Challenging The Gods With RYAN KIRBY From FIT FOR A KING

Interview by Kris PetersMichigan rock outfit Pop Evil - as their name suggests - have managed to find that elusive sweet point between hard rock and pop that many, including myself, thought was never possible.While the band's first two albums Lipstick On The Mirror and War Of Angels laid the platform for future success, it wasn't until 2013's Onyx that the rest of the world started to fully catch on, with lead single Trenches becoming the first of Pop Evil's nine number one tracks.Fast-forward five more albums, and Pop Evil are the flag bearers for crossover rock/metal. Their music contains all of the things considered blasphemous in the metal realms with melodies, hooks and an abundance of pop sensibilities dominating the sonic landscape, but it also contains chunky guitar riffs, aggressive vocals and enough venomous intent to scare a rattlesnake.The result is the recently released What Remains, a thundering collection of arena-ready modern rock and metal hits in which frontman Leigh Kakaty opens heart, mind and soul – pulling no punches and taking no prisoners in doing so.What Remains is the culmination of everything Leigh Kakaty has fought for his entire life. It’s the dismantling of the armour he has adorned to survive the journey along the way. It’s the reckoning with the man he was yesterday, the man he has become today, and the man he strives to be tomorrow. It is at once the complete Pop Evil story writ large, and its definitive release.HEAVY sat down for an in-depth chat with Kakaty and started by asking if, after eight albums, it still matters to him how new music is received by the public or if he is more at a stage now where pleasing himself musically bears more significance."Honest answer," he stated, looking HEAVY square in the eye. "It's a bit of both, you know what I mean? Obviously, when you make music for a living, you want people to like it. But at the same point with this album, there was a lot of just me being me. It was a therapeutic album for me with a lot of mental health issues that I've dealt with for my whole career that I buried, and I didn't even realize I had buried for as long as I have. They just came out.And the band - being as close as we have probably ever been - really put me in a position with support to be able to even do this in the first place. Once the band gave me their blessing, it was just important for me to get this off my chest and just see where it went. And whether it was going to be Pop Evil music or not, I got to a point where I wasn't even really thinking about that. It was just let's just see what comes out, shut my eyes, see what my soul has to say, and then I'll worry about the album after that.And I think coming in at the time we did it, rock radio here in the US, heavy music, it was just a different place. It didn't get played the same way. There wasn't a place for it the way that there is now in the streaming world. You can have songs stream and go further than even radio singles do nowadays. There's so many different options. And with these younger bands too on the come up, everyone's been a little bit… everything and everyone seems to be heavier, and we're definitely not afraid now to pick up our guitars. It just feels like it's the right time for Pop Evil to really dive in and focus on our guitars and our tones, and just making sure these songs are upbeat and hitting."In the full interview, Leigh further discussed What Remains, which has received positive feedback for its personal themes, particularly regarding mental health. Leigh shared that the album served as a therapeutic outlet, reflecting his struggles with anger and frustration, especially in the aftermath of COVID. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in Pop Evil's music and the collaborative environment within the band that allowed for the expression of deeply personal experiences. The conversation highlighted the significance of self-improvement and personal responsibility, encouraging listeners to engage with the album's themes, as well as the heavier nature of What Remains overall.The discussion also covered Pop Evil's creative process and their upcoming tour schedule, which begins on the West Coast and includes a stop in New York. Leigh expressed the importance of expanding their international fan base while being mindful of the financial risks associated with touring in new countries. He fondly recalled their previous visit to Australia and the unexpected support they received here, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

30 Mars 34min

Interview by Kris PetersMusic is a funny beast, especially when it comes to genre classification. It can make you listen to bands expecting a particular sound but getting something vastly different, or it could also put people off listening to bands based on personal taste.Take Santa Cruz outfit Scowl, who are readily labelled as a hardcore band, but in reality offer so much more. Sure, Scowl have hardcore elements in abundance but their music also traverses the realms of - but is not limited to - rock, hard rock, alternative rock and punk as evidenced in their upcoming album Are We All Angels, which is out via Dead Oceans on April 4.Are We All Angels finds the venomous and antagonistic band funnelling their aggression through a more expansive version of themselves. It is an album marked by alienation, grief, and the loss of control. Much of it grapples with their newfound place in the hardcore scene, a community that has both embraced the band and made them something of a lightning rod over the past few years.The band — Malachi Greene (guitar), Bailey Lupo (bass), Cole Gilbert (drums), Mikey Bifolco (guitar), and Kat Moss (vocals) — formed in 2019 and broke out in 2021 with their debut album How Flowers Grow, and have been on a non-stop rise ever since. With 2023’s Psychic Dance Routine, Scowl pushed the boundaries of punk, blending aggressive hardcore with lush alternative melodies. But now Are We All Angels pushes those boundaries even more. Vocalist Kat Moss joined HEAVY to tell us more."It's not a hardcore record from a band that is a hardcore band," Moss began when asked to describe the sound on Are We All Angels. "We're a band that has hardcore, or perhaps hardcore people, in the band. And that kind of creates this really beautiful thing where we're just kind of feeling it out as we go in the dark. And that is the reality of songwriting as a whole. It doesn't really matter if it's hardcore or indie music whatever. But it was very freeing."We ask Moss about the title and if the fact there is no question mark at the end means it is more of a statement than a question."It's up to interpretation," she smiled cheekily. "It's something we talked about, and we were intending. It was a complicated conversation because to some degree it was like, let's figure this out. Let's make a decision on a question mark or period or whatever or put the punctuation in, make it something. And we kind of were like, no, we're not going to make it obvious. You get to figure it out for yourself. There isn't really any right or wrong answer there, because it's supposed to be introspective, you know?In the full interview, Kat discussed the creative evolution of Are We All Angels, highlighting a shift from hardcore influences to a broader sound achieved through collaborative songwriting among all band members. HEAVY raised questions about the album's title and its representation in the singles, while Kat emphasized the importance of exploring new ideas to create a distinct and introspective musical experience. Additionally, Kat reflected on Scowl's debut album with new label Bad Ocean, expressing excitement about being part of an indie alternative label while preserving their raw sound.She shared insights into the band's origins as a local hardcore group formed in 2019, underscoring the joy of performing in various venues and her commitment to musical growth, avoiding repetition of past works and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Mars 18min

Interview by Kris PetersSeason to Risk are a noise rock band that debuted surprisingly on Columbia Records after the early 90s indie-signing frenzy. Known as relentless road dogs, constantly on tour for years. With roots in the 80s hardcore scene, Season to Risk were hailed as “the next Soundgarden” after their almost radio-friendly first album was released. But they took their major label money and went in a new direction of screeching noise, distorted bass and screaming vocals on subsequent albums. They built a recording studio and became increasingly experimental over the years, developing a rabid fan base in the process.After a decade of live shows and four album releases, band members went off to explore other types of music in the bands Shiner, Roman Numerals, Violenteer, and many other recording projects. But Season To Risk never disbanded, and continue to play live shows when their schedules align, sometimes touring when an appealing offer comes along. Singer Steve Tulipana has a captivating stage presence in the lineage of Iggy, Nick Cave and David Yow. He stays excessively busy running several venues in Kansas City, Missouri.For Record Store Day 2025 (April 12), Season to Risk will release 1-800-MELTDOWN on Init Records. The glow-in-the-dark album art invokes 80s horror VHS, and the record includes new songs engineered by guitarist Duane Trower at his Weights and Measures Soundlab, compiled with unreleased songs, including Undone, the music in their industrial punk scene in the film Strange Days.HEAVY spoke with frontman Steve Tulipana to get the full story, starting by asking if 1-800-MELTDOWN is a retrospective Best Of for Season To Risk."It's actually a lot of material that was either was non-released or was released on seven inch," he corrected. "So that's the bulk of the album. Things that are pretty obscure and hard to find in our collection. And then there's two songs that have been… one that's brand new and one that was recorded in this century. That's a good start."We mention that it is a bold move for the band having not released new music in 25 years."I think we always wanted to…," he measured. "We never really cared too much about being mainstream. We always wanted to be a little more experimental and really wanted to show people that side of what we're doing because it's informing the stuff that we're currently working on. So I think that's what we were wanting to get out. We have been reissuing our old records on vinyl and remastered here in the States over the last few years so that's kind of it's kind of a lead up to that."In the full interview, Steve discussed 1-800-MELTDOWN in greater detail, expressing excitement about the album which includes a mix of unreleased tracks and a new song, emphasizing its focus on artistic expression rather than mainstream appeal. He shared insights into the challenges of cohesively arranging diverse songs and recounted a story about the track Undone, which was initially considered too noisy for a film soundtrack.The conversation highlighted the inclusion of past and present band members in the album, the new song Echo Chamber addressing social media's negative impact, and the band's ongoing creative journey, including plans for reissuing previous records.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Mars 19min

Interview by Angela CroudaceCelebrating two decades of making music, Mayday Parade frontman Derek Sanders recently opened up about the band’s journey, the impact of their classic album A Lesson in Romantics, and the excitement surrounding their 20th-anniversary celebrations.“It’s wild,” Sanders says of the milestone. Reflecting on how the band, formed in Tallahassee, Florida, had no idea where their musical path would take them, he describes the rollercoaster ride of watching the band's growth from young dreamers to global musicians. “It feels like it’s both gone really fast, but also does kind of feel like 20 years,” he admits. Despite the speed of it all, Sanders is deeply grateful for the experiences that have come with Mayday Parade’s success.The band’s debut album has become a staple of pop-punk, still resonating with fans worldwide. Sanders speaks proudly of the record, remembering the raw energy they poured into it and the overwhelming joy of still playing tracks from it today. “I’m so proud of what it’s become,” he says. “The fact that we can still play songs from that record and get the reactions we do is insane.”Having toured with bands like All Time Low and Simple Plan, Mayday Parade has built a rich history of unforgettable experiences. One of Sanders' earliest and most meaningful memories comes from a show in their hometown, where they opened for Further Seems Forever. “I got to sing with them on stage,” Sanders recalls, describing the experience as a full-circle moment in their career.When asked about his current musical inspirations, Sanders points to artists like Dashboard Confessional and Ben Folds. Though these influences have remained staples throughout his life, his recent obsession with Dashboard Confessional has reignited a deep appreciation for Chris Carrabba’s songwriting and vocal prowess.In celebration of their 20 years, Mayday Parade are releasing a three-part album project, with the first instalment out soon. Sanders teases that the album balances their classic sound with fresh, new elements. “It feels like a good step forward for our band,” he says, hinting at exciting new musical directions.As for their upcoming tour, including their return to Australia, Sanders shares the excitement of playing bigger shows with a full production. “These will be the biggest shows we’ve had in Australia,” he says, reminiscing about their past tours with All Time Low and the fun times spent at Melbourne’s Heartbreaker bar.Looking back at the past 20 years, Sanders reflects on the importance of staying creatively in control. The band’s journey has been full of lessons, including navigating major label pressures, but he’s proud of how they’ve found their footing. And with a legacy spanning two decades, Mayday Parade is still just as dedicated to their music and fans as ever.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Mars 14min

Interview by Kris PetersIn the little over a decade since Neck Deep formed in the Barlow brothers’ spare room in Wrexham, Wales, a lot has changed. From the scrappy, naively hopeful beginnings that define the starting of so many teenage bands, the pop-punks have gone on to be one of British Rock music’s most successful global exports in recent memory: top 5 records in both the US and UK, global touring, viral hits and over a billion streams just some of the fruits of ten years spent mastering their craft.For the new self-titled record, the band, completed by Ben’s older brother and bassist Seb, guitarists Matt West and Sam Bowden and drummer Matt Powles, took ‘doing their own thing’ – and only their own thing – to the next level. Eschewing a keen list of collaborators and producers eager to work with one of rock’s hottest properties and choosing, instead, to write and record in their own warehouse space, mere miles from where they grew up. Old school, just like it used to be.This April Australian fans get to taste the excitement, when Neck Deep return for The Dumbstruck Dumbf!*k Tour with special guests Albany New York pop punk act State Champs.HEAVY caught up with Neck Deep vocalist Ben Barlow for an entertaining chat ahead of the tour. It's been a couple of years since their last visit, so we start off by asking what has changed with Neck Deep since then."Not much, I don't think," he measured. "But we're very settled into this record, very settled into playing these songs live now. We're approaching the - or I think we're in the 10-year anniversary year of our seminal breakout record, Life's Not Out To Get You. And so, yeah, doing little bits and bobs with that and just planning ahead for the future still, you know, thinking forward even to the next record. Getting the ball moving with that."Then Barlow was struck with a sudden realization he may have forgotten something important."Oh, actually, what's changed?" he asked me in return. "Bloody hell, I got married this year, which is very nice (laughs)!"In the full interview, we discussed Neck Deep's upcoming tour in Australia, set to begin on April 21, while reflecting on their experiences since their last visit. Ben shared insights into the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of their breakout album Life's Not Out To Get You. He highlighted the band's positive dynamics and their excitement for new music, acknowledging the need to promote their self-titled album while also focusing on future projects. The conversation touched on their writing process, with Ben noting that they prefer to create music at home but are open to inspiration while on the road.We also delved into the song Dumbstruck Dumbfuck, which Ben described as a humorous take on modern masculinity and relationships. They emphasized the high-energy yet sentimental nature of Neck Deep's live performances, expressing enthusiasm about touring with State Champs due to their close friendship and compatible musical styles, and more.Full interview www.youtube.com/@HEAVYmagazineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

29 Mars 17min

Interview by Kris PetersSince releasing their acclaimed debut album Tū (2018), New Zealand metal warriors Alien Weaponry have been lauded for their kinetic presence and sound, as well as their vital blend of culturally profound lyricism in both English and te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand.Still in their teens when that album took the world by storm and with the sudden burden of expectation thrust upon their shoulders, Alien Weaponry bunkered down, surrounding themselves with family and away from the clutches of industry people potentially looking to exploit both their talent and youth. It proved a masterstroke, with the young band following up with Tangaroa (2021) and earned them the title of 'the future of heavy metal' by Metal Hammer and led to tours around the world with the likes of Guns N' Roses, Gojira, Slayer and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.But, they say, a band's third album is the most defining one of their career and that moment has come with the impending release of Te Rā (March 28).Described as their heaviest, most powerful and mature offering to date, Alien Weaponry feel like they have returned with a point to prove. HEAVY caught up with the newest member of the band, bass player Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds, to find out more."I think we were definitely nervous going into the first single," he began when asked how the band are feeling about the album finally seeing the light of day. "I think the single probably had a lot more nerves surrounding it than the album itself. Because, you know, it's a new stage in the band's evolution and sound. And it's the first time I've been a part of the writing and recording process. And particularly because the first single was a song that I had written myself (laughs).So I was sort of like, Oh, God, what if people don't like it? That's my creative input that people don't like. But then of course the song came out and the response has been awesome. Now as we slowly trickle into the album release tomorrow there's been two more singles come out and people seem to love those as well."Talk turns to the music side of Te Rā and what sound they were trying to achieve."We took a step back," he measured. "Obviously, the first album was such a force onto the scene and left a strong impression on a lot of people when that came out in 2018. And the second album didn't quite land where they had wanted to. And when we went to the third album, we were sort of like, OK, what is it that we want to achieve? Are we trying to create a new sound entirely? Are we trying to create something familiar? And so what we decided on was trying to actually find a balance between the highlights of both albums, even the second one. So the second one, what people liked, of course, was the sort of move towards a more technical approach, so maybe more complication in the riffs and the writing structures. And then also a lot of people quite liked the much more traditional sounding Māori vocals, not just singing in another language, but singing in the style of that language, if that makes sense."In the full interview, Turanga further introduced the band's upcoming third album, Te Ra, highlighting the blend of genres and the incorporation of Te Reo Māori to maintain cultural authenticity. He shared his excitement about collaborating with Randy Blythe from Lamb of God, who contributed vocals to a track after their connection on Instagram, emphasizing the influence of Lamb of God on their music. Tu reflected on the band's growth from newcomers to respected figures in the metal scene, acknowledging the challenges of touring post-pandemic.He expressed optimism for a more extensive touring schedule following the album's release, with management actively working on overseas plans, went back to when he joined Alien Weaponry and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

27 Mars 14min

Interview by Kris PetersEnglish rock outfit Slung’s upcoming debut album is a collaborative combustion of its members’ experiences, circumstances and supreme musicianship. Their sonic universe - comprising the power of guitarist Ali Johnson’s incendiary riffs, vocalist Katie Oldham’s enviable dynamic and tonal range, bassist Vlad Matveikov’s undulating, yet grounding bass lines and drummer Ravi Martin’s expert rhythmic punctuation - is a veritable musical supernova.With influences covering most spectrums of the musical world - from Deftones and Baroness to Wednesday and MJ Lenderman to Queens of the Stone Age and even a sprinkling of Chappell Roan and Fleetwood Mac - Slung refuse to pigeon hole their music and as such have created a sound that is fresh, vibrant, and unmistakably their own.With a debut duo of singles at the tail end of 2024, Slung’s sounds piqued interest among discerning ears across the industry and internet. But true to form, the band elected to hit the road in order to gain experience and connect with the people before releasing even one song. It was a brave but ultimately rewarding take on old school ethos that has seen Slung build a sizeable fan base that will only increase after the release of their first album In Ways on May 2.HEAVY spoke with Vlad and Katie to find out more."We're really stoked that these songs we've been cooking up for ages are sneaking out," Vlad enthused. "And it's amazing that people from all over the world are enjoying them. It kind of makes this otherwise horrendously expensive and absolutely ludicrous hobby that is making music - because you can't make a living out of it - a bit more justifiable (laughs)."We ask how they are feeling with the release date getting closer every day."I think it's kind of a mystery what's going to happen in May," Katie answered honestly, "because the way that we've formed this band, or the way this band has become what it is now, it feels so backwards a lot of the time. It feels like we recorded an album before we ever played live once and before or I ever sung these songs in front of a single other person, we recorded them. So when we hear them back now, after having gigged quite a lot the last year, they sound so different to how we're used to playing them.But it's almost like a relic that you discover in the attic, and you're like, 'wow, what's this?' It's like a hidden gem. So there is this sense of nervousness, but mostly just excitement, because as I say, we're just so thrilled to have the chance to make this thing and release it. That alone is good enough for us. But what would be really nice is if there was a bunch of people who received it so warmly. Yeah, so nervous, but really excited."In the full interview, the discussion centred on Slung's debut album In Ways. Vlad and Katie shared insights into their unconventional journey of recording the album before performing live, which has generated intrigue among listeners. Both artists expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness about the album's reception, highlighting the positive global traction their singles have received. They emphasized their gratitude for the opportunity to share their music, despite the challenges faced in the music industry.Katie elaborated on the distinct sounds of their singles, such as Laughter, Collider, and Thinking About It, which showcase different facets of the band's identity. She noted that while some tracks maintain a sonic theme, others, particularly those influenced by country music, may surprise listeners. Vlad described the album as a journey with varied styles, referring to it as "bipolar" in its musical diversity. Both artists expressed confidence in the audience's ability to appreciate the album's cohesion, despite its eclectic influences and serious themes, which range from bullfighting to the sex worker industry.The creative process behind the album was also discussed, with Katie sharing her unique approach of reinterpreting lyrics from other songwriters to craft her narratives. She highlighted the emotional depth of the song Nothing Left, written during a challenging time in her life. Vlad recounted his initial meeting with guitarist Ali in Australia, which laid the foundation for their band and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

26 Mars 26min

Interview by Kris PetersThe last 12 months has seen punk rock outfit the Wolsten Butchers share the stage with some iconic punk rock acts like The Decline, and international punk stalwarts Guttermouth and Belvedere, but none of those experiences could have prepared them for the unexpected and massive success of the single Live Dead Die Fast which catapulted the name Wolsten Butchers into corners of the music world never before imagined.But now the fun really starts.Global success brings with it increased expectation and heightened scrutiny, so often the next track released can either make or break a band long term. So what do the Wolsten Butchers do?Release another absolute banger with Play These Games, further exploring the hard rock element of the band's musical psyche and keeping their foot flat to the floor in all relevant departments.HEAVY caught up with singer/guitarist Carl Jackson to find out about the new track and how the boys handled their sudden rise to prominence."It's the first thing I think I've done in my life that potentially I could say is highly anticipated," Jackson laughed about the impending release of the new single. "It's a blessing and a curse when you have a song that does really well, you have to… well I suppose you don't have to follow that up, but you want to. You want the same response as the last one, potentially even more. So I'm excited. I love the song. I love the clip. I'm really excited about what it is, but also just really nervous about what people are going to think."In the full interview, the discussion focused on the Wolston Butchers' upcoming single release, Play These Games, with Carl expressing both excitement and anxiety about following up their previous hit, Live Dead Die Fast. He described the new track as heavier, complemented by a bright music video concept that contrasts its intensity. He also reflected on the band's evolving sound and their openness to creating radio-friendly pop-punk music.The conversation also highlighted the band's energetic live performances, upcoming shows including a gig with Bodyjar, and participation in the We Belong Festival with Frenzal Rhomb.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.

25 Mars 16min