Austin Peters, founder, guitarist, and producer of the Chicago-based instrumental progressive metal band Outrun the Sunlight, has crafted a unique identity for the band by embracing a philosophy rooted in effortless creativity. “If it takes effort, it’s not worth doing,” he says, a mantra that shapes their approach to music-making. This guiding principle isn’t about shirking hard work but about connecting deeply with intuitive and spontaneous decisions, letting creativity emerge organically. “When we ‘effort’ through life, it’s usually because our decisions have all been made by our heads,” Austin explains. “That really stops a lot of creativity and freedom.” By leaning into what feels natural, Austin believes the band has fostered an open, joyful creative environment, free from the pressures of perfection or end goals.
Reflecting on over a decade of evolution since their 2011 debut, Austin describes the journey as a blend of growth and constancy. “In many ways, it’s the same; in many ways, it’s different,” he says, acknowledging that the core ethos of Outrun the Sunlight has remained, even as their sound has matured. Central to this evolution is Austin’s growing understanding of each band member’s strengths, styles, and preferences. This perspective allows him to craft compositions that bring out the best in each musician, embracing individuality within a collaborative framework. “We’ve all talked about prioritizing great songs over technically impressive parts,” he shares. It’s a strategy that resonates throughout their latest work and particularly shines in their new single, “HEATHAZE.”
The creative spark for “HEATHAZE” began three years ago when Austin experimented with analog gear, developing a loop that would lay the foundation for the track. “It had this melancholic feel that I really loved,” he recalls. Building on this core melody, Austin found himself drawn to its simplicity—a stark contrast to the complex technicality often associated with progressive metal. “When I play this song now, it feels almost too easy, but to me that’s a challenge because I have to ask myself, ‘How do I make each note really sing out and feel important?’” In this way, the track embodies Outrun the Sunlight’s shift toward a more minimalist yet impactful sound.
The recording of “HEATHAZE” marked a deeply collaborative effort within the band, allowing each member to contribute their unique touch. For Peters, the rehearsal room is a place to bring his initial compositions and then let the song take on a life of its own through collaboration. “Luke, our drummer, never plays exactly what I write,” he says, highlighting Luke Angle‘s creative autonomy in developing rhythms that feel natural to him. Austin is similarly enthusiastic about contributions from Kyle Kunkler on synths, Phil Kalas on bass, and the band’s newest member, Konstantin “Ken” Stebliy, who took charge of the final guitar solo. “It’s really fun to give music writing away to people you trust,” Austin adds, reflecting his openness to the creative process and the mutual respect that bonds the group.
Beyond the performance of individual parts, “HEATHAZE” offers a unique production experience, blending in nuanced, purposefully crafted layers of sound that push the band into new territory. Inspired by the production style of Underoath’s Lost in the Sound of Separation, Austin incorporated unconventional elements like field recordings from the band’s time at ArcTanGent in Bristol, which add texture and a sense of place to the track. “Having to mix this song myself really allows me to be able to throw last-minute ideas in and test things during the mixing process,” Austin explains, underscoring how his hands-on role in production fosters a space for experimentation and spontaneity.
The band’s sound, a blend of post-hardcore, metal, and post-rock, pays homage to the genres that inspire them while carving out a voice all its own. “I love a good breakdown, a good riff, a good crescendo,” Peters says, describing the essential elements he seeks to integrate into each song. Fans of Outrun the Sunlight will recognize these building blocks in “HEATHAZE,” though Austin notes that their influences, from Underoath to Plini and sleepmakeswaves, subtly shape each piece of music they create. Despite its understated motif, the track builds an atmosphere that is accessible and evocative, challenging listeners to explore the nuances of each repeating theme.
With each album, Outrun the Sunlight charts new creative territory, and Austin hopes that “HEATHAZE” will continue this tradition by striking a balance between high production quality and the band’s authentic sound. “We care about having a big, larger-than-life production, but it’s still us playing, still has our flavor and our idiosyncrasies,” he reflects. Their aim is to remain true to their identity while pushing the boundaries of their capabilities—a task made easier by the trust and camaraderie that have grown within the band over time. “Mainly, we just all really like each other and get along,” Austin says, explaining how mutual respect enhances their creativity. With egos in check, they’re able to fully engage with the music, bouncing ideas around without hesitation or fear of rejection.
Experimentation, though not an explicit goal, is an intrinsic part of the band’s evolution. For Austin, moments of inspiration often emerge unexpectedly, sparking new directions in their music. “I don’t go around going, ‘I want to experiment,’” he says. “But I do like when I come across a sound or a melody that feels different and inspires some direction that I didn’t expect to go.” This openness has kept the band’s sound fresh and engaging, avoiding the burnout that can result from creative stagnation. For Austin, this “no effort” approach is essential, allowing the music to evolve organically.
Looking to the future, Outrun the Sunlight are ready to explore new ideas, one of which involves integrating the human voice into their sound—a prospect Austin finds intriguing. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to play with, and for whatever reason, now is feeling like the time to play with that idea.” Although the band has yet to announce specific plans for upcoming releases or tours, they’re actively writing new material and engaging with fans through platforms like Patreon and Discord. “We love sharing our music and our industry knowledge with people who are curious,” Austin says. These channels offer fans a unique glimpse into the creative process behind Outrun the Sunlight’s music, fostering a community that values both their artistic journey and the people who support it.
In live performances, Outrun the Sunlight brings the same thoughtful approach, aiming to create an experience rather than simply replicating studio recordings. “We are hyper-fixated on how to put on a SHOW and not just mime the album through our pedalboards,” Austin explains. Before each show, they discuss the mood of each song and how to convey it visually and physically, crafting a performance that’s as dynamic as their music. “It makes each performance different for us and gives us a roadmap of how to be on stage.“
With “HEATHAZE” as their latest offering, Outrun the Sunlight continues to challenge expectations and explore new artistic horizons. For those following the band’s journey, there’s no doubt that whatever comes next will be another step forward, driven by intuition, trust, and an unwavering dedication to effortless creativity.
Stream “HEATHAZE” here. Follow Outrun the Sunlight on Facebook and Instagram.
