In this interview, we delve into the creation of "Breaker of Worlds" by War Gods of the Deep, exploring its unique place in their discography, the band's diverse musical influences, and the creative vision behind their distinctive sound and visuals.
1.
"Breaker of Worlds" marks a new stop in your musical journey. Can you
describe the inspiration behind this single and what makes it unique in your
discography?
“Breaker of
Worlds” is unique, for WGOTD. in a few ways. First, it's a purposeful
standalone single, which as you know, it's not very popular in the hard
rock/heavy-metal arena. Heavier music tends to still be dominated by the desire
to listen to consume albums, which I think is a great thing, and fully support.
However, I also feel as if everything doesn't need to be an album, or even fit
within the album framework. This song is epic enough on its own, and has enough
turns and twists to keep it interesting without needing the support of other
music before or after. With regard to its place within our discography, it is
an updated take on what I consider my core style that was fully on display with
our first EP, “Monsters, Magic and Mayhem”.
2. Your
music blends elements from 70's country pop, 90's nu metal, and 80's classic
rock and metal. How do you manage to harmonize these diverse genres into a
cohesive sound?
You really
don't have to… Good music always works well with other good music. All of those
genres, as well as the many different stylistic approaches within those genres,
emanate from the same place I've just wanting to exist in the form of a good
song. When you have all of the components you were using sharing the same DNA,
blending them together is not difficult at all… Nuanced, certainly, but not
difficult.
3. The
music video for "Breaker of Worlds" has a distinctive retro feel.
What was the creative process behind this video, and how does it complement the
song?
The video
for the song is an homage to a time and technology that is long gone. The
choice to do the video in this style was to create an absolutely absurd and
nonsensical visual for an otherwise pretty melodramatic/epic/energetic piece of
music that could very easily take itself too seriously if presented that way.
The video decision was about subverting expectations.
4.
You've been active for several years with a varied discography. How do you
think your sound has evolved since your first release?
To be
honest, I really don't think that it has. The reality is I have a very specific
agenda for this musical entity, and it's just getting started. Our first EP,
second EP and first full length record had nothing to do with one another
sonically, and that's by design. Those three records exist as different moods
of the band. There is no linear growth from an artistic standpoint between any
of those titles. They literally exist to get those moments recorded and out.
5.
"Breaker of Worlds" is available on various digital platforms. How do
you feel about the current state of music distribution and streaming services?
Technology
is great. The fact that you can listen to music anywhere, anytime, and as the background
to any activity your heart may desire, is not so great. Honestly, that type of
limitless accessibility to art always devalues the impact the art can have on
someone's existence. The fact that streaming services rip off artists is not
surprising, nor should it have not been expected…
The music
industry in all of its facilities has a long and documented history of
unnecessary middleman, and shysters ripping off artists. To me, those fleas
come with the dog of industry and are not unique to, or result of the digital
era. The greatest tragedy as I mentioned earlier, is people not taking the time
out of their lives to make listening to recorded music something to do on a
regular basis with no interruptions or distractions. Take an hour out of each
day, find your favorite record or a record you may be interested in exploring,
it doesn't matter what format it is… Vinyl, cassette, CD, digital - whatever is
best for you. Then take that hour and listen to that record from beginning to
end with no distractions, lose yourself in it, think about it, project your life
and your world into it and then a project back on to you what you wanted to say
to you or even needed to say to you. It's that type of experience we're losing
in the digital era, I feel sorry for anyone and everyone who is never had that
kind of connection to the music they love
6. Your
previous releases, like "Action Space Battle" and "Monsters,
Magic & Mayhem," have unique themes. How do you decide on the themes
and concepts for your albums and singles?
I like
comics, magazines and movies from the 70s and 80s, as well as syndicated
network television Showa from the same time period. I basically just sit down
and try to sync up what would be apropos for that time period, and then run
with it.
7. The
band is based in Chicago. How has the local music scene influenced your work,
if at all?
Chicago is
a city full of amazing musicians and artists, and always has been. There have
been many incredible and legendary bands and artists that have come from
Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. That's never lost on any musicians from
here. Chicago is also still a very blue-collar working town when it comes to
our music scene, so there is an incredibly vibrant and consistent opportunity
for players across all types of genres , only get out and play, but to develop
lasting connections and fan bases as well.
8. You
released a KISS cover, "Who Wants to be Lonely," in 2021. What drew
you to cover this particular song, and how do you approach covering tracks by
other artists?
I'm a huge
KISS fan *who isn’t?). They are my favorite band of all bands that I've ever
listened to and have been my entire life. I chose that particular song because
I feel like not enough 80s KISS gets the love and attention it deserves.
9. Can
you share some behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced while creating
"Breaker of Worlds”?
Ha! I
could, but then where's the fun in that? Creativity, by its very nature, is
laden with challenges, that's what makes the end result all the more satisfying
and beautiful to the creator.
10. What
are your thoughts on the importance of visual elements, like music videos and album
artwork, in enhancing the musical experience?
It’s all
relative to successful world building as far as I'm concerned. On its own, each
component may be cool, but when all compiled together correctly, it creates
something bigger than itself self. It helps establish the majesty that's
necessary, in my opinion, to function in a successful rock band.
11. With
the release of "Breaker of Worlds," what are your plans for the
future? Are there any upcoming projects or tours fans should be excited about?
We have
many things planned for the future, many things, however we would encourage everyone
listening to just enjoy what's here now as that is all that matters. New music
is always great, but never take for granted what you have right in front of you
now. My stance is that at any particular point in time, 99.9% of the world is
not listening to the music WGOTD has already made, therefore I see no point
stressing out about what's coming next. Enjoy what you have. And if you really
dig it, tell someone about it.
12. For
those discovering War Gods of the Deep for the first time, how would you
describe your band and what can they expect from your music?
WGOTD is a
hard rock / heavy metal band with one foot firmly rooted in the 70’s and 80’s
and the other foot tirelessly looking for a new place place to stand. As far as
what you can expect, you can expect us to be true to what we feel we do best,
regardless of who likes it and who does not.
https://www.wargodsofthedeep.com/
War Gods of the Deep (@wargodsofthedeep) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
(12) War Gods of the Deep - YouTube
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