiszka said. But if people are pegging them as the saviors of rock, they'll take it.
This article was published Oct 9, 2018 at 9:55 am and last updated Oct 11, 2018 at 11:46 am
Tags: Anthem of the Peaceful Army, Danny Wagner, Elton John, From the Fires, Greta van fleet, Interview, Jake Kiszka, Josh Kiszka, Led Zepplin, Madison, Music, Preview, Robert plant, Rock, Sam Kiszka, The Sylvee, Tom Hanks
Next in Artsetc
UW Dance Department, professor's studio perform in global hybrid event to raise awareness for people with disabilities
Li Chiao-Ping Dance, students perform in worldwide event that honors United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Rock the 608: Passionate student musicians find community at UW
With a wide variety of musical cultures, UW Madison proves to be perfect place for young artists to thrive
Gus Dapperton wows crowds at Majesitc performance
Dapperton, featured on popular TikTok track 'Supalonely,' had audiences clamoring for more
Four spooky classical pieces to get into Halloween spirit
Get ready for spooky season with classical pieces telling stories of undead, spooky spectres, mythical creatures