A hardrock/metal band from Youngstown Ohio, Alteras was founded with the common belief that making music was vital to their well-being. The band’s mission is to provide music for whomever who needs it most, touching the hearts of the listener is the main goal of each and every piece. Consisting of Jacob Clasen (vocalist), Michael Dulay (guitarist), Zack Orr (Bassist) and Seth Donchess (Drummer), every member has a vital role in the band — on- or off-stage they never stop working to promote and spread Alteras’ message. Their most recent release, a full-length album titled “Grief”, recorded and produced by Nick Ingram at Capital House Studios, was dedicated to their loyal fans.

— — —

SunCity Paradise: Coming from Ohio, describe your home state a bit. What’s one aspect that really stands out to you and makes it special? Also, what’s one sight you would suggest a first-time visitor to see?

Alteras: Ohio is a pretty wild state, there’s a lot of diversity there. One thing that really makes it special is the weather. You can quite literally experience four seasons worth of weather (snow, rain, sun, overcast, etc.) in one sun cycle, it’s impossible to prepare for, but always keeps things interesting. Being from Youngstown, we definitely recommend visiting Mill Creek Park even if you just drive through it. It’s one of the largest metro parks within a city in the United States and has a few gorgeous destination locations inside of it.

© Mike

SCP: What peaked your initial interest in music? Did you know early on or did it evolve over time?

A: We all knew pretty early on that music was the thing we are passionate about. Between family, art, musical influences and friends, we all were drawn into it like moths to flames.

SCP: Did the allure of travel help motivate you to pursue a career in music? Why?

A: Initially no, but after our first tour we all adopted wanderlust. It’s definitely a motivator now, we love to explore the places we go and experience as much of the world that we can.

READ MORE: Travel Profile: Billy Canino of Thieves

SCP: What was special about your “Rookie of the Year Tour” experience? How was it to link up and rock out with the Thieves across the south?

A: The experience has truly been incredible. We’ve played a lot of new venues and experienced a lot of firsts as a band. This was really a pivotal couple weeks for us. We learned a lot about ourselves and on this particular tour we really strengthened as individuals. Touring with Thieves is awesome, those guys are all the best kind of people and deserve every last ounce of their accomplishments and then some. We’re basically best friends now.

SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you looking for a serene beach or after a more active, adventurous getaway? Why?

A: JC — “Anywhere completely new to me. My girlfriend and I have serious wanderlust and talk of living all over the world (London, Florida, California, etc.). I love being somewhere and knowing that I’ve never had the same vista before.”

Zack — “Some beach somewhere, maybe in Fort Myers, FL. My family spends a lot of time there so it has a lot of sentimental value.”

Mike — “Savannah, GA” (peaceful, historical, and awesome places)

Seth — “I would go to New Zealand, because it seems like very beautiful, peaceful and quiet place to go with close friends to just turn off our phones and forget about the rest of the world.”

© Bernard Spragg

SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?

A: It’s made us feel so much smaller. There is so much life outside of the radius of your hometown. It’s incredible to have the opportunity to expand that radius and your consciousness of the world around you. We highly recommend it.

SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they still have to hit. What are three destinations that you still need to see? Why?

A: As a band we feel strongly about at some point making or way to the United Kingdom, Japan and the West Coast.

© Patrix

SCP: Most destinations have a festival that they’re known for, whether it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Oktoberfest in Munich. Which one would you choose to attend? Why?

A: Definitely Mardi Gras in New Orleans, because we just played there recently and just missed Mardi Gras by a week! Everyone was preparing for it while we were there, we were sad we didn’t get to stick around and experience it!

SCP: When you’re relaxing on a beach or just have some downtime what are you listening to?

A: JC — the band Cheerleader, especially their song “The Sunshine of Your Youth”
Zack — Jimmy Buffett – “Margaritaville”
Mike — the foaming of my beer
Seth — the sounds of life

© James Gubera

SCP: Lastly, when’s the next vacation and where to?

A: Zack — Fort Myers, FL
JC — Port Orange, FL
Mike — Los Angeles, CA
Seth — Buffalo, NY

— — —

For more on the Alteras find them on Revival Records: