Earthside, the progressive rock band known for their cinematic soundscapes, is back with their long-awaited sophomore album, Let the Truth Speak. We caught up with guitarist Jamie Van Dyke to talk about the band’s creative journey, their latest record, and what it’s like to be on tour. Read on for insights into the making of the album, their musical evolution, and even a hint at some exciting surprises in store.
We caught up with guitarist and founding member Jamie Van Dyke during Earthside’s U.S. tour in support of Caligula’s Horse. We talked about the making of the new record, the beauty of patience in songwriting, and the magic of live performance.
On the Cinematic Rock Sound
When asked about the label of "cinematic rock" used to describe their music, Jamie explains that it’s a term the band adopted to highlight the dramatic and orchestral elements of their sound. While Earthside is often categorized within progressive music, they wanted to focus on the larger, more emotional aspects of their music rather than the technicalities that are usually emphasized in prog circles.
“We’re all about creating a multisensory experience that connects emotionally with listeners. It’s not just about complex time signatures—it’s about telling grand stories and creating a sound with real depth,” Jamie says.
A Decade Between Albums: The Ups and Downs
It’s been nearly a decade since Earthside released their debut album, A Dream in Static. We asked Jamie what the long gap between albums meant for the band and their creative process.
“From a music industry perspective, the gap between albums can be seen as a negative, especially when fans are hungry for new material,” Jamie admits. “But for us, it was important to let the music evolve with us. We began writing the songs in 2016, and even started recording in 2018, but we didn’t rush it. The album took shape meticulously, with a lot of thought and careful selection of guest artists from various musical traditions across the globe.”
The result? An album that, despite the long wait, was worth it. The album’s sonic diversity—from funk to metal to atmospheric vocals—brings something fresh and unique to the progressive rock genre.
Playing Live: The Fan Connection
Live performances have always been a key part of Earthside’s identity, and Jamie shared some of his favorite tracks to play on stage. Songs like “The Closest I’ve Come” from their first album and “We Lament” from Let the Truth Speak have been fan favorites.
When asked if the band has played their entire catalog live, Jamie was candid about the challenges of reproducing some songs live. “Some songs, like 'Entering the Light' from the first album, are very cinematic and don’t rely on traditional rock band instrumentation,” he explains. “So, while we haven’t played our entire catalog, we try to bring the most compelling live performances to the stage.”
Touring and the Future
Currently, Earthside is on tour in the US, supporting Caligula’s Horse. Jamie shares that this tour has been the most consistently successful one in terms of attendance, with enthusiastic crowds at nearly every show. It’s been a great opportunity to connect with fans of both Earthside and Caligula’s Horse, with plenty of crossover between the two bands’ fanbases.
As for what’s next after the US tour, Jamie is hopeful about more dates in the future. “We had a European tour planned last fall, but it was postponed due to health reasons. We’re looking into future opportunities, possibly in Europe or Latin America. The goal is to keep the momentum going, potentially returning as headliners with a killer support band,” he says.
What Didn't Make the Cut and a Surprise Cover
Every album has its share of songs that didn’t make the final cut. For Earthside, one of those songs was “Pattern of Rebirth.” While it was initially left off the album, the song eventually found its place due to some reworking and collaboration.
“We had written it, but it didn’t fit with the overall vision at the time. When the pandemic hit, I revisited it and reworked it. Now, it’s one of the highlights of the album,” Jamie reveals.
As for cover songs, Earthside doesn’t spend too much time thinking about them, as they’re more focused on original compositions. However, Jamie teases that the band has been working on something completely unique: a cover so different from the original that listeners would hardly recognize it.
“There’s a cover we’ve been discussing that I can’t reveal just yet. But if we ever do it, it’s going to be completely reimagined. You wouldn’t even recognize the original track,” he says with a smile. “If we ever release it, you’ll be the first to know.”
Final Thoughts
With Let the Truth Speak, Earthside has proven that their patience and dedication to their craft have paid off. The album blends cinematic rock, orchestral elements, and emotionally-charged songwriting, setting a high bar for progressive music. As they continue to tour and develop new material, it’s clear that Earthside is committed to delivering a unique experience for their fans.
Stay tuned for more updates from the band, and if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Let the Truth Speak—it’s a musical journey you won’t want to miss.
Want more? Follow Earthside on [Instagram/Spotify] and catch them live this summer.
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