Nonpoint’s Elias Soriano and Grey Daze’s Cris Hodges sat dowm to talk about their new project, Arcade Assembly, and their latest single “Nothing’s Real,” out via 361 Degrees Records. This project was formed through organic chemistry between two very driven and talented artists. Nonpoint’s frontman Elias has come from years of hits and covering the globe, and Grey Daze’s frontman Cris has painted a music canvas from all spectrums.
This initial single also has contributions from guitarist Zack Monowitz (Filter), drummer Hugo Ribeiro (Moonspell), and EDM producer Kustom Mike Polk. Chris Collier (Korn, Nonpoint) mixed the song. Together, they are Arcade Assembly. Check it out!
Elias, the last time we spoke with you was at Rockville in Daytona, Florida in May of this year. I remember you saying that there are changes going on in the music biz. Is this part of that vision to start changing things up? Or was this just something that happened organically?
Elias: Honestly it was as organic as it could have possibly been. I wasn’t looking at collaborations after coming off the heels of three others. I honestly didn’t expect any of these collaborations, which is why they’re so much fun. Things can get predictable when you’re 25 years deep in the game, but Cris and I were working on a completely different business model having little to do with what either of us were focused on at the time.
So, when Cris asked me to be on the track, a couple things went through my head. First, I was trying to be as selective as possible with my next collaboration, so the timing wasn’t the best. Secondly, Cris was great to work alongside, so I didn’t want to disappoint him if I wasn’t in love with the song, and I wanted that to be the case. I love writing music more than anything else I do for a living. So, I was praying that it would excite me, and it did exactly that. Luck was definitely on our side with this one, and it being such a great song made it easy to say yes.
I can’t get enough of the power chords in “Nothing’s Real.” Can you tell us more about the meaning behind this song and how the writing process was?
Elias: It’s really what drew me to this song. That and the undeniable hook in the song. If you’re immediately coming up with ideas and lyrics for the song, it’s really a done deal. You HAVE to be on it. You HAVE to record it. “Nothing’s Real” was undeniable at first listen for me.
Cris: The concept of “Nothing’s Real” came in 2023 when I discovered a close personal friend and business partner stole $250,000 from me in a global Ponzi scheme that he meticulously and methodically created. It crumbled my businesses, my music production house, and my life … I was on the verge of losing everything, and I didn’t think I would be able to control my own actions against myself. The depression had reached its peak, and it was scary.
I spoke to a friend who was worried about me, and when I told him what happened, he said, “Jeez mate, I thought it was something serious!” In that moment, I realized how much identity I was putting in material possessions like money, and all of this sadness and depression was only as real as I was making it.
Nothings Real. Money’s not real. Perspectives aren’t real. When you lose everything, you can finally see that.
BUT the song wasn’t finished telling its story. I had finished saying everything I needed to say, but there were still holes. That’s when I gave this song to Elias, and he completed the story within hours. That’s how I knew …. We had a very special and unique partnership ahead of us.
Do you feel this song has totally rejuvenated your creative flow? You both seem to have such a great connection! It just makes so much sense!
Elias: It absolutely has for me. I often write music that doesn’t fit within the Nonpoint catalog, so to finally have a place to work those creative muscles is a blessing for me. I’m one of those people that walks around writing music with everything that happens around me or I hear said to me. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself brushing my teeth to a rhythm that I swear belongs in a song or jingle.
Cris: Yes, absolutely. As singers, I think we make each other better. We challenge each other, and we feed each other ideas on how to make our vocal takes stand out. We typically don’t have that; we may have a guitarist or a producer from our respective bands throw a vocal idea out. But it’s completely different working with another singer. I think we make each other better.
It’s such a wonderful thing seeing amazing artists come together creating diverse music. Can you tell us the responses you are getting from it? I see the fans are astonished and moved by this new song. Were you guys apprehensive at first?
Elias: Response on my end has been great. Fans and friends in the industry have heard my voice for the most part only over Nonpoint music, so it’s fun for them too. Fans want to hear more, so that’s always good. Hoping for people to spread the word so other artists look to get involved. That’s really our goal. To write with everyone we can looking to create music with the collective.
Cris: Fans of Grey Daze and Nonpoint have definitely embraced it, and that’s a great feeling. But beyond that, this whole idea of an artist collaborative goes beyond us two. It’s bigger than us, and that’s what I think is going to excite the industry with the things we have planned for this project.
Any advice you can give to the musicians out there looking to break out and try new music?
Elias: Two things, educate yourself, and get people around you that you KNOW you can trust have your best interest. Far too many people trust the wrong people and find themselves years later in a position that some investigating could have helped avoid. There’s ton of information online, and AI can answer some tough questions if you know how to prompt them. So, GET TO WORK, and get your dream going.
Cris: HAVE A PLAN, and EXECUTE IT. Not just for writing music, but a plan for the marketing, the promotion and distribution. If you are an independent artist, you’re also a small business owner. You’re a startup company.
COLLABORATE. We are all a part of this community of musicians and artists. Use your peers to make your art better. We are not in competition with each other. We all exist to collaborate.
Are you planning on making this a permanent project and touring as Arcade Assembly?
Elias: I think the goal is always to have the opportunity to play these songs live, so shows are definitely in the future. For now, we want to see how the song performs, what people think of the project, and see what the next opportunity that presents itself creates for Arcade Assembly and the catalog. Like I mentioned before, we want to write a ton more music, and that may bring a performance we weren’t even expecting to do.
Can we get any sneak peaks into new songs coming? And what is your vision for this new collaboration?
Elias: We have an ’80s-style Weeknd vibe song that we’re playing with that is definitely going to help me live my ’80’s pop dream. Grand Theft Auto Vice City type of vibes. I think people are going to be surprised to hear my voice over something like that. Also, we have a HUGE gamer anthem in the works that looks to be in line for a video game release next year. The song is EPIC to say the least.
Cris: More collaborations and remixes are coming! From straight up rock, to vintage ’80s, to EDM. It’s gonna be fun.
Any thoughts on 2025 and what you would like to see to happen for both of you?
Elias: Lots and lots of songwriting and, God willing, a freaking stadium tour, LETS GOOOOOOOO!
Cris: Stadiums. For sure stadiums. See y’all out there!!!
Photography courtesy of the band
