Combining the grandness of musical theatre with their raw energy and passion for music, The Scarlet Opera is a five-piece band from Los Angeles that is quickly emerging as a formidable force in the music industry. Set to deliver a powerful and captivating listening experience that is both emotionally charged and sonically impressive, The Scarlet Opera’s music is a beautiful and dynamic blend of soaring melodies, intricate instrumentation, and expertly crafted lyrics that offer an intimate glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the human experience and the search for meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming and messy.

During a recent press conference hosted by 1824, I had the chance to ask The Scarlet Opera a few questions, gain an inside look into their creative process and inspirations, and also talk about their recent debut EP - Comedy in depth!

Bringing together a dramatic flair of musical theatre and weaving together contrasting elements into an extremely cohesive and electrifying musical experience, the band discussed the darker themes present in their debut EP Comedy. As lead singer Luka Bazulka explained, the title is not just a nod to the uplifting and energetic music that accompanies their songs, but also a reflection of the darker themes that lie beneath the surface.

In Bazulka’s words:

 “Like most theatrical comedies, beneath the banter and witty one-liners, lies a lesson that is so dark and aggressively human - it needs laughter to lift itself up.”

When asked about performing at The Late Late Show with James Corden, Bazulka reflected on the experience, describing it as a whirlwind that happened fast, that also left a lasting impression. Despite feeling relaxed leading up to the show, stepping onto the stage made the moment feel all too real. The band had limited rehearsal time in the actual space, but they made bold choices and leaned into organic moments that occurred during the live performance. Furthermore, he spoke about how the key to a successful performance lies in hitting the necessary beats while maintaining honesty and authenticity in the in-between moments. This philosophy is akin to that of his favorite performers in theater productions and musicals, where the journey from point A to point B is just as important as hitting the marks.

From the haunting melodies of “The Place To Be” to the high-energy rock of “Riot”, each track on the EP is a showcase for the band’s impressive musicianship and Bazulka’s powerful vocals. When asked how the pandemic affected their music and creative process over the past two years, the band acknowledged the difficulty of steering through a global crisis while pursuing their passion for music.

During the conference, Colin Kenrick who plays the Keyboard also mentioned how the experience of the pandemic only strengthened their bond as a group and reinforced the message behind their song "Alive" - to keep the party going, even in the face of adversity. As the band members navigate the ups and downs of the music industry and juggle the demands of work and family, "Alive" stands as a testament to their ability to stay true to their dreams and support each other along the way.  

Ultimately, through their music, the band members have created a community of fans who share in their message of resilience and positivity. As they continue to create new music and inspire others with their infectious energy and spirit, the band remains committed to keeping the "party" alive and spreading joy to all those who listen.

Despite the weighty subject matter of their songs, The Scarlet Opera infuses each track with a sense of hope and sanguinity, showing that even in the darkest of times, there is always a flicker of light to be found. With their unique blend of musical genres that draws on everything from Parliament Funkadelic to Adele, The Scarlet Opera is a band to watch out for in the coming years as they promise to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the music industry. If you haven't already, make sure to give Comedy a listen and experience the magic of The Scarlet Opera for yourself.