CBDB Ventures "Back in Limbo" With Latest Single May 16, 2020 14:03

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Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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While the world of live music remains at a virtual standstill due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, musicians and bands across the globe continue to adapt and explore new creative avenues. While it may be quite some time before we return to what was once the "normal" concert experience, it has been nothing short of inspiring to observe the innovation that so many artists have shown over the past few months.
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Tuscaloosa natives CBDB have been at the forefront of this creative movement; hosting weekly live streams with various band members and always staying engaged with their loyal fan base. On Friday, May 15th, the band released their latest single, "Back in Limbo," which is now available on all major streaming outlets. Along with the single, CBDB called on their fans to help produce a heartfelt, inspiring music video for these troubling times. You can stream "Back in Limbo" via Spotify and watch the full video here in this article.
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We recently had the opportunity to sit down with frontman Cy Simonton to learn more about how the band is coping and adjusting, as well as all of the details on the new tune. Check out the full interview below, and make sure to add "Back in Limbo" to your summer playlist.
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So, you guys have just released your latest single, "Back in Limbo." I figured we could start off by discussing the backstory, the writing process, and any other noteworthy facts.
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Cy: Well, it's a tune that has been on the back burner for a while. We've had the music written for a long time. With Blake (Gallant) and Chris (Potocik) joining the band, writing temporarily took a backseat to everyone getting comfortable with the whole catalogue. The original riff that started the song actually came from Mike (Sinopole), our former bassist. (Kris) Gottlieb wrote the chorus chords. We shifted some time signatures around, found the groove with the new rhythm section, and then I wrote the melody and lyrics. 
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Tell me a little bit about the song itself. Is there a good story or concept behind the lyrics?
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Cy: Yeah, totally. It's about feeling like you're in limbo. Feeling like you're stuck in between and not quite where you want to be. Specifically, it was about the member changeover within the band, and the uncertainty that came with that. It's an experience that we've been through a few times, but it always seems to produce positive results and good vibes. Now with the quarantine, we felt the lyrics were particularly poignant. "Back in Limbo" feels like what everyone is doing currently.
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So we recorded it all in separate locations from home. It started with Potocik recording drums to a live recording. He had the bones of it, and Blake followed with the bass groove. We recorded everything that way.
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That's really neat. I'm guessing you guys have never done anything quite like that...
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Cy: No...that was a very unique recording experience. We've definitely never done it that way.
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Wow. That's amazing. I already loved the track, but knowing that makes it that much more appealing. I would've never guessed you guys were all recording remotely. It has that classic CBDB sound that you guys have always produced. 
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Cy: Well I appreciate that dude. I think so too. I was really proud of everybody, and how it came together. It definitely feels cohesive. There were a few things that we changed here and there, but mostly, it was just everyone laying down hot shit on the first try (laughs). 
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That's great. I'm sure it feels nice to release a studio track with Chris on drums, too.
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Cy: Absolutely. He’s a beast. We're definitely working on a bunch more as well. That's about all I can say, but hopefully, we'll be able to share more info on that before too long.
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Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
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Love hearing that. So aside from the new release, I've gotta ask you how the band and you personally are handling the challenge of the pandemic. What has your experience been like thus far? How are you and the band adjusting? 
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Cy: Obviously, there are so many negative aspects. We were in the middle of our biggest tour to date, so that was a huge bummer. On the other hand, it has been nice in ways. I've loved being able to spend more time at home with my fiancee, Brittan, and our dog, Yoko. As far as the music, it's been cool to get back into the acoustic stuff. I've been doing the weekly live streams, which has been fun. 
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With the band, we've been writing more rapidly than ever in the history of the band. We've been having weekly Zoom calls. Shooting ideas back and forth like crazy. Discussing what everyone has been recording and, and where we see the songs going. That's been really cool. I definitely wish we could play live shows, because not feeling the direct response of the audience is weird. I really, really miss that. But yeah, I feel like in some ways, it has been a bit of a reset button, musically and otherwise. 
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Well, we've got the new single, and apparently several more new originals in the pipeline. What else is happening the CBDB world?
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Cy: We're doing a music video for "Back in Limbo" as well. That will be debuted on Friday, May 15th. 
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What can we expect from the video? 
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Cy: Well, like I was saying, everyone recorded their own parts from home. Some of us had Go Pro's and some had cell phones. Everyone recorded their parts at home, and then (Chris) Potocik made a video using that. We also had fans send in footage of what they've been up to during quarantine. So the video consists of us playing our own parts, as well as footage of us laying low and goofing off at home. Then there is a hodgepodge of footage from fans doing crazy stuff, babies dancing, and everything in between.
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That's amazing man. Giving your fans the opportunity to be in your new music video. That's a great example of why you guys have such a loyal following. 
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Cy: Yeah man. We had already talked about the idea of doing a quarantine video. The more I started thinking about it, I realized it was a great opportunity to get everyone involved. I feel like it made the video that much more interesting. It has more of a community feel. 
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I love that. Have you guys been able to confirm any full band performances? I remember you guys had to cancel the live stream a while back.
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Cy: Yes, we have. We're super excited to get the entire band together for a live stream on Big Friendly Productions' "Hunker in the Bunker" on Saturday, May 23rd at 8:00 PM CST. 
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I know a lot of people are going to be stoked about that. I'll certainly have it on my calendar. Always a pleasure chatting man. Best of luck navigating through the rest of this crazy time.
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Cy: Absolutely. Thanks so much, Jordan.
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Watch CBDB's official music video for "Back in Limbo" here:
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Stream CBDB's "Back in Limbo" via Spotify here:
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