Antoinette Messam
We’re very happy to have some time today with rightly acclaimed and award-winning costume designer Antoinette Messam; greetings and salutations Antoinette and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we meander down the proverbial celluloid Q&A pathway, how is the latter-half of 2024 finding you and yours?
Thank you so much for having me;this fall has been exciting. I was able to have two great conversations. Norman Jewison CFC Conversations in Toronto and Black Design Collective “Pull Back The Curtain” in Los Angeles. I started my career doing shorts at the Canadian Film Center. Full circle moment.
Major kudos and accolades on your breathtaking and aweinspiring costume work on the major motion picture The Book of Clarence! Starting at the tip-top, can you explain for anyone not in the know what The Book of Clarence is about and why they should check it out?
The Book of the Clarence is about Clarence, a down-on-hisluck man who struggles to find a better life for his family while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, ultimately discovering that the redemptive power of belief may be his only way out.This biblical film was different because the cast was primarily composed of people ofcolor. It was their story, and I do not think that had been done before, which mydirector felt gave us the license to be creative with the look and colors.
Did you know as soon as the script for The Book of Clarence from writer-director Jeymes Samuel crossed your professional desk that this was a production you wanted to be a part of? What made you so passionate about being a part of this film?
The back story is that I was so excited when I got the call that I said Yes immediately. I read the script on the way back to LA because I was on vacation when I got the call. It was trust; it was a Jeymes Samual film,which was enough for me. I love his ideas and wanted to be involved in this project. It was a period I had not done before and it was being made in Italy! Sign me up.
What was it like for you to collaborate with The Book of Clarence director Jeymes Samuel?
Jeymes is so passionate about the story and the message that you want to help him bring his vision to life. His enthusiasm for filmmaking is what drives us to do our best every single day.
What challenges as a costume designer in realizing the world of A.D. 33 Jerusalem for The Book of Clarence?
There are so many biblical movies made, many we grew up on. How was this one going to be different, A Jeymes Samual film? that question was daunting, but I had to trust my instincts and listen to my gut as I pulled costumes for BG and brought fabrics…………I instinctively stayed away from over-embellished and detail-heavy pieces. That was not our world. Less is more became my motto; I wanted it to be minimal in detail. Which created an entirely new challenge, showing my team a new way to create this era that they had not done before.
Speaking of collaborations, what was it like outfitting the amazing and talented actors of The Book of Clarence, such
as LaKeith Stanfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, and James McAvoy?
It was terrific working with actors who are so invested in their character’s costumes because they understand that costumes help to tell the story. Each one does it differently, but at the end of the day the result is the same. They want to step into the costume and make it their own. James McAvoy wanted armor so much that he was willing to wear it, knowing it triggered his allergies.
Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what you have coming up costuming-wise after The Book of Clarence?
I was very fortunate to go to Australia this spring and design a film for The Russo Brothers and Director Frank E Flowers. The Bluff is a piratemoviestarring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Karl Urban. It is a fantastic action film, where Extraction meets Pirates of the Caribbean.
Who have been some of your big influences in the world of costume designing?
Ruth Carter is an influence just because not only is she talented, but she has also opened the door and shown Black Costume Designers what is possible. Costume Designers Alexandra Byrne, Sandy Powell, Jacqueline West, Jenny Bevan, Arianne Phillips, and Jacqueline Durran are just a few of the constant sources of inspiration. They do such beautiful work.
Do you find period films such as The Book of Clarence more challenging than costuming a more contemporaryset film?
Each film is different, but honestly, I find contemporary more challenging than period only in that with contemporary, there is less trust. That may only be my experience but with contemporary comes more voices. More input and personal taste that sometimes has nothing to do with the characters.
How influential has your own family been in inspiring your work as a costume designer?
My grandfather was a well-known tailor in our parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. I met Jamaican men in the USA,and my grandfather made their suits to travel abroad. He died before he was able to see how much influence he had on my life and the career path I took.He and my mother, a very talented seamstress, were such detail-oriented artists; I know that is where I get it from. I am proud to say their talent was a gift, and I now see how it influenced me.
At the end of the day, what do you hope moviegoers walk away with after checking out The Book of Clarence?
I hope they can leave their assumptions at the door and watch this film with an open mind. We made a classic; it is, at times, funny and also heart-warming. Epic music, magic mood, and fabulous costumes, lol
El Mehdi
We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed Montreal-based artist El Mehdi; greetings and salutations my friend and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we meander down the proverbial Q&A musical pathway, how is the latter-part of 2024 treating you and yours?
Thank you for having me. The latter part of 2024 has been incredibly rewarding and busy. I’ve been preparing for the release of EL KASS HLOU, a first release very close to my heart, and it’s been exciting to see everything come together. Between finalizing the single, planning for the visuals, and preparing for upcoming projects, it’s been a whirlwind. But I’m so grateful for the beautiful response so far.
Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted new single EL KASS HLOU which is set to drop this coming November 28! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired you to record this gem of a ditty?
EL KASS HLOU draws inspiration from the legacy of HoucineSlaoui. Growing up, I was familiar with Haja El Hamdaouia’s popular version of the song in Morocco, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the original was by Houcine. What stood out to me was how Haja El Hamdaouia’s version turned the song into a gentle tribute to Moroccan tea, while Houcine’s version used the “glass” as a metaphor for alcohol, which is considered haram. Realizing this was unsettling—it felt like a part of our history and identity had been suppressed. That realization motivated me to honor the original story Houcine wanted to tell and bring it back into the light. Reimagining this iconic work allowed me to pay tribute to my cultural roots while embracing the contradictions within my own identity. This isn’t just a tribute; it’s a celebration of how the seemingly opposing aspects of our identities can coexist and become powerful strengths.
You produced EL KASS HLOU alongside fellow artist SūnJùn. What was it like collaborating with such a dynamic musical force while fashioning and shaping the new single?
I first connected with SūnJùn two years ago after discovering his work through Tallisker. I sent him a demo, and when he returned it, I was moved to tears. Despite having no prior connection or much communication, we seemed to speak the same language. His talent, passion, and sensitivity are remarkable, and I believe this energy adds a lot of depth to the music. There were moments in the studio when everything fell into place.
Speaking of collaborations, no less of a luminary than Wez Clarke mixed the new single! Same question as the last, but very different artist: What was it like working your craft with Wez on the EL KASS HLOU single? What does he bring to the table that no one else can?
After spending so much time in the production process, we knew we needed fresh ears. We considered several mixers before choosing Wez Clarke. I had been a fan of his work for a while and believed his sound would be the perfect fit for the mix. Wez Clarke is a legend—his attention to detail and ability to amplify the emotional core of a track are unmatched.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates EL KASS HLOU from the distinguished competition on the 2024 music scene?
As simple as it may seem, it’s mine. EL KASS HLOU, along with the music to come, reflects an eclectic mix of influences, genres, and experi-
ences that have shaped my ear, taste, and vision of our world. As long as the intention is honest, I don’t see the need to think about competition.
In the wake of the November 28 release of your new single, can fans look forward to a possible EP or LP release from you in 2025?
While I can’t reveal all the details just yet, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year as I return from a significant hiatus after my first project. EL KASS HLOU is just the beginning, and I’m eager to share what’s to come. For now, you can expect more singles.
What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
Right now, I’m focusing on my releases, but I’ll soon begin working on the live show for 2025. I’m excited to perform live and connect with my community—I love being on stage.
As we noted at the tip-top, you hail from the vibrant and thriving burg of Montreal by way of Morocco! How do those particular roots and your current day stomping grounds inform the sound and energy of the music which you create?
My Moroccan heritage is the soul of my music, while Montreal adds a spark. Morocco provided the foundation—the rhythms, my voice, and the stories that inspire me every day. Montreal, with its vibrant multicultural energy and openness, has given me the space to fully embrace myself. It has taught me to blend and experiment, to fuse genres, and create something hybrid. Both places are integral to my identity both as an artist and human, and my aesthetics draw inspiration from both my North African and Western cultures.
EL KASS HLOU is being released via the good folks over at RENAISSANCE Records. What makes Renaissance the perfect home for you and your music?
RENAISSANCE is more than a record label—and it’s certainly not a traditional record label. Born in 2019 from a strong intuition that the global music landscape was shifting, RENAISSANCE was founded with my manager and long-time collaborator, François Olivier-Gouriou, who has been with me since the beginning. RENAISSANCE is about forging new paths and creating a community where artists are supported in both their music and their message. The ultimate goal is to eventually sign other artists and continue to pursue this mission we deeply believe in, making it a platform for empowerment, independence, innovation, cultural expression, reclamation, and boundary-pushing creativity.
The music video for EL KASS HLOU is nothing short of breathtaking and game-changing; congrats! How involved were you in the finished and overall look of this highwater mark in music videos?
Thank you. I actually crafted the music video myself, as it’s essential to me that the visuals not only complement the song but also tell a story of their own. I am deeply involved into all creative aspects of my music, whether musically or visually. For the EL KASS HLOU music video, I delved into Moroccan archives, which were not easy to uncover, and worked to reconstruct my own narrative. I’ve always wanted to use archives for a video, and this track was the perfect opportunity. My goal was to showcase my Morocco, highlighting the beauty and richness of our diverse culture. It’s meant to be fun, light, and empowering—a celebration of the undeniable swag that runs through the veins of Moroccans!
At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to your beautiful new single EL KASS HLOU?
I hope my music fosters a sense of unity and inclusiveness. My aim is to inspire others to embrace their true selves, honor their heritage, and see the beauty in the fusion of cultures. I want to build a community around this message. I feel a deep calling to make the kind of music I yearned for in my youth. With EL KASS HLOU, I want to go beyond the conventional views of Arabic music and SWANA narratives—there’s so much more to our stories than the labels we often place on ourselves. I also want to create music that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Ravengriim
Host of the Month
We’re extremely happy to have some time today with acclaimed entrepreneur, content creator and cosplay artist extraordinaire Ravengriim; greetings and salutations and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A rabbit hole, how is the latter-half of 2024 treating you and yours?
Thank you so much for the kind words and for having me! It’s been very hectic, but great! October was wild but I’m glad to have been able to do so many spooky things. Still busy heading toward the holidays but it’s good busy!
I’ve been on YouTube since it came out. I started creating on the platform when I was probably 12, when I was really into the scene style. I wish I didn’t delete those videos! I’ve always thought YouTube is an amazing platform to share parts of your life and showcase tutorials. I am definitely looking forward to making more fashion and make up tutorials and well as vlogs!
Do you study what trends are developing and forming in the pop culture landscape, or do you try to ignore all of that and set your own trends?
I actually don’t study the trends. I of course see plenty online but I don’t really create based of just trends alone. Of course, I participate in dance trends and such but with style I know what I like for myself and what works for me!
Who inspires and influences you and your craft?
I wouldn’t say any person does specifically. I am inspired by fantasy movies, Victorian era, old architecture and just gothic history and vampires really!
One of your top videos is the TikTok Dance Trend which is weighing in with over one million views – Major congrats! How did you hit upon this particular subject matter to introduce to followers and have you been surprised by their immediate reaction to it and other videos you’ve created such as Lady Dimitrescu Cosplay?
Major kudos and accolades on being on the front lines and leading the charge on the Alt Scene and on the ever-important territory known farand-wide as social media! Starting at the tip-top, can you give our everinquisitive readers the E! True Hollywood Story version of how you became such a cultural touchstone and social media star for so many different types of folks?
That’s so kind! Something my younger self would never believe in for sure. I’m not sure if there’s a direct answer to that question to be honest! I’ve always loved creating and have always done it in some capacity, and it started taking off in more recent years. I continue to create based on my interests and what I love and that’s the important thing for sure! What makes me happy is that people resonate with my content and interests which makes me feel so honored!
Along with being such a noted and celebrated leader on the Alt Scene, you’re also a recognized entrepreneur, setting trends with your own indelible take on beauty, makeup and Alt lifestyles! In your humble opinion what differentiates you from the distinguished competition on that beauty and makeup scene?
I think putting my own take on cosplays or makeup helps, again I think being yourself with regard to beauty and makeup is especially important!
Your fashion tutorials on your YouTube channel have been such a gamechanger for so many people. How did you get started on the YouTube channel and, for those not in the know, can you give them a hint or three as to what they can expect and look forward to when checking out these wildly popular videos?
I choose dance trends to do based on if I like them and if I can do them. I’m no professional so I like to give it a shot and have fun! Sometimes, they’re well received. I love to do clothing transitions within the dance trends when I can! With Lady Dimitrescu, I think the character is very highly requested so maybe that’s why it was so well received!
You truly transform yourself while performing your Cosplays! Do you feel that there’s a bit of the actress which you tap into or channel to achieve the amazing finished product of your Cosplays?
Yes definitely! When I cosplay, I am thinking of emulating the personality which is important for making videos since the personality contributes so much to the character. With conventions, I’m not usually in character unless it’s for visual media or I’m asked to be!
Looking ahead, what new and exciting things do you have coming up in the near future that fans might like to know about?
I’m excited to level up my content and cosplays of course! I’m also in the process of starting a podcast which will be super fun and exciting, as well as planning for some more and unique merch!
Final – SILLY! - Question: Favorite horror film – It Follows, The Others, The Blair Witch Project or the original A Nightmare On Elm Street?
This is difficult for sure. One of my favorites has to be The Descent or As Above So Below! This is a whole other conversation, I could go on for hours! Thank you for having me!
40000 Leagues
Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Hello there! We are well, thank you very much inviting us for this interview.
What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?
Our latest single, The Dragon Will Rise, is something quite different to what we have released before. Our previous releases have been more in the genres of metalcore, classic metal and progressive metal, but this roots itself very much in the power metal camp.
As the name suggests, The Dragon Will Rise, tells the story of a dragon overcoming obstacles to, well, rise. This is also serves an analogy for overcoming our fears, worries and anxieties, and how we can all overcome our obstacles, whatever they might be.
How was the recording and writing process?
Joe is the main songwriter for the band, he often comes to our band practice with an idea almost fully formed –and with the Dragon Will Rise, this was no different. The only part that wasn’t fully formed was the bridge section, which we trialled in several different ways before he came up with what ultimately became the bridge of the song. Sometimes it can take trialling a song live to work out how best for it to be formed.
Nathan tends to write the lyrics himself and then trial melodies at band practice. Joe also lends a hand to help with writing the harmonies for the songs.
Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?
Some of our previous songs tackled the themes of self-doubt and abusive relationships (namely the songs, Reflections and Control), while the song Reaper told the tale of a serial killer who kept trying to turn himself in.
As a band, we draw influences from many sources. We are all fans of bands like Trivium, and have been compared to them in terms of our riff writing. Nathan is a big fan of Avenged Sevenfold, and has in the past taken inspiration from their lyrical styles. Joe is a big fan of Dream Theater, in particular their guitarist John Petrucci, the prog themes from this can be seen in the music he writes. Harry is a big fan of classic metal like Pantera, and that can be seen in his solos. While Paul likes his death metal and death core.
Will you be hitting the road this year?
We have our final show of 2024 at Manchester Academy alongside Absolva and King Kraken – which we are looking forward to immensely, as it will be a fantastic high to end the year on.
We also have shows and festivals lined up for next year, however we can’t reveal too much at this stage. You’ll have to keep an eye on our socials for news on that.
What else is happening next in your world?
We will soon be releasing our new single, as well as a further single early next year. Recently, we also filmed a music video for our next single, that we are quite proud of and can’t wait to show everyone.
Additionally, we are in the planning stages of writing and recording our first album.
‘Better Gone’
Release Date: November 23rd
With heavy riffs and atmospheric melody, Horror Movies In The Morning have captured a unique sound, one which will harness your attention from the moment you hit play. After a rewarding response to their debut selftitled album, they have returned with a hard-hitting new single titled ‘Better Gone’!Set to be released on November 23rd, the track is about abandoning past traumas you are better off without.
“We mixed energetic riffs with atmospheric melodies to create something new for fans. We wanted a wall of sound to hit the listener as soon as that kick hits. ‘Better Gone’ is a track that can be listened to by fans of any genre, not just rock.
Musically it came together very organically. Chels (Chelcey) had written a song and brought it to Hammy (Andrew) and then they worked on it together before presenting it to the rest of the band. The hook was written a long time ago by Hammy but we had never found the right place to put it in until writing ‘Better Gone.’”
Digging further into the meaning behind ‘Better Gone’ vocalist Nic Stevens describes how it is about “someone who is depressed, that’s wandering through life with some sort of entity following them around, that they just can’t get rid of, whether that be anxiety, depression etc.”
Defying musical standards and pushing the limits of modern music, Horror Movies In The Morning have worked tirelessly to change the landscape of rock music with every single song theycreate. So, join the experience and
come along for the ride, because Horror Movies In The Morning are set to make waves!
‘Better Gone’ will also pave the way for the band’s sophomore album ‘Identity Crisis’, which is set to be released on January 18th!
Horror Movies In The Morningare available for press opportunities, please email: andrewd@ libertymusicpr.com
Horror Movies In The Morning can be found here:
@horrormoviesinthemorning
@horrormoviesinthemorning
@horrormoviesinthemorning
@HMITM_Official
MELON KALI ‘Flagship’
Release Date: November 29th
Ahead of the release of their upcoming, energetic new single ‘Flagship’ the band uncover how it came together “We did a writer’s camp with the band, and normally we jam together and record that so we can work that out later. This time, we wanted to try something else. Everybody came up with a word and Vivian made the lyrics out of that with melody in a separate room. Then we came back together again and she sang the chorus of ‘Flagship’, and the rest followed. The band immediately had a vibe and idea which fitted perfectly for the song.”
On the important meaning behind the track, Melon Kali explain how ‘Flagship’ is “about an outstanding woman in the club. She inspires all the other people in the room to dance but nobody dares to come near her. She is the one everyone is looking up to. This song is a nod to female empowerment, we treat all women like flagships.”
Melon Kaliare a Dutch group, featuring singer Vivian Tarmidi and producer/bassist Marc Sokpolie. They had been making songs in a self-wrought style on the fringes of R&B and Boogie Funk, which they wanted to hear more of, but it didn’t seem to exist yet. Their first single ‘Insane’ was released in 2016 and it was immediately picked up by multiple Spotify playlists.
Their first album ‘888 Fears’ came out in 2023,which is when they played their first live show in Amsterdam. Since then, the group has grown to a power quintet, with Stan de Kwaadsteniet on keys, Davy Henket on drums and Lévy Simon on guitar. The band is heavily influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Sly Stone, but also Victoria Monét, Cleo Sol, Anderson. Paak & The Free Nationals and The Internet.
Songs spring to life in the group’s extended writer camps, where all the members experiment in the Boogie Funk laboratory. Following ‘Flagship’, in the new yearMelon Kali will unleash a fresh new album called ‘Lilac &
Lime Green’. Filled with carefully sourced R&B, soul, funk, and emotion, the first singles from this new effort, ‘If You Only Knew’ and ‘Flower Fields’have been well received.
Their new single ‘Flagship’ will leave its listener instantly wanting more from the band, and on January 29th 2025, Melon Kali will appease that request with the release of‘Lilac & Lime Green’!
FFO: JAEL, Sabrina Carpenter, Victoria Monet, Amber Mark, The Internet, Anderson. Paak & The Free Nationals.
Melon Kaliare available for press opportunities, please email: andrewd@libertymusicpr.com
@wearemelonkali @wearemelonkali @wearemelonkali
Melon Kali can be found here:
These Dead Machines
Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Hey VENTS! Yeah, I’m good - happy to have new music heading out into the world!
What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?
So it’s called ‘Any Minute Now’ and represents the internal and external anxieties and how they can bubble up - something is coming - either the chaos in the world around us or something internal you struggle with.
The underlying themes through the tracks are about different kinds of loss and love, enough of a hint at hope and resilience to kind of balance it out.
How was the recording and writing process?
To be honest, it was really relaxed and a lot of fun! As I’ve been finding my sound as These Dead Machines over being in a band, it was about letting stuff happen and trying to actually finish something (over the 100’s of song ideas I have stacked up). I write and do most of the recording at home, just working in the studio for vocals, mixing and mastering.
Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?
A lot of the time, I just jam when the mood arrives and when you play for a little while and something comes from it, often it evokes a mood and latches onto a memory of something. I try and capture that at the time, give it a name and then if I end up in a place that relates to it later on, I’ll work on it more. There’s never any shortage of material!
Will
you be hitting the road this
year?
At the moment, this is just a recording project. As I’m a one man band, for now that works really well, I’d love to get out there in some form either if I find a way that feels right to do it myself or to grow a band around it - we’ll see what the future holds!
What else is happening next in your world?
I’ll be promoting the album - reaching to as many people to give it a listen, get some feedback and have a chat about what I do - slowly building up an audience. Alongside that there’s a bunch of tracks I’m finishing up so hope to get to the studio in the first half of the year and see what form they take!
Frequency Overload
Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Hello VENTS! This is Mr. Bush of FREQUENCY OVERLOAD! The band has tasked me with this interview session because I am the loud mouth with the microphone! We have been excellent! Thanks for asking! The time line has been… meet strangers to make music in 2021, become FREQUENCY OVERLOAD, play out and be well received, record an album with friend and mentor Joey Z,(LIFE OF AGONY), as engineer, and get signed for our debut album FATE ANTHROPIC, by SODEH records. All in all a ridiculous progression of a snow ball rolling down a hill! FREQUENCY OVERLOAD is Corey Schaefer on Guitar, Kevin Daily on Drums, Steve Little on Bass, and myself, Mr. Bush, on vocals.
What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?
Ah ha! Finally my secrets will be revealed. The Album name came out of using the title track as an anagram!
We felt that too many bands in the past have named the album after the opening track. So we rearranged the title “THE PAIN FACTOR”, and found FATE ANTHROPIC….FATE being the unavoidable destiny of life, and ANTHROPIC meaning “Of man”. So we really couldn’t ask for a better album title! We didn’t want to follow trends and have an AI generated hellscape as an album cover either, so I made the art as a detective board, and had it photographed.
How was the recording and writing process?
We have all been in bands for many, many years. For me personally this writing process has been effortless. It flows, it’s right, and it’s 100% FREQUENCY OVERLOAD. There are a few ways we write. Usually guitarist Corey Schaefer may write an entire song. The FATE ANTHROPIC album has his signature on much of It, lyrics by Mr. Bush. Other times it is just an open ad lib jam at rehearsal that snowballs. And on other occasions Steve Little will present his riffs, or Kevin Daily his drum beats. It has never happened lyrics first for us. Typically when the song is done, then Mr. Bush writes the patterns and words.
Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?
The song “The Pain Factor”, in particular, was written from my own experience with self mutilation. It falls upon the darkl path of self hatred, but claims victory at the end of the song.
Will you be hitting the road this year?
We are looking at specific US Metal Fests at the moment, and also a self supported short New England tour, but we haven’t counted anything out yet.
What else is happening next in your world?
FREQUENCY OVERLOAD is currently recording our second album for SODEH records for 2025 release. We look forward to spreading the FREQUENCY OVERLOAD eclectic, genreless, but catchy as hell style we offer, all over the world! check us out at www.frequencyoverload.com
Contortion
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
St1: Good morning! Stone with Contortion here. Me personally? My music career started in my early teens. I always wanted to play guitar, and finally set out on that path when I was 14. Singing didn’t come about until much later. It was more out of necessity, really. We’d grown tired of “lead singers” in the band. So, I jumped on the mic and it’s been that way since.
Contortion as a name, product, and band has a riddled & long history. We prefer to say that we began in 2013 with the “Live Grenade EP.” Being that it was the start of an era with new founding members, a killer sound, and diverse approach to music.
Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
St1: Metal, in a broad sense of the word. It’s very diverse and covers a wide range and style of metal subgenres. We jokingly call it contorted metal.
What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.
St1: Early this year we released our latest album, “The Common Thread.” Thereafter, touring the US and Europe. It was a hell of an adventure, to say the least.
Right now we are taking a break from shows and just starting to chip away at writing new music again.
All while planning and negotiating tours for 2025. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?
St1: Working in the studio with some amazing artists was a beautiful highlight for Contortion, as a band. The Common Thread features a slew of amazing artists from all over the scene! Members of bands like Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, Butcher Babies, Mower, God Forbid and more all helped influence this record.
We are planning to make this a staple of our future writing process.
Aside of that, everything comes back to shows. Lol Performing live is what drives us. Having played Knottfest & Mayhem Fest, back in 2015 was a great example of astounding moments in our career.
Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?
St1: Moreover, I’d say having to juggle so many nuanced and unique aspects of being an artist in this time and age.
I never thought I’d have to be a content creator, graphic designer, manager, booking Agent, promoter, producer, as well as a musician. Haha
How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?
St1: It’s tricky. “How do we...?” Barely. Lmao Truth be told, I should probably be studying more on how to do all this in a way that is most beneficial. But we still widely work via word of mouth.
The internet is a nebulous enigma, that evolves so rapidly, I struggle to wrap my head around what or how anything trends or get popular in that sphere.
What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?
St1: Without a doubt it’s conartists. Fake managers, labels, etc. who take from already starving artists, and give nothing in return. There’s a special circle in hell for these folks, I’m sure of it.
Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?
St1: Follow, listen, and share. If you love what we do, come to a show! Bring friends! Tell people about us, and why you’re feeling what we do.
It’s really what simple. :) Every band in history began in a similar way.
Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?
St1: I like a lot of different things. Traveling is apex. I love visiting new locations and cities. While I’m there, I tend to do a like of photography. :)
At home, video games are my go to. Been pretty set on Genshin Impact for a long while now. Haha
Where can people find you?
Thank you for having me!!!!
It’s been a pleasure.
Here’s our website here for your reference.
Official: http//:contortionofficial.com
All our links to Spotify, IG, FB, etc are on the website, but are listed here as well:
@Contortiontheband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VObHl9AXyyg2taHRh X170?si=W5tVMyhnTUWTdWfU5djIHA @Contortionofficial