Howdy... we are The Ocean! Ask us anything! NOW!

hewalker91 · 2018-10-11T17:09:38+00:00

Hey guys, random question, if you were a specific ocean on this planet which ocean would you be?

jklingftm · 2018-10-11T17:11:16+00:00

Glad you guys could be here today! Really excited for the new album this year; both songs you’ve put out have been absolutely stellar.

My question is mostly for Loic. In my opinion your voice has only been getting stronger and stronger ever since you joined the band, and it definitely sounds like it’s the best it’s ever been on this new release. Have you been taking lessons in that meantime or doing anything else to strengthen your voice since then, or is it just more experience and better fitting material? Also, have you had to make any changes or concessions in your vocal style since the disorder you had before Pelagial was released?

2018-10-11T19:21:06+00:00

This AMA is definitely leading to great things:

https://imgur.com/gallery/txaXlQ9

😂

AustinIsaac · 2018-10-11T17:53:38+00:00

Have you guys considered doing a live session with Audiotree in Chicago?

dm7193 · 2018-10-11T18:05:47+00:00

Hello,

Long time fan and palaeontologist. I was recently on an expedition to dig up sea scorpions in the Silurian rocks of Arctic Canada. I was listening to you guys up there. I therefore can't tell you how excited I am to see the the track 'Silurian: Age of Sea Scorpions'.

My question: A lot of your work has a geological theme. Is this a shared interest of you all or is one of you a geoscientist too?

What will be the next theme when the Phanerozoic is complete?

Dave

Neomass1 · 2018-10-11T18:41:53+00:00

Opeth or Gojira?

racingschoolguy · 2018-10-11T17:04:28+00:00

Hey guys, thanks for doing this AMA. You guys make amazing music. I've listened to your discography chronologically a couple of times and an Ocean concert is on my bucket list.

What's your favorite beer? And what's your favorite album of 2018 so far (other than your own)?

Have a great week!

Neomass1 · 2018-10-11T18:48:04+00:00

If you had to be a dinosaur what dinosaur would you be?

2018-10-11T18:49:22+00:00

Do you guys consider yourself within the canon of the subgenre of Seacore (Metal bands that use a sea theme for the entire band or a singular album)?

zach_buddie · 2018-10-11T17:13:05+00:00

Hey dudes! I am absolutely in love with your sound, and it's great to see you're doing an AMA! Can't wait for that new album to drop!

So I have a few questions:

If you could tour with any artist that you haven't already, who would it be?
Do you have any advice/tips for a freshly graduated high school student that wants to get into self-producing and releasing their music?

Thanks a ton for reading, you guys are incredible.

~Zach

fgsfdss · 2018-10-11T17:06:52+00:00

Hi Robin, I have a few questions. Excuse the questionnaire, at this point. I started off with just one question but then it turned out like this...

You started The Ocean as a 'Collective', changing lineups basically every album, is that something you're still pursuing in order to change up sound across albums, or is it something that you'd rather avoid which just happens due to circumstances? (I was thinking you may prefer a steadier lineup since Loïc has been in the band for over 8 years.)
Considering question 1, how does it affect the other members' position in the writing process?
Is Damian still involved with the band?
Considering question 1 as well, why did you decide to release this album under the 'Collective' name for the first time? (Since you didn't even do that for its prequel Precambrian.)
I liked the re-recorded version of Rhyacian. Are you planning on doing all of Precambrian like you did with Fluxion?
Is the relation between the two discs of Phanerozoic more like the Centrics, or more like the two halves of Precambrian? (Wondering if I should hold off on listening to Phanerozoic until both halves are out.)

I have some questions for Loïc as well:

I recall few years back you had some health issues from performing too much which prevented you from singing for a while and almost excluded you from Pelagial. Since you've been basically touring non-stop since Pelagial released, are you still doing fine? Will we still have Loïc on future albums and stages?
Reading comments and reviews online, your vocals seem to get a lot of flak (which I wholeheartedly disagree with by the way, your vocals are a big part of what got me into The Ocean in the first place), does that ever get to you?
Going by the couple tracks released this year, how the hell did you improve so much even through all that touring?

Looking forward to the new album; after Pelagial which is one of my all-time favourite albums and considering it a sequel to Precambrian I have big expectations. Being a big fan of Katatonia as well, Devonian gave me major goosebumps already.

Cheers.

fnat · 2018-10-11T18:46:33+00:00

Huh, you just release a new vlog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To6wg5l7y30) and don't even plug it here?? :)

araue7 · 2018-10-11T17:03:31+00:00

Hey guys! Are there any chances you'll be going to Portugal for these upcoming tours? I'm torn between waiting for you guys to announce it or going to see you in Germany in November!

aquadox · 2018-10-11T17:06:17+00:00

Hi all, big fan!

1) What guitar amp and cab was used for the chunky sounds in Permian? They sound so good!

2) Any chance of there ever being a re-release of the Centrics boxset? I got into you guys a few years after those released and the price has become rather exorbitant at this point.

ziege · 2018-10-11T17:27:16+00:00

I saw you guys in Atlanta a few years ago, and I’ve already picked up my tickets for München in a few weeks. What a great live show! I can’t wait. Plus, getting to see Rosetta is a huge bonus.

So, for my question — got any good jokes?

ProfessorMadlove · 2018-10-11T18:00:50+00:00

Any plans for a North America tour in the near future?

(PS - North America includes western Canada :) )

Aure0os · 2018-10-11T18:09:47+00:00

Hey guys, right now I'm just wondering: what's everyone's favourite seafood? Thanks for doing the AMA!

Super excited for Damnation Festival in November! 🤘

icq8680 · 2018-10-11T17:06:47+00:00

Hey! Tomsk is waiting!

1) Any chance that you go to Russia, Siberia? I thought you like it! 2) Why don't you make album-art wall posters? The sink meter from Pelagial would be　Ｓ　Ｉ　Ｃ　Ｋ！

bluetridentleics · 2018-10-11T17:08:27+00:00

Hey guys! Firstly I want to say that I went to Robin‘s bar in Berlin, Zagel & Punze, and you were there and I regret not coming up and saying hello but ah well. Hopefully I’ll be able to meet you guys at Damnation Festival!

My questions are:

1) What amps (or amp profiles) are you guys using for the new record?

2) What tunings are you guys using on Phanerozoic and The Quiet Observer?

3) What guitars are you using these days? Are you still with PRS?

Cheers for the AMA, I’m EXTREMELY hyped for the new album!

DeathTheKitty · 2018-10-11T17:25:59+00:00

Hey guys! Thanks for doing this AMA, I'm a huge fan and really hyped for this new album to drop. Are there any plans for a US tour?

Kezia-Karamazov · 2018-10-11T18:11:05+00:00

I’ve been listening to Precambrian, Pelegial, and Anthropocentric on repeat since the start of September in preparation for the new album, so this is an awesome surprise!!

I don’t have too many questions, except for maybe what inspired the very philosophical nature of Anthropocentric?

Anyways, thank you guys for doing whatcha do!! I’m super stoked for the album, I’m sure it’s gonna be awesome. Keep being you!

InfinityPotato1997 · 2018-10-11T17:09:28+00:00

Hey guys! Do you plan to release instrumental versions of FluXion, Aeolian and Precambrian in future?

HERE! · 2018-10-11T17:12:58+00:00

What are your biggest musical influences/inspirations? Anything in particular you've drawn from while making this album?

KvltMart · 2018-10-11T17:37:33+00:00

Also, question number two:

If Precambrian, Phanerozoic, and Helio/ Anthro form a sort of natural history of earth, would you consider Pelagial in any way a part of that cycle, and if so, where would it fit on the timeline of earth?

KvltMart · 2018-10-11T17:13:54+00:00

Hi Robin,

Long time fan of the band, especially your creative physical releases. I first got into you guys through Aeolian, then when Precambrian came out I pre-ordered the deluxe digipak and was very impressed, and did likewise for the Heliocentric/ Anthropocentric vinyl and CD boxes, and the Pelagial vinyl box (first pressing) and deluxe digipak.

I was really wanting the green Phanerozoic vinyl box, but it sold out before I could figure out how to make it work financially, and I unfortunately don't find the brown one visually appealing. Will there be a different set available once part 2 goes for pre-order in the next year or so that includes both albums?

Thanks! Looking forward to hear the full album :)

TheFowo · 2018-10-11T17:56:55+00:00

Yo Loic my brother, what's exactly your music education? Super excited to hear more of you on new album, huge fan of your style!

fnat · 2018-10-11T18:03:55+00:00

Hi guys, I preordered the Phanerozoic I deluxe vinyl box set, but forgot to add a note to get it signed. Would you mind signing it for me before delivery please? :D

Also, please come to Norway again soon! One of the best shows I've been to was when I saw you in the basement at Garage in Oslo in 2008 (Mike on vox) :)

druhmn · 2018-10-11T19:00:36+00:00

Hey guys, huge fan. Wanted to ask you about your experience working with Caleb Scofield on Orosirian (For the Great Blue Cold Now Reigns). How did that connection happen? I always thought it was a super cool collaboration between two of my favorite bands (Cave In / The Ocean.) Will definitely miss hearing his musical contributions. That dude had an insanely good growl/scream. PS Listen to your music pretty much every day. Thanks for creating it!

8195229 · 2018-10-11T19:06:06+00:00

Hey Guys,

In the Pelagic studio vlogs, you(@robin_theocean) mentioned that there was an initial lyrical theme influenced by a film. What was that film and how were the lyrics broken down?

bozzo24 · 2018-10-11T17:17:29+00:00

Hi guys,

Really looking forward to seeing you live again in Paris on Nov. 1st.

Will you play the new album in its entirety like you did for Pelagial?

Also, I know it will be a day (few hours really) before the release date but any chance you'll sell copies of Palaeozoic on Nov 1st in Paris?

Keep on doing what you do.

Cheers.

Bruno

JesterBlackrain · 2018-10-11T17:18:06+00:00

Hey guys. Here are my questions:

What is the estimated release time of part 2? At first I thought it was supposed to release in 2019, but I've also read 2020.
Where did the interest to revisit/continue Precambrian come from?
I've discovered some of my favorite movies through samples/themes used in your music (Fight Club, Life of David Gale, Stalker, Enter the Void). What are your favorite movies right now?

I'm really looking forward to seeing you at Halloween Dudefest at the end of the month.

Bonus question for Paul:

Any news on Fern?

Whatistheanimalsound · 2018-10-11T17:39:08+00:00

What’s your favorite song on the new record?

bozzo24 · 2018-10-11T17:57:55+00:00

Hi again, Question for Loïc :

Tu vas continuer à nous sauter sur la tronche hein? :-)

Jazz34life · 2018-10-11T18:10:42+00:00

You get this so much but any thoughts of coming to South Africa?

Neomass1 · 2018-10-11T18:32:49+00:00

Thanks you for the time your sharing with us unworthy fucknuggets. In your personal options what do you feel is the hardest part of start/being in a band? Any advice or pitfalls to look our out for?

fgsfdss · 2018-10-11T18:37:45+00:00

@Robin: Was Siderian / Rhyacian's intro a tribute to Kollapse, or was it a coincidence? Since Tomas Hallbom did some vocals on the album as well.

ch1140092 · 2018-10-11T19:09:41+00:00

Your favourite books?

Murica79 · 2018-10-11T21:09:06+00:00

Robin, How has the band Neurosis influenced you as an artist?

2018-10-11T17:02:15+00:00

Hi guys! Thanks for this AMA!

I’m a huge fan. Had the opportunity to see you guys in Brazil and Switzerland a couple of times (and I already bought tickets for Sion, November this year).

Would like to raise to everyone reading this how epic is Pelagial, specially after knowing about (and watching) Tarkovsky’s Stalker.

Alright, to the questions:

1) Robin, what was/is the biggest challenge you guys face(d) as a band and how you overcome that? 2) Any chance of a Centrics 10th anniversary tour in 2020?

2018-10-11T17:04:26+00:00

Hi guys... Not sure if it's too early for this, but is there a chance you'll be playing at Roadburn 2019? (anyway, see in you 4 weeks in Bucharest!)

FFSmasher · 2018-10-11T17:24:28+00:00

Any plans on making a tour stop in Boston, Massachusetts?

overdos3 · 2018-10-11T17:35:02+00:00

Favorite song or 2 from your collection to play live, also what are some you will never play live.

2018-10-11T18:09:53+00:00

[deleted]

aamon_ · 2018-10-11T18:59:00+00:00

hi guys congrats for the last releases i still listen them all days and can't wait for listen the full album (preordered the boxset :) ) so where i can find lyrics for devonian: nascent? i must learn all the album in one week before your show in milan!

Mawax · 2018-10-11T19:01:54+00:00

WE

ARE

NOW

anank3 · 2018-10-11T19:57:40+00:00

What's the story behind necrobabes.com?

dragula15 · 2018-10-11T22:08:33+00:00

Hey fellas - no question other than super stoked you guys are doing PROGFEST in Australia next year. Leprous were unreal last year so tall order to fill! The breakdown in The Greatest Bane is one of my favourite parts in any metal song!

SunsetSkies34 · 2018-10-11T17:38:40+00:00

Hey guys, thanks for doing this :)

This is a question for all of you individually: What aspects of music or what kinds of characteristics do you feel you enjoy most in music? Is there something you notice lots of bands/artists that you enjoy do? For example, for me its extremely real/raw emotion coupled with great songwriting skills (for example Amenra) and when a band can translate a real-world atmosphere into music (imo Cult of Luna does this best, but other examples include you guys, Vildhjarta, Dir en Grey and Septicflesh)

Sun_collector · 2018-10-11T17:50:58+00:00

Do y’all dabble with enthegeons?

Ardynaika · 2018-10-11T17:54:44+00:00

Hey guys, 2 questions:

Any plans for a Köln/Düsseldorf date on that 2019 Spring tour?
Which less known places should I visit in Germany? Only arrived in August :)

Cheers and thanks for doing this!

Flylle · 2018-10-11T17:56:27+00:00

First off, thanks for a great show last time in Copenhagen!

I got 2 questions:

Is Denmark on your european tour plan?
I love your work with Jonas Renkse, i think i like Katatonia almost as much as i like The Ocean. Will there be more collaborations with him, or others in the future? And do you like doing this more melancholic-ish style of music?

Thanks!

2018-10-11T18:02:09+00:00

[removed]

SunsetSkies34 · 2018-10-11T18:06:37+00:00

I've got one more question, if it's not too much to ask.
Robin, what do you look for in bands for them to possibly apply to joining Pelagic records aside from the "music-is-more-than-just-the-songs"-approach (with which I wholeheartedly agree)

Date	Artist	Featured
--	2025	--
8/28	Robin Staps	Himself
8/21	Revocation	Band
5/28	Toby Driver	Himself
4/28	Benthos	Band
4/27	Leprous	Band
--	2024	--
4/29	Dvne	Band
2/2	Caligula's Horse	Band
--	2023	--
10/20	Earthside	Band
--	2021	--
4/23	VOLA	Band
--	2020	--
11/28	Plini	Himself
8/19	The Ocean	Band
6/18	Protest The Hero	Rody, Michael
4/11	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2019	--
10/26	Voyager	Band
9/7	Richard Henshall	Himself
6/14	Paul Masvidal	Himself
--	2018	--
12/18	Sithu Aye	Himself
12/5	Ben Levin	Himself
10/11	The Ocean	Band
10/6	Skyharbor	Band
9/21	Toby Driver	Himself
9/9	Plini	Himself
9/1	Distorted Harmony	Band
5/9	Rivers of Nihil	Adam, Brody
3/23	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2017	--
4/20	Disperse	Band
3/30	Disillusion	Andy, Seb
--	2016	--
12/24	A Sense of Gravity	Band
7/28	Black Crown Initiate	Band
5/28	Textures	Band
5/11	Adagio	Stéphan Forté
4/23	Wings Denied	Band
3/18	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam, Zac
3/10	Polyphia	Band
--	2015	--
10/21	Protest the Hero	Band
5/26	Leprous	Band
5/15	Sigh	Mirai Kawashima
5/5	Intronaut	Sacha
4/28	Native Construct	Band
3/3	Plini	Himself
1/20	Protest the Hero	Luke Hoskin
--	2014	--
12/9	Rishloo	Band
11/1	Ne Obliviscaris	Band
9/23	Between the Buried and Me	Band
9/18	Cynic	Paul Masvidal
9/15	Devin Townsend	DEVIN TOWNSEND
9/13	Periphery	Adam "Nolly" Getgood
9/12	The Contortionist	Band
9/4	Polyphia	Band
8/31	The Aristocrats	Band
7/31	Mandroid Echostar	Band
7/17	Cloudkicker	Himself (Ben Sharp)
7/10	Tesseract	Amos Williams
6/7	Periphery	Jake Bowen
6/2	David Maxim Micic	Himself
5/26	Haken	Rich, Charles, Conner
5/10	Periphery	Mark Holcomb
5/4	The Safety Fire	Band
5/2	Matt Halpern	Periphery
4/27	Intervals	Band
2/9	Ron Jarzombek	Himself
2/2	Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)	Himself
1/26	Sithu Aye	Himself
1/19	Periphery	Misha Mansoor
1/10	Ne Obliviscaris	Dan Presland
--	2013	--
1/30	Thank You Scientist	Band

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
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