Melodic metalhead BRIAN HUNSAKER has been releasing music for some time, as of late releasing his latest single "Lie To Me" off his newest EP. Brian himself has taken some time to discuss this release, its single, and what other plans are in-store.
1. How and why did you want to become a musician, what is it that made you say "Thats what I want to do with my life".
I was 16 years old when I heard Joe Satriani's "Surfing With The Alien" at a friend's house, and it quite literally changed the trajectory of my life. I was blown away by the expressive capability of the guitar—I’d never heard an instrument "speak" like that. I knew immediately that I wanted to reach a level of proficiency that would allow me to inspire others in that same way. I started practicing four to six hours a day almost immediately; I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do!
2. What genre do you play and why did you pick this particular one out of all the others in existence?
I specialize in melodic metal and hard rock, moving between vocal-led epics and technical instrumentals. I’ve always been drawn to heavy music because of its unique ability to combine raw power and technical precision with genuine beauty. It’s that balance of intensity and melody that defines my sound.
3. Where are you based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local acts you could recommend?
I'm based in Plano, Texas, within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. There is a massive pool of talent in this region, though much of the current scene is dominated by tribute acts. My goal is to use the foundation I'm building with my original material to offer the local scene something distinct—modern melodic metal with a cinematic scope.
4. What artists or bands have inspired you the most?
The "Pillars" would definitely be Dio, Iron Maiden, Rush, Queensrÿche, and Symphony X. But I also draw a lot from the arena-rock sensibilities of Journey, Boston, and Dokken.
5. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
I treat each song as its own cinematic world. The tracks on the upcoming EP cover everything from a John Wick-esque narrative about being hunted by unseen forces to the story of a powerful sorceress returning from exile to reclaim a world through magic. I’ve explored searching for a partner across desolate alien landscapes following an invasion, and the sleepless horror of war. My latest single, "Lie To You," is a more grounded psychological study of how relationships erode when honesty is sacrificed for a comfort that eventually destroys the connection.
6. What is your writing and recording process like?
I handle the foundational architecture—writing all the guitars, vocals, and harmonies, and programming the initial arrangements. To achieve the world-class sound I wanted for the Where Dreamers Fall EP, I utilized SoundBetter to recruit an elite team of session specialists. I also brought back my bassist, Clif Chambliss, who played with me when most of these riffs were first born. I believe in hiring masters of their craft and giving them a "blank check" to play what they feel fits the song. Their skill and taste elevate the material to a level I couldn't achieve alone.
7. Go down your array of releases, What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
In 2011, I released my debut instrumental album, Across the Galaxy, and performed regionally in the Pacific Northwest as "Triaxe" alongside guitarists George Varghese and Sergio Ortega. With my new material, listeners can expect guitar work that is tight, precise, and technical, yet always in service of the song. I’m not interested in shredding just to show off; it has to have emotional purpose. On the vocal side, I focus on what I call "Vocal Architecture"—large, multi-layered harmonies in the tradition of Yes and Journey, delivered with power and conviction.
8. Your latest EP is described as the "Car EP" elaborate for this for us?
This project is a testament to resilience. All five songs were finished and tracked inside my Ford Freestyle during lunch breaks at work in the years leading up to the pandemic. 4 of the 5 tracks were reworkings of riffs I’d written with my original band back in 2005 that never saw the light of day. For over a decade, I struggled to find the right melodies for those riffs, but after the passing of my best friend—the person who first put a guitar in my hand—the inspiration finally poured out. As a new father of twins, I had zero time at home for music, so the car became my inspiration and "fortress of solitude". It was a weird and probably funny sight for my coworkers to see me belting out metal vocals in a parking lot, but it was the only way to keep my vision alive.
9. Would you say is there a story or concept to it at all?
While I initially considered a single overarching concept, I decided instead to let each song stand as its own immersive environment. I try to get as deep into the atmosphere, lyrics, and performance of each individual "world" as possible, rather than forcing a linear narrative.
10. Can you give me some insight behind the single "Lie To You", tell me about the song itself, and it's accompanying music video.
It explores the moment when communication breaks down so completely that you resort to deception simply to avoid confrontation. It’s about how avoiding difficult truths feels easier in the moment, but it’s actually what ends up destroying a connection beyond repair. The response has been staggering—many people have reached out to say how relatable that specific psychological "disconnect" is.
To bring that feeling to life visually, we wanted a video that felt as expansive as the music. It features the band performing across a dark and surreal urban landscape—from lonely subway platforms to wind-swept rooftops—juxtaposed against the stark, isolated imagery of a lighthouse. It’s a blend of high-energy performance and cinematic melancholy, designed to pull the viewer into the "emotional stew" that the song creates.
11. Do you have any new music in the works?
Absolutely. The final single for the EP, "Final Score," is set for an Autumn 2026 release, followed immediately by the full Where Dreamers Fall EP. Beyond that, I have three more songs nearly complete and a new instrumental track brewing. The momentum isn't slowing down.
12. How about any other projects, you are working on currently?
The current focus is the long-form album that will follow the EP. Beyond that, I still do occasional live sessions and cover gigs in the Dallas and Houston area when the right project calls.
13. Have any shows or touring, planned out yet?
At the moment, this is a studio-intensive project focused on achieving the highest possible production value. However, once the full catalog is out, bringing this "Cinematic Metal" experience to a live stage would be a powerful next step.
14. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?
Finalizing the production for the EP launch and continuing to build the infrastructure for the next cycle of releases.
15. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your merch if any exists?
Find me on YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.
https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianHunsakerMusic
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