Stone Arch Rivals On the Making Of “Fire”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Fire" and the story it tells?
Morgan: “‘Fire’ was born out of a time that felt like the world was unraveling in real-time. The inspiration came from that overwhelming need to make sense of things, to hold on to truth and guide the people we love through the storm. Lyrically and musically, it’s about wrestling with the noise of the world while clinging to hope. There’s a deep symbolism in the fire itself: it can destroy, but it can also illuminate. The story the song tells is one of survival and clarity: we might not have all the answers, but if we stay connected, if we keep pushing through, we can get through together. It’s both personal and universal, and it still hits us hard every time we play it.”
“With this single, we had something to prove. “Fire” is a clear statement that we won’t be boxed in by any one sound or first impression. Our debut single introduced one side of us—but we’re a band with range, depth, and a whole lot more to say. “Fire” is louder, grittier, more defiant than our first single—and that’s intentional. It’s a blatant move to challenge any assumptions about who we are or what we’re going to do next. We’re not chasing a formula, we’re chasing truth and the thrill of creating something that feels alive. Every release is a new chapter, and we’re just getting started.”
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for this song?
Claire: “‘Fire’ really began with Morgan, our lead guitarist. He brought us this powerful, emotionally-charged song—complete with the main riff, the lyrical heart, and a clear sense of urgency. From the start, it was clear that he had tapped into something raw and real, and we all felt it. As a band, we took that vision and built around it together. We shifted the key to better suit my vocal range - and that’s always a fun exercise because Morgan’s voice and mine are so different, it really changes the energy of the piece when we do this. Then we experimented with dynamics, each of us layered in our own textures and instincts to bring the song fully to life, and Tommy added that fantastic organ part. But that core—Morgan’s fire, both musically and emotionally—stayed at the center. His writing gave us the foundation to create something that feels honest, relentless, and unmistakably ours.”
What impact do you hope "Fire" will have on your audience?
Morgan: “We want listeners to feel both seen and shaken. It’s a song born out of chaos. When we play it we pour our own experiences of uncertainty, frustration, and the desperate need for connection into it. So our hope is that when people hear "Fire," they tap into their own fire. We want it to spark something—whether it’s catharsis, clarity, or just the energy to be resilient. If it helps even one person feel like they’re not alone in the storm, then we’ve done our job.”
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
Claire: “At our core, Stone Arch Rivals is more than just a band, we’re a creative collective rooted in collaboration, community, and connection. We believe music isn’t just something you consume—it’s something you feel, something that brings people together. Every song we write, every show we play, is about creating shared moments that move people—sometimes to dance, sometimes to reflect, sometimes just to breathe. Whether we’re working out a new track in the studio or pouring ourselves out on stage, we aim to make music that matters. Music that invites people in. Music that tells the truth, even when it’s messy. For us, that’s what it means to be a band—not just playing, but building something real together.”
Are there any upcoming projects or releases that you're particularly excited about?
Morgan: “Absolutely. We’re really excited about what’s coming next. We’ve got three more singles rolling out this summer, each one showing a different side of who we are as a band. And then this fall, we’ll be releasing our full debut album, That’s What They Say, which we’ve been pouring ourselves into for a long time. It’s been a journey, and we’re proud of how these songs capture the spirit of what we’ve built together. Beyond that, we’re always writing. There’s a whole batch of new songs already in the works. For us, the creative process never really stops, and we’re excited to keep pushing ourselves.”
“Also, all throughout the summer and Fall we’ve got shows lined up where we’ll be bringing all this new music to the stage, connecting with our community, and doing what we love most—making music that moves people.”
