Band keeps its identity amid changing music scene, says Brandon Saller
Brandon Saller, vocalist for metalcore band ATREYU, told radio hosts Kevin Harris and Lisa Wills that the group has deliberately resisted chasing short-lived trends while marking new milestones in their live shows.
Speaking in a recent interview, Saller reflected on how the music industry’s “content era” has shifted what gains attention, yet he said ATREYU has mostly chosen to remain focused on its established sound rather than repeatedly retool for the moment. He described that approach as a conscious choice the band has maintained since its early days.
"But there's still so much to accomplish, and we're still checking things off the list, and I think that in itself is a beautiful thing."
Saller said the band members are surprised and gratified to still be performing at a high level more than three decades after they began. He noted, however, that the group does not feel finished — rather, they continue to set goals and seek growth as artists in their early 40s.
Live production milestone: pyrotechnics
Among the recent developments Saller highlighted was ATREYU’s introduction of pyrotechnics into their festival appearances. He said the band’s first few shows featuring live pyro were like “kids in a candy store,” emphasising the excitement and novelty of adding that element to their performances.
- Artistic stance: The band has chosen to maintain their core identity rather than chase fleeting genre trends.
- Career outlook: Members report sustained hunger and ambition despite long tenure.
- Live shows: The band recently performed with pyrotechnics for the first time.
Reflection on early years and advice to younger self
Saller also offered a candid reflection on his early mindset in the late 1990s, when he said he paid more attention to how he looked and reacted to external feedback. He suggested that, in hindsight, he might have worried less about perception and cared less about fitting in — an observation he framed as part of the band’s personal and collective growth.
The interview gives a snapshot of a group that has navigated the shifting terrain of popular music while keeping long-term momentum. Saller’s comments combine a celebration of recent achievements with an eye to future ambitions, suggesting ATREYU intends to keep evolving on their own terms.
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Industry challenge | Content-era trends; fleeting "flavours of the week" |
| Band approach | Maintain ATREYU identity; avoid chasing trends |
| Recent milestone | First performances with pyrotechnics |
| Outlook | Still seeking growth; goals remain to be checked off |
For fans in Brandon and across Manitoba who follow touring metal and rock acts, Saller’s remarks may signal the kind of renewed ambition that often precedes expanded touring plans or new live production elements. While no tour dates or releases were announced in the interview, the combination of sustained artistic energy and fresh live staging could influence future festival bookings and regional concert opportunities.
As the music industry continues to shift around short attention spans and rapidly changing trends, ATREYU’s approach — as described by Saller — offers one example of a band choosing long-term continuity over short-term reinvention.
