Exorcism Site Recording: Friend of a Friend’s Horror Album
Amidst eerie echoes and spectral whispers, Friend of a Friend crafted “Desire!”—an album born within the walls of a haunted house. The Chicago-based band, Claire molek and Jason Savsani, unknowingly recorded their latest project in the infamous Watseka Wonder, a location steeped in paranormal history, adding a chilling layer to their music album creation. Discover how the haunted house influenced tracks like “Gloria,” and how they captured ghostly sounds for their unique sonic landscape.Even with unsettling elements, the band persevered, and their latest album, informed by this otherworldly collaboration, is a testament to the power of music. Learn about this exclusive story from News Directory 3, including what the band plans to do for their next album. Discover what’s next …
Friend of a Friend’s New Album Born in Haunted House
Chicago-based band friend of a Friend,comprised of Claire Molek and Jason Savsani,stumbled into the experience of a lifetime while recording their latest album,Desire! The duo,who connected through a mutual friend during the COVID-19 pandemic,found themselves making music in one of America’s most infamous haunted houses without initially knowing its history.
molek, an arts dealer and former choir singer, and Savsani, a guitarist and tech entrepreneur, quickly bonded over shared musical tastes and a similar drive. they channeled influences from Beach House, PJ Harvey, and Radiohead into their unique sound, releasing three albums in as many years. Their latest project took an unexpected turn when they unknowingly booked a stay at the “Watseka Wonder,” a Victorian mansion with a history of paranormal activity.
The band sought a location closer to home after recording previous albums in Nashville and Joshua Tree. They wanted a place with character, a decent kitchen, and enough space for their producer and drummer. The Airbnb listing seemed perfect, despite a few cryptic reviews.Molek recalls seeing comments like, “I really wish I would have known about this because I wouldn’t have brought my children,” but dismissed them as reactions to an old house.
Savsani remembers thinking the house would have cool acoustics. Though, upon arrival, they immediately sensed something was off.Their producer, Jordan Lawler, refused to sleep upstairs after the first night, claiming he would camp on the couch instead. The band reported strange creaks, unexplainable noises, and an overwhelming feeling of being watched.
Drummer Jessica Burdeaux researched whether spirits could attach to a person before entering a haunted location. Savsani, who believes he stayed in the former bedroom of a possessed girl, found it tough to sleep. He spent nights recording in a cork-lined room, feeling phantom brushes against his hair.
Three days into their stay,the homeowner called to warn them about the house’s reputation. He downplayed the haunting as “some 19th-century spiritualists doing seances,” but admitted that townspeople might urge them to leave. Savsani kept this data to himself, not wanting to further alarm the others.
Despite the unsettling atmosphere,the band persevered. Molek said the experience became a collaborator, informing the album in unexpected ways. Sketches she had drawn for the album cover mirrored the final artwork, created by an artist who had never seen her drawings.
The influence of the house can be heard in tracks like “Gloria” and “FTV (For The Vein),” where Molek’s vocals sound otherworldly. Savsani said they captured organic noises from the house by simply turning on a microphone and letting it record the shadows.
Molek focused on creating a positive environment, adjusting the furniture and adorning statues. She hoped to create a safe space for the spirits of the girls connected to the house’s history.
After returning to Chicago, Savsani dreamed of helping Lurancy Vennum leave her room, feeling a sense of closure. While the experience left a mark,the band is happy with the album. Savsani said the adversity strengthened them, emphasizing the power of beauty and hope.
Looking ahead, Friend of a Friend plans to record their next album by the Italian seaside. However, they’ve added a new clause to their rider: no haunted locations.