Die So Fluid are the modern incarnation of a ‘power trio’. Their style being their own outlook and outsource to creating their music and touring as well as playing shows here and there across the globe. Frontman vocalist and bassist Grog discusses the band's latest album and plans for the remainder of the year.
1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography? Why did you see being a trio was the way to go? Do you regret your choice?
Grog: We all got together in a previous band which had a second guitarist. He was too ill to play a gig one day and so just the three of us decided to play it and that changed everything. Suddenly we could hear each other and play with a greater unison which actually sounded bigger. It made song writing much quicker and sparkier too. It’s never stopped us experimenting with instrumentation and influences, we love the idea of one day being able to have the strings and other parts on some of our songs played live on stage.
2. How did you guys come up with your band name?
Grog: It’s a kind of drunken poetry we liked the sound of. We like the concept of leaving something cool and beautiful behind, we’ll have it put on a band coat of arms. Also we kept coming up with names other people had already thought of so we thought let’s keep it weird.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Grog: We’re all English, the boys still live in London but I relocated to Los Angeles about five years ago. Obviously you are spoilt for choice in those two cities for music. As London draws bands in from all over I tend to seek out the exotic. Last band I saw was Las Kellies, a sort of up to date Slits from South America.
4. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Grog: We have a re occurring theme of overcoming struggle together, and that it’s the togetherness and intention that is important, not some glittering prize at the end. There is a naturally dark aesthetic to our music because we’re drawn to the mystery and power of that, but generally negative is turned to positive in our subject matter. People feel all the more isolated in the social media obsessed world so I feel good if lyrically I can reach out to people and inspire them or share something they relate to on a personal level.5. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?
Grog: We all share a love of Deftones, and collectively have influences ranging from Black Sabbath and Led Zep through Pixies, Bass Nectar, Johnny Cash, Debussy, Dolly Parton, The Cure, Jeff Buckley, to Mastodon, Rush, Rob Zombie, The Cult and on and on.
6. Is there any story or concept behind the "The Opposites Of Light" title?
Grog: We knew we wanted to explore two recognizable elements of our sound, the heavy and also the sparser dark torch song side. When Drew came up with that title it was really as a joke but it proved to be a great framework for writing the album.
7. Who produced "The Opposites Of Light" and what was it like working with them?
Grog: It is self produced. We developed such a clear vision as the body of work took shape that it felt natural to continue with that flow and record it ourselves. Sylvia Massy (SOAD, Johnny Cash, Tool etc) mixed ‘Comets’, and we also had mixes by Mark Williams and our very own Drew. It’s always a question of what works best musically in the end. I think our perfectionist attitude paid off.
8. Who did the cover art for "The Opposites Of Light" and how much input did you have on it?
Grog: The artwork was done by Shelley Hannan using images from a video we made for the song ‘Black Blizzard’ with director David Kenny. We had a great deal of input in providing the images used and approving the designs. I designed the slightly masonic looking logo beneath the CD and we've now made that available as a patch at www.diesofluid.net.
9. You released this album in the U.K. and plan to release it in the U.S. How has the label searching been for the overseas terrain?
Grog: We haven’t done much searching, we put it out ourselves on our label Vorvolaka. We’re known for our DIY ethic but we’re open to realistic offers from labels who’s promotion we would benefit from now as our operation expands. We currently have ongoing label interest but until they put their cards on the table we don’t see the point in losing momentum, we’ll just release ourselves again and carry on fresh from there if necessary. We intend to tour the U.S. November onwards.
10. "Black Blizzard" was the single and video chosen can you tell me as to why you thought this song was the best fit? Will you be releasing anymore singles and or videos?
Grog: It’s a powerful song, inspired by the Dust Bowl disaster of the 1930's,with an epic video. I think it commands attention and demonstrates what Die So Fluid is about, our strengths and our potential. The song and video deal with a serious message based in reality- about the dire results of messing with nature, and place it in a fantasy context, bringing it to a wider forum. We have more singles and videos up our sleeves yes.
11. What are your upcoming touring/show plans?
Grog: We head to the UK to appear at Alt fest on August 17, then we fly to Finland for a tour starting September 3. After that we want to concentrate on the USA and finally do the touring we've been wanting to do for a long time, starting November onwards.
12. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Grog: We have a bandcamp page: diesofluid.bandcamp.com and you can find us on iTunes and all the other major retailers. We recently put the catalog back on Spotify and other streaming services. We have merch for sale in our shop at www.diesofluid.net Also check out all our vids at Die So Fluid Official on YouTube.13. What is it you'd like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Grog: Consistently people have said our music grows on you.. People get excited by the power of the three of us when they first see the band then unexpectedly a melody or lyric pops in their head three days later.
14. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Grog: I just bought a motorcycle so maybe I’ll come onstage jumping through a ring of fire. Got to outdo Rob Halford. Haha. So yeah- a lot more work in the U.S.A., tearing up the live scene, more kickass tunes and fun times!
15. Do you have any last words?
Grog: Please come join us at http://facebook.com/DieSoFluid and twitter: @diesofluid for all the latest news and info! Thanks for the chat and see you on the road!
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