DEMONWARP

Make no mistake in identity. While Demonwarp's album aesthetics might bear similarities to synthpop releases, their intense music is anything but. The band not only reaches beyond that genre, they refuse to be "boxed in" by any. The new album is 'Dominion'. We're grateful that Demonwarp decided to answer a few of our questions.

Hello and thanks for answering the interview for our blog today. We usually like to start off by asking for a brief background for the readers that might not be familiar with a particular band. Would you kindly do so?

Thanks for having me. Demonwarp takes place in the year 2666 where demons have come into our world and merged with AI. Dominion reflects the fight against power, the corrupt nature of man, the virus that the human species is to the world, and the stories from past, present, and future that capture the struggle against our inner demons and future demons. The question remains of who or what will take Dominion of this world as man struggles with self and others, where extinction is just a silo away.

The latest album is ‘Dominion’. What kind of genesis did the songs have to go through before you were happy with the final product?

The internal struggle of knowing when something is truly finished as an artist is always an uphill battle. I wanted this album to hit harder, dive darker, and represent the essence of our human faults. The first step for me is to make sure I am conveying my message and not just programming sounds. I want the message to last and for an emotion to call out to a song. I always connect with my own music and others through emotional recall or it drives my emotional state further into acceptance.

Do you think that you’ll adopt a release plan that is perhaps less full-length albums and more singles, remixes and Eps?

I like the concept of albums, maybe its nostalgic, but I like building an experience that last 30 minutes or more for a listener. Songs definitely have staying power, but albums, albums last longer. They have a deeper impact. People talk about their favorite albums throughout history and the songs that define those albums. It’s that full experience, the journey an album takes you on, that resonates long after the music ends.

Scenario: You are stranded on some island but you had the capability to put a flash drive with three of your most important songs into a sealed bottle and send it out to the world. These are songs that mean the most to you and best represent your legacy. What are they and why did you choose them?

Soul Modification featuring Jenna Cogan, Graveland, and Wretched from this album. Each have raw emotion that you can come back to again and again. From goth vibes, to metal, to harsh industrial vocals, it has it all to mosh and sing alongside your Cast Away, Wilson.

Are your songs created in pretty much the same way in every case? Do you have to be in particular locations or moods to be inspired?

Yes, I am so emo, this is my last retort. But seriously, emotions and moods should be captured. Anger and struggle are part of history and the listener or reader should feel that bond, that shiver or drive. Any location can drive inspiration as long as you observe the world for its beauty and dark alleys. Capture both at once and you have the fuel for killer lyrics and a visceral beat.

Could you give us some insight into your studio, your “tools of the trade” so to speak? How much is hardware/physical instruments and how much is based on softsynths and the like?

My Digitakt and Virus b are my starting points. Gotta thank the guys that put OsTIrus together. That is a mean emulation with some phat racks thrown on. I love reaktor library and the freedom to explore. Serum and VPS Avenger always deliver. My Boss se-70 helps deliver that old school industrial vocal sound. I try to capture a blend of old and new inside Ableton.

Some artists often engage in certain rituals when composing in the certain studio or before performing. Ex: They may like to have certain items around, They may do certain pre-show preparation, They may do things like meditation. Are there any particular rituals you do before writing or performing?

I always keep my History of Hell book nearby. It captures not just the lore, but the fear and manipulation of man throughout history, and how different cultures interpret those ideas. Beneath my monitor, Yoda and Buddha sit alongside a handmade blue mask, crafted by a family member, staring out. My creative process really depends on my mood, some days it's about exploring new sounds, and other days it’s about unleashing an idea that’s been building up inside.

Some artists have resorted to using AI for the likes of cover art and even videos. What’s your feeling on that? Do you think that it’s already gotten out of control and maybe is an excuse for lack of creativity? Or do you think people are still inserting a bit of human/organic quality into what’s being produced?

That’s an interesting question. For artists trying to get recognized on platforms like YouTube, AI can be a quick way to get content out there. A good example is the AI video for Lorn’s Entropyyy by level 101—it’s striking, but it does raise questions about the impact on visual artists. I imagine I’d feel similarly about AI music trying to mimic what I create. There’s a balance between using AI as a tool and respecting the craft of human creativity. Demonwarp also captures this theme, the battle against technology. I think it can be a demon or we will use it for good. So far... well I’ll let the readers decide.

What do you anticipate for the coming months? Side projects, shows, more releases?

Right now, I’m focused on building my live show, waiting on my custom mask, and collaborating with an artist on visuals. I want the audience to be fully immersed in this dark dimension with me when they experience Demonwarp live. Lookout for a free track to celebrate the album release very soon, its a warehouse techno floor destroyer. I really appreciate the continued support for industrial bass, dark electro, and all the incredible bands in this space alongside Demonwarp.

For More Information: https://www.facebook.com/demonwarpmusic

24/10/2024