Founded: 2011
Hometown: B… Read Full Bio ↴bandcamp | facebook | twitter | merch store
Founded: 2011
Hometown: British Columbia, Canada
Genre: Progressive Metalcore | Djent | Groove Metal | Hardcore
Record Label: None
Contact Info | Bookings
Andrew Baena - abaena@sfu.ca
Band
Andrew Baena >> Guitar | Programming | Vocals
Nigel Tung >> Guitar
Andrew "Roosie" Roosdahl >> Bass
Dallas Turner >> Drums
Trevor Pewarchuk >> Vocals
Cooper Lagace >> Guitar
Biography (nzrock.com)
Hailing from BC, Canada GALACTIC PEGASUS started out as the solo project of Andrew Baena in 2011. Since then the band has built a built a loyal following via Youtube videos such as the tongue-in-cheek ‘How To Get Signed To Rise Records’ (viewed an impressive 430,000 times and counting!), covers of mainstream artists like SKRILLEX, and original tracks.
It’s been a busy second half of 2012 for GALACTIC PEGASUS. In September the band released a debut EP ‘Mirages’ boasting five tracks of brutal bass drops and djent groove hooks. The line-up is now six members strong, has been playing live shows, just released a music video for the ‘Smashing’, and writing is underway for a debut album. Andrew Baena caught up with NZRock to discuss the GALACTIC PEGASUS story so far…
NZRock: GALACTIC PEGASUS started life as a one man band but now there are 6 of you. With the new music you’re working on is it a collaborative effort or is there still one person coming up everything?
Baena: With the new material, we are trying to make it a lot more of a collaborative effort. The EP was half written entirely by me, before the band came together, so it’s definitely going to sound a bit different next time around. I think that our track ‘Smashing’ is the most like what the newer material has been sounding like.
NZRock: How did the current line-up come together?
Baena: The current line-up has been in the making over the past 4 months. After we played our first live show, I knew that I wanted to take the project farther and become a full band. So I began talking with other people in the scene who I thought were talented, and who displayed interest in the project. Nigel was the first member to officially join. Roosie (Andrew) had been filling in on bass for our few live shows, and he also decided to stick around as a permanent member. Same thing for Dallas, he was the fill in drummer for a few shows and we decided to ask him to join. Trevor was friends with Roosie and Nigel, and they introduced me to him. We played around with the idea of having two vocalists and we eventually decided that we liked the idea, and added him to the line up just before recording vocals for the EP. Cooper is actually in Dallas’ other band, and he filled in for a couple of shows, so we asked him to join as well.
That was a cool idea releasing the instrumental version of your Mirages EP. It’s a totally different experience without vocals. What was your reason for doing it?
Baena: I’ve always had an appreciation for bands who released instrumental versions of their albums, such as PERIPHERY, TESSERACT, etc. So it felt only natural to do the same. I also thought that by releasing it instrumentally, people would be more inclined to do vocal covers, which would help spread our music even more.
‘.EXE’ has to be one of the catchiest intros I’ve heard in a long time. How are you going to out-do those bass drops when it comes to the new album?
Baena: Haha, I’m not sure! That song, well, the whole EP has a pretty ridiculous amount of bass-drops. ‘.EXE’ was written as a way to test glitch sounding drums and guitars actually, and it came out great. We haven’t really made any new ‘intro’ songs or ideas like that yet, but we’re always looking to out-do ourselves!
How far into recording your debut album are you and what’s the new material sounding like compared to your EP?
Baena: We have three main song ideas at the moment. Two are near completion and one is in the beginning stages still. Each of our members has their own folder full of ideas that we are ready to use and explore in due time. The new material so far has been more central around odd time signatures and grooves, while still employing lots of melody. Oh, and you can expect to hear some new stuff that we didn’t do on the EP, such as bass sweeps, and maybe even a ‘beat-down.’ (Inspiration from Sworn In)
Does the new album have a title yet and how long until we get to hear any of the new songs?
Baena: We don’t have a title for the new album yet. We’re also not sure how long till we release something new, since our EP is barely 2 months old. We’ll probably start playing the new stuff at live shows as we complete them, but we’ll see.
Chris Thomas from Vision Studios mixed and mastered your EP. Will you be working with him again on the new album?
Baena: We were all very happy with the work he did with us for our debut. He is the one that taught me most of what I know about mixing so it made sense to go with him. As for working with him on future releases, I’d love to!
You’ve done some interesting covers from music outside the metal genre like SKRILLEX and KATY PERRY… you’ve even done the Power Rangers theme song… and gone gangnam style. What made you pick that music in particular and what else are you planning on djentifying in the near future?
Baena: If you have ever heard of ‘Clocks,’ he was the one that started doing the katy perry djent covers. I was always fascinated by his work and I wanted to do something similar, and it ended up being something that I had a lot of fun doing! Also, working with For Salvation helped a lot too, since he is into that kind of stuff haha. We usually pick songs that are popular at the time, and we know will generate a lot of views, but are also fun to play with. As for the future, we have another Ellie Goulding song in the works at the moment!
Those covers have done really well on Youtube. 94,000 for the gangnam style vid and over 200,000 for ‘Cinema’ originally by SKRILLEX. Not taking away from your awesome work on the Mirages EP but do you think those covers have done a lot to boost the profile of GALACTIC PEGASUS as well?
Baena: I definitely think that they helped get the Galactic Pegasus name out there. I think a lot of our fan-base comes from those videos, and we hope that they stick around and check out and dig our original material as well.
How’d you get onto working with For Salvation on your cover songs?
Baena: He actually posted on my wall about a year ago asking to use one of my instrumental covers, along with a link to a sample of his vocals. I was really impressed and asked him if he wanted to work on a cover with me (2012 – The Word Alive). He was interested, and ever since then, he’s been my go-to guy any time I need some clean vocals! He also is very much responsible for picking which pop songs we cover usually.
‘How to get signed to Rise Records’ was just pure genius and I see that you’ve even added it to your live set. Have you heard any feedback from the label about it?
Baena: I haven’t heard any feedback directly, but I find it hard to believe that Rise hasn’t seen it, since people were spamming there walls with it when I first released it haha. I’ve also heard some stories of bands making references to it when playing live, such as ‘Like Moths to Flames.’
When it comes to covers you’re able to turn around new recordings quite quickly. Where’d you learn to record and mix your own material and what gear do you use? (guitars / software etc)
Baena: I actually have not had any formal education in recording. Everything that I know how to do, is from asking questions to people that I look up to, or just browsing forums collecting tips from users. Chris Thomas from Depths/Vision Studio played a large part in that. He was/is always willing to give me tips on how to improve my mixes. I record everything in Reaper. My guitar is an Ibanez RG7321 with crunch lab and liquifire pickups, and the bass is an Ibanez SR505BM. Both are recorded using a line 6 POD Studio GX that I use as a DI box to record the signals dry. I then apply all digital amp modelling; guitar pro, ezmix, and CLA guitar.
Are you guys planning to tour the band overseas anytime soon?
Baena: We have not even had the opportunity to tour locally yet unfortunately. It’s hard to schedule it, since I am in university, and some of our members are still in high school or have full time jobs. We’d love to take the opportunity if it all aligns perfectly though!
Will you eventually allow overseas international shipping of your merch? I’m real keen to buy a Galactic Pegasus hoodie!
Baena: Yes! We are working on it, just not sure of the cost of shipping at the moment. Once we get that sorted out the store will be updated and I’ll let you know!
Hyperion
Galactic Pegasus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would’ve never thought I’d come this far.
I knew that this could be something more
I looked through the glass at the man in the mirror,
and looked deeply at the face we share.
His eyes are wrought by the weight of restless nights,
Trepidation keeps haunting his mind.
Is there a way I can silence his qualms?
I'm so scared to lose my humility
All my life, I’ve been fed by complacency.
Swallowing my words has only purged my life,
Until you came and showed me the light.
Removed the clouds in a world so dark
I am now a grain of hope
On a shore of black sand and rocks.
The road before me has no path,
Should I risk walking on unmarked lands?
Illuminate the way
Show me colors in grey
I can’t feel the ground beneath my feet
The water’s rising, and I’m almost neck deep
Shine the hope that is left
Inside of me
And I never thought I’d change,
But I never want to stay the same.
Who I am today refuses to be afraid.
I won’t let my past define me,
But I’ll always remember my history.
This hope that you’ve given me
Gave me the strength to keep fighting.
This is my conviction, and I’ll say it loud
I knew that I would make proud.
Even though I was born in a world of hate,
I followed my dreams and adopted music.
Fostering this passion with every note I play
Is a love that they’ll never take away.
They fake their fate because they are blind.
I don’t bother with them; they’ll fade with time.
Shine lights
Polaris guide me
Thank you for all you've given me
In the song "Hyperion" by Galactic Pegasus, the singer reflects on their personal growth and newfound purpose thanks to the guidance of someone else. The lyrics describe the singer looking into a mirror and seeing the weight of their past and fears weighing heavily on their mind. However, with the help of their mentor, they were able to remove the clouds of doubt and become a "grain of hope on a shore of black sand and rocks." The road ahead may be uncertain, but the singer is no longer content with complacency and refuses to be defined by their past.
The lyrics of "Hyperion" explore themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the fear of losing humility while striving towards success. The singer's journey is reflective of the struggle many individuals face when trying to break free from complacency and making a change in their lives. While the road ahead may be uncertain and scary, the hope and strength given to them by their mentor provide the conviction to keep fighting towards their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
And you taught me what I was truly born for.
You helped me understand my true purpose in life.
I would’ve never thought I’d come this far.
I didn't believe I would have achieved so much by now.
I knew that this could be something more
I had a feeling that this had the potential to be greater than expected.
I looked through the glass at the man in the mirror,
I reflected on myself and my past experiences.
and looked deeply at the face we share.
I examined my appearance and my identity.
His eyes are wrought by the weight of restless nights,
I am desperate due to the disturbed sleep and the psychological pressure.
Trepidation keeps haunting his mind.
I am consistently bothered by anxiety.
Is there a way I can silence his qualms?
Is there any potential means of calming myself?
Is there a way I can silence my qualms?
Can I minimize my own doubts and fears?
I'm so scared to lose my humility
I am deeply concerned about conceitedness.
All my life, I’ve been fed by complacency.
Until now, I've had a lack of motivation and drive.
Swallowing my words has only purged my life,
Repressing my thoughts and feelings has only harmed me.
Until you came and showed me the light.
Thank you for showing me the way out of the darkness.
Removed the clouds in a world so dark
You extinguished the darkness and allowed me to see brightly again.
I am now a grain of hope
I now have something to believe in.
On a shore of black sand and rocks.
Although it's incomplete and may be difficult, I am still in a dim and unpleasant situation.
The road before me has no path,
I cannot see the way forward clearly or the best course of action.
Should I risk walking on unmarked lands?
I'm not sure whether it might be worth it to walk in uncharted territory.
Illuminate the way
Please guide me and light up my path to follow.
Show me colors in grey
Please show me the good aspects of the bad times.
I can’t feel the ground beneath my feet
I'm unable to find sure footing and my security is slipping away.
The water’s rising, and I’m almost neck deep
I'm almost overwhelmed by the rising pressure of this situation.
Shine the hope that is left
Help sustain the small piece of optimism that remains.
Inside of me
It is deep in my heart and cannot be shaken.
And I never thought I’d change,
It never occurred to me that I could become someone different.
But I never want to stay the same.
I don't want to remain stagnant and ordinary.
Who I am today refuses to be afraid.
I'm confident in myself and unafraid of the future.
I won’t let my past define me,
I will not allow my history to control or limit me.
But I’ll always remember my history.
Nevertheless, I will always recall the events of my past and honor them.
This hope that you’ve given me
I'm filled with hope due to your help.
Gave me the strength to keep fighting.
I feel more determined to keep fighting now.
This is my conviction, and I’ll say it loud
I have a strong belief so I will pronounce it wide and clear.
I knew that I would make proud.
I knew that I would make you proud of me and what I've achieved.
Even though I was born in a world of hate,
Despite being born in a world of negativity...
I followed my dreams and adopted music.
I'm pursuing my aspirations and adopting music to do so.
Fostering this passion with every note I play
I will nurture this enthusiasm with every touch of an instrument.
Is a love that they’ll never take away.
It's a feeling that will always be with me regardless of what they do.
They fake their fate because they are blind.
They pretend to have control of their life while unaware of the reality.
I don’t bother with them; they’ll fade with time.
I don't let them bother or affect me as it'll ultimately be just a phase for them.
Shine lights
Provide light.
Polaris guide me
May I follow Polaris and find my way.
Thank you for all you've given me
Thank you for everything you've done for me.
Contributed by Nora S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Eulonda Grant
The whole EP is good, but this, Tom Foolery are my favorites. Can't wait till you guys start touring in the states! Keep up the good work!!
chrissy michaud
So glad that someone showed me this band <33 Can't get enough.
XxsuperwholockianxX
I'm very thankfully I stumbled upon this band! You guys are the shit.
Andrew Baena
I am a big fan of Reflections, but I hadn't been listening to them at the time this song was written
Thomas Rockwell
I first heard you guys when my friend showed me your Gangnam Style cover (which was awesome) and you guys are sick! How do more people not know about you?
Clayton Earl
sweet man, ill have to get to a show sometime (live up north now, might be hard! ) really digging your guys' music, keep it up! cheers
Pachenco
Best song in the hole EP, in my opinion :) Keep it up guys!
Andy Rae Hazel
My favourite off the EP !
Willie Evans
WHY HAVENT I HEARD ABOUT THIS GUYS UNTIL NOW? Quickly just jumped into my top 25 bands. will definitely be pushing this music down peoples throats
The Ivory Sleep
The titan of light in Greek mythology :). Thank you so much, your support really means the world to me <3