Sutras combines post-hardcore, neo-crust, doom, and shoegaze, blending spiritual exploration with aggressive music. In this interview, they discuss their influences, philosophy, and the meaning behind their latest work.
1. Your music draws from a variety of
influences, from post-hardcore to "neo crust" and even elements of
doom and shoegaze. How do you go about combining these different sounds to
create something uniquely Sutras?
The sound and the music is just expression.
We happen to enjoy aggressive forms of that and there is a lot to choose from.
When I think of the term ‘punk’ or ‘hardcore’ I think of many kinds of bands
that sound nothing alike to an extent – but yet there are shared qualities.
With these two songs we came up with a blend of a few things we think sound
good and serve an expressive purpose. In the future I hope more of these punk
qualities will peak through and get more expressive. I agree it sounds unique
and I believe it’s simply because it’s true expression and therefore it’s only
ours.
2. You describe yourselves as a “Dharma
punk collective.” Can you elaborate on how Buddhism and punk rock ethics
intertwine in your music and message?
The one point I want to make clear is that
we’re not trying to spread a message or belief system per say. We are simply
exploring ourselves, our thoughts and our being through music. Music to me is
always more than trying to sell a song, an album or t-shirt. Which brings me to
the point that Buddhist teachings are inherently anti-capitalist,
anti-materialist and anti-racist. All the things that brought me to punk in the
first place. They both help me exist in this materialist world that truly
fucking cripples me and I struggle with it greatly. Instead of having a music
life, a spiritual life and a material life – I want to balance them into one.
3. The theme of suffering, a central
concept in both Buddhism and punk, seems to be deeply rooted in your lyrics and
music. How do your personal experiences with addiction, mental health, and
grief shape the music you create?
Many times, with these topics, I’ve tried
to bury it all, I’ve tried to numb it, and I’ve tried to ignore it. Through
exploring a spiritual answer to my many material problems I’ve come to do the
opposite and bring these things to the light – and try let them go. Addiction,
mental health and grief are all things that have affected my life tremendously
and still do. I’m not writing songs saying I have the answer, I’ve won and
here’s a self-help manual. I’m writing these songs saying I know it fucking
hurts. That’s it.
4. EP Awakening of the Spirit was
recorded at Developing Nations Studio by Kevin Bernsten, with mastering by
James Plotkin. What was the recording and mastering process like, and how did
these collaborations influence the final sound?
Frederick has recorded with Kevin a few
times and has a good relationship with him. I was very happy to experience the
studio with both of them. I understand why both Kevin and James have very full
schedules, and we plan on doing it again with them very soon.
5. ‘Deathless’ explores heavy themes
such as suicide and self-harm. Can you share more about the emotional journey behind this song and how you hope it resonates
with listeners?
Like most punk rockers – I have a job
outside of this. My job involves death and people kill themselves. I’m never
very affected by it. One day somebody committed suicide and of course I had to
overhear that dreadful, snide, “selfish” comment. After so many times you can’t
deal with it anymore but instead of losing my job – I wrote this song. It’s
dedicated to all our friends and family that have taken their lives
intentionally or by accident.
6. In ‘A Daily Reprieve,’ you tackle the
challenges of living a clear-minded lifestyle in the face of capitalism. How do
you navigate those struggles personally, and how does that come through in your
music?
My experience and observation may not be
everyone’s. People work and fucking work
– supporting someone else’s extravagant livelihood while hardly having the
opportunity to experience their own. We then get hits of pleasure through
consumerism and that often involves drugs and alcohol. Buy some cool clothing
or electronic device, drink alcohol, smoke, numb it and do it again. I won’t
ever fully escape that unless I become a monk somewhere, but I try to maintain
a spiritual practice that actively rebels against that. It’s not easy. How does
it come through in music? Well, I scream into a microphone until it makes me
sick, and I feel better.
7. You’ve both been involved in other
bands and projects, like Requiem and The Escape Artist. How have those
experiences informed your work in Sutras, both musically and philosophically?
This project ticks’ boxes for both of us.
We both have a desire to work within the philosophy of this band. I know
Frederick has always been the “leader” of sorts in his other bands and with
this he sits back more and just gets to play while I do more of the “leading”.
I know for me it’s been a very long time since I’ve been in a punk centered
band… which has always been my heart.
8. The connection between spirituality
and art is often complex. How does your own spiritual practice influence your
songwriting and the themes you choose to explore in your music?
Many people associate ‘praise and worship’
music with spirituality… which it is not. Outside that, I don’t think it’s that
complex. I think most people find ways to escape reality rather than face it. I
think that is reflected in most music that is popular. For me finding
spirituality is the answer to material problems – because one of those things
won’t go with you when your body dies. Musically I’m just publicly working
through that idea.
9. Punk has always had a strong sense of
activism and community. How does Sutras contribute to or engage with your local
music scene in the Washington D.C. area, especially within the DIY and
underground communities?
I help volunteer and organize at a
non-profit D.I.Y organization in D.C. called Rhizome which helps support
disenfranchised artists and anyone else who has a suppressed voice. I am
involved in various drug addiction and mental health recovery communities.
Frederick has done a bit of work helping feed people in low-income areas that
are often of color in his community. We do this all in our own lives. Musically
we are figuring out how to exactly do that – but bear in mind we don’t exactly
have a platform people care about. Our songs will be featured on a few
compilations supporting animal rights organizations.
10. There’s a quote by John Coltrane at
the end of your bio: “We have to keep on cleaning the mirror.” How does this
idea of purification and self-discovery resonate with your approach to creating
music?
Every fucking day that mirror gets dirty. That’s
why every song is different.
11. You mention that ‘Deathless’ also
touches on the idea of reincarnation and growth. Do you feel that music, like
life, is part of an ongoing cycle of learning and evolution?
I know that the music we’re creating helps
me understand what it is that I believe. It helps me come to terms with things
that don’t have physical answers. So therefore, it absolutely is part of the
cycle for us.
12. With the post-hardcore and punk
scene continuously evolving, where do you see Sutras fitting in, and what do
you hope to bring to the current wave of bands?
We’ve never as individuals been ones to fit
in anywhere and I’m not sure it’s any different with Sutras. Musically I do
think we have a chance to blend in with artists and bands we admire – and I
hope our message of empathy with struggle resonates with everyone who is
attracted to this kind of music. I don’t always want or need answers; but some
understanding can go a long way.
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