Different Stages: An Interview With subtitles.

subtitles. is a two man Emo/Alternative Rock band, based out of both Phoenix AZ and South France. Jake is the vocalist, with a history across multiple genres. Alex is the drummer/demo instrumentalist, who’s worked in the industry with multiple bands and sponsors over the past 15 years. We’ve got an 11 track debut album releasing early next year, have played/booked 5 shows the last month, and are excited to take the project to the next level with this album release.

Welcome! Given that you're based in both Phoenix, AZ, and South France, how did the two of you originally connect and decide to form subtitles.?

Jake: We actually met while Alex (France) was in Los Angeles for school, and Jake (Phoenix) was living in Anaheim, CA. Alex’s Instagram posts came across Jake’s feed and he reached out to Alex that day, leading to around 20 different demo projects being put together over the year!

Since the band is a duo, but has a full band sound, what are the steps to writing and performing the music without a guitarist?

Jake: Yeah, so we decided early on that the project was something special; but only if it was the two of us making all the decisions. I personally love our process; typically I will come to Alex with an idea of a melody/guitar riff or some piece of a song, and then Alex’s talented ass will make it happen on the spot, birthing a new project haha. He does all of the instruments on our demos, before we take it into Jojo Centineo in LA to complete the process! We’re blessed to have Andrew Stephenson recording all of our final guitars on our tracks. 

Jake, with your history across multiple genres, what specifically drew you to the Emo/Alternative Rock sound for this project?

Great question! I think I’ve always treated my music like a passionate hobby; whether it was being a dubstep producer/DJ, rapper, indie/alternative artist, or any of the other paths I've taken, it never truly felt like it represented me and the music I love and wanted to make. When I met Alex, I had been leaning in this genre direction anyway and his drum style/mindset were the exact missing pieces to (what I believe is) my true calling in music.

Alex, with 15 years in the industry, how has your extensive experience working with multiple bands and sponsors informed your approach to subtitles.?

Working with many bands over the years helped me develop a wide range of skills in both drumming and production. Learning guitar, recording drums, and being involved in every aspect of the studio process indirectly prepared me for creating subtitles. as well. Before meeting Jake and forming the band, I mainly worked as a studio drummer while also producing songs for various artists. Each project pushed me to work harder, improving my recording, editing, and mixing skills and constantly challenging myself to deliver better results. So when Jake and I decided to start this project, it became the perfect opportunity to apply everything I had learned throughout the years. After spending so much time contributing to other artists’ music, I finally had the chance to bring that experience into creating our music.

Why did you choose the name "subtitles."? Does it relate to the dual locations or the communication of your music?

Jake: I have been stoked to get this question. We had been working on demos for about 4 months before we came up with a name (because we are both the same kind of hesitant, skeptical artists waiting for the other shoe to drop) and had a brainstorm session one day. I’ve always personally loved the look and feel of a one word band name. Easy to say, memorable, preferably simple. We’re heavily inspired by the band Movements also, so I tossed a few names out and we came across “Subtitles” because I used to watch some anime and it also kind of plays into the concept of lyrics and a story being portrayed through the music.

How does the geographic distance between Phoenix and South France impact your songwriting and recording process?

Jake: It’s tough! We can’t lie about that, it’s a lot of compromise and late nights/early mornings. Unfortunately the distance is one of the biggest current issues (not to mention the flights overseas for Alex). With everything set up the way it is now, we’ve got to plan multiple shows in a short span for it to be worth it for Alex to come to the US; but that’s why we’re going to get him to America as soon as the project takes off! Luckily we got to spend two months together to prepare and record the upcoming album!

Alex: As Jake mentioned, it’s a tough process, but thanks to technology we’ve managed to make it work remotely. It requires patience and discipline, but writing together has never been this easy. It feels completely effortless.

Alex, as the demo instrumentalist, what is your initial process for creating the foundation of a song before Jake adds his vocals?

Alex: I’m actually writing the instrumentals about 90% of the time based on Jake’s vocals. Jake is such an incredible songwriter, he always comes up with catchy melodies, strong lyrics, and he just never stops! You can’t imagine how many demos I have of him writing and singing, all sitting in the studio waiting to be turned into a hit. It’s honestly hard to keep up sometimes, haha!

Back to the technical stuff ! I almost always start by laying down electric guitars, or sometimes acoustics depending on what the song calls for. Then I follow with the bass and finally the drums. As weird as it may sound, I rarely begin with drums, unless I get a sudden spark while listening to the demo and feel the urge to jump behind the kit and track a cool beat right away. But most of the time, I pick up the guitar first because it helps me define the key, the vibe we’re going for, and the overall structure of the song.

How do you manage the collaborative process for lyrical development and vocal arrangement given the different time zones and locations?

Jake: Ah yes, the even tougher aspect than the geography, haha. In all honesty, it is tough but even our sleep schedules blend perfectly to give us a window of time a few nights a week. Typically I  will stay up until 11 pm or midnight when we start our sessions, and then I’ll get off the call around 4 am. In Alex’s time, that means he’s up early at 8 am or 9 am, so definitely a give and take on both sides to make it work! We’re both dedicated to this project though and are pretty much brothers so it makes it easier for us.

Which artists or bands would you cite as the most significant musical influences on the subtitles. sound, and how do those influences manifest in your new album?

Jake: Oh man. So for me, I would have to put Title Fight, Movements, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and The Plot In You as some of my personal influences (mainly vocally and songwriting style).

Alex: On my end, and more specifically regarding my drumming influences, I drew a lot of inspiration from bands like Sum 41, Blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Foo Fighters.

Congratulations on the debut album! Without giving too much away, what is the central theme or mood that ties the record together?

Jake: I actually was thinking about this the other day! Honestly, I took a step back and I would say that this album really represents the different stages of grief. I literally pulled my car over and googled them, then went into the files and thought hm… somehow the album gave itself its own meaning. The mood really spans lyrically and energy-wise but I will say that you can tell every song is a subtitles. song!

What was the biggest challenge in completing an 11-track album as a two-person band?

Jake: I’m going to be honest man, I am blessed to not have to worry about two extra opinions on how the songs should come out hahaha. Alex is a true blessing in that we have the exact same thought process between production, edits, ideas for new music; it is truly all much easier having the two of us. That being said, with it just being the two of us and Alex living in France it was a large cost financially (and split between two instead of four) and time to get the album done, where it would have been cake if we both lived together but hey, that’s showbiz baby.

Could you share the story behind the track you are most excited for listeners to hear?

Jake: Yeah, we are stoked on all of these new songs coming out, but my pick would have to be “Nobody Knows” which is our album closer. This song actually started out as a much different version when it was a demo, it was a bit more grunge and just kinda eh, but then after a year of it sitting in the vault we made some progress. It wasn’t until we got to the studio in LA that we had a lightbulb idea that made this track truly have one of the coolest energy switches that I’ve even heard, let alone been a part of.

What specific goals are you hoping to achieve when the album is released early next year?

Jake: We would really love for this album to get to the real fan base that could use some help through tough times. We make really raw and emotion driven music that a lot of people could relate to and I’m stoked to see this project even grow to where we are. That being said, WE WANNA TOUR BABY! We’re really excited to be getting booked so much and we want to give Alex a truly good reason to be over here for a few months next year! Also we’re really looking to get some more sick merch going for the fans too!

What has been the biggest logistical challenge you've faced so far in coordinating live shows, particularly given your trans-continental situation?

Jake: Yeah, that has unfortunately gotten us to where we have only played a few times. After getting a few shows down, we’ve decided to make as many shows work as a duo as we are able to and I’ll just play the fill in shows solo representing the band! It’s tough but that’s why we want to get a tour going so we can truly chase the dream like we want to. That being said, the two shows we played together were absolutely seamless (even with never having even rehearsed the songs live together prior to the shows) and we can’t wait to headline this Phoenix show December 8th at Rebel Lounge! Alex is making the flight back for our debut headline show so it’s going to be a great time!

If you could open for any band, past or present, who would it be and why?

Jake: Oh man… so many answers to this question but.. I would have to say The Story So Far because the energy at those shows is impeccable. Jojo, our producer, actually said that I have a similar performance style to Parker (massive compliment). Our second album is looking like it’s going to end up with a little more of that punk energy too so who knows, maybe we’ll get on with No Pressure (Parker’s new band).

Alex: Either Sum 41 or Blink-182, because those were the two bands that started it all for me and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in the music industry.

How is the vibe different between Arizona and France, musically speaking?

Jake: So there’s obviously quite a bit more people in the US that are geared toward English speaking music, and then more of a classical music feel to South France (like massive coliseums with opera and orchestral productions), but outside Alex’s area we have actually gained a decent sized international fan base! Even if some people don’t know exactly what we’re saying, they can feel what we’re saying through the music apparently!

Alex: As Jake said, people in the US will most likely connect with our lyrics right away and feel the message of the song, with the instrumental enhancing that experience. In contrast, for most listeners in France, the first thing they’ll latch onto is the melody of the vocals and the instrumental. The lyrics usually come later simply because English isn’t their primary language.

Alex, what is one piece of advice you’ve carried over from your past industry experience that has been crucial for managing subtitles.?

Alex: Be organised, disciplined, and most of all patient. Life is a marathon not a sprint!

What is one misconception people might have about a two-person band, and how does subtitles. prove that misconception wrong?

Jake: Yeah, definitely the idea that it’s easier to have 4/5 opinions on the track’s direction vs one French version of you that makes the same “WHOA” face when we both hear something sick and immediately agree on it haha. We both fill our half of the project perfectly and working with Jojo and Andrew is truly just the best possible outcome for what we both have in our heads.

Beyond the album release, what is the immediate next goal you’re working toward in 2026?

Jake: Just getting subtitles. spread everywhere! We want to play in as many cities as possible and make as many friends along the way as we can! I personally would love to organize a “subtitles. and friends” festival by 2030 with all of the sickest bands in our genre! (We’re not copying you Hawthorne Heights, we promise - but we do love you haha.)

As you look to take the project to the next level, what does that "next level" look like in terms of touring and recording?

Yeah, so we’re already starting to put the second album together as we get the first album finalized and mixed and mastered. I think we are both very mindful and self conscious, but with that being said we both genuinely feel like this album could change things for us. We would really love to be on a support role of a larger tour by the end of 2026, and onto a few festivals by the summer of 2027! (Warped, we’re coming for you.)

Anyone you’d like to thank?

Jake: YES! First off I’ve got to thank Alex for being an amazing partner in this all. He’s truly the best thing that has happened to me in a long time, pause, but he really does help me believe that this is a special thing that we’re creating. Next up we’ve got to give a huge shoutout to our man Jojo Centineo (@jojocentineo) out of Los Angeles, our mastermind behind the production, mixing, mastering, and just overall wealth of knowledge that he’s been gracious enough to give us. If you need a project done right, hit him up! Andrew Stephenson (@soundslikelotus), our brother on the strings for the project; thank you man. Like we’ve said, this project was truly pushed to another level and beyond by the help of Andrew’s playing and innovation that had us both stank face the whole week haha, he will be one of the top session players in the world some day soon, mark my words. Neil Engle (@neilioengle), thank you for the work you put in on the drums my man! It was a great time in that studio and the drums came out so clean, all thanks to you! And lastly (sorry) thank you to every fan who has been a part of this along the way. We are going to do something big with this band and the whole world is invited to the party, so thank you for being the earliest fans of us; it means the world!

Alex: A big shoutout to our crew, Jojo Centineo, Andrew Stephenson, and Neil Engle for bringing their best art to this project.Thank you to my mentors, Lynn Vartan, Vonetta Mixson, and Alan Waddington who helped me shape the entrepreneur I am today and encouraged me to pursue my career in this industry. Thank you to my incredible family for always being supportive and believing in me. And last but not least, thank you to all the fans for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to show you guys what’s coming up!

Links:

Instagram: @subtitles_official 

Tiktok: @subtitlesband

On all streaming platforms @subtitles