Welcome to another exciting blog post where I had the pleasure of interviewing Phil and Jason, members of renowned metal band Chaos Doctrine. We had an engaging discussion about their latest release, their upcoming album, and their recognition in the metal music scene. Let's dive right in!
The Latest Release: "One of My Bad Days"
I kicked off the interview by asking about their latest release, "One of My Bad Days," which followed their previous single, "Martyr." Phil explained that this new song is a return to their old school influences, featuring fast-paced and intense music. It's set to be included in their upcoming album, which they hope to release before the year ends.
The song's theme, centered around a mass murderer, intrigued me, so I asked about the inspiration behind it. Phil clarified that it's a fictional account, not based on personal experiences. The band's lyricist, Daniel, is responsible for the fictional storytelling, which led to a light-hearted joke about any potential personal admissions on the podcast.
Recognition in the Metal Music Scene
"One of My Bad Days" made it to Metal Hammer's top ten best new songs, a fact that surprised and excited the band. They had a similar experience with their previous single, "Martyr," and hope to garner more recognition and votes for their latest song.
Musical Influences and Songwriting Process
When asked about their musical influences, Phil mentioned bands like Def Leppard, which sparked his interest in instrumental music with guitars and bass. He credits Megadeth's self-produced album for introducing him to the more extreme side of metal. Jason added that many musicians in their scene in the mid to late 90s decided to pursue music as a career. He initially wanted to be a bass player but eventually became a drummer.
The band's songwriting process is a collaborative effort, with each member contributing their unique ideas and skills.
Challenges in the Music Industry
We then discussed the challenges faced by musicians in the current music industry. Streaming platforms and record companies taking most of the money make it difficult for musicians to make a living. They mentioned the decline in income compared to the 80s and 90s and the need for change in the industry. A strike by all musicians was suggested as a potential solution, but it would require widespread participation to be effective.
Concert Experiences and Impact
Phil and Jason shared their concert experiences, with Iron Maiden being a standout for both of them. They mentioned how watching professional bands perform live helped them understand how things should be done. They recalled one of the best live shows they've seen, by the band Fleshgod Apocalypse in a small club in Pietermaritzburg, which left them in awe of the band's performance and energy.
Their Own Shows: Brutal, Melodic, and Industrial
When asked about their own shows, Phil and Jason described their performances as brutal, melodic, and industrial. They use visuals, such as screens and background images, to enhance the experience and feed off the energy of the audience. They emphasized the importance of preparation and rehearsal, and the use of click tracks to stay on time.
Tour Antics and Pre-Show Rituals
Phil and Jason shared their antics on tour. They also discussed their pre-show rituals, with Jason mentioning the need to warm up his muscles and do breathing exercises due to recovering from a flu. They emphasized the physical and mental work required to maintain their performance as they age.
Measuring Success and Looking Ahead
When asked about how they measure success, they mentioned the recognition they receive in the metal music community, especially internationally, as a measure of success. They also mentioned the importance of enjoying what they do and the camaraderie within the band. They expressed their love for music and the release it provides after a hard week of work.
Looking ahead, they mentioned an upcoming gig at a rock festival and plans to record their next album. They also mentioned the possibility of playing with an international band in November.
The Soundtrack to Their Lives
In the final part of the interview, I asked Phil and Jason what song would appear on the soundtrack to their lives. Jason confidently chose Iron Maiden's "The Evil That Men Do" or "Living on a Razor's Edge." Phil decided on Slayer's "213," but Jason suggested "God Hates Us All" instead. They discussed how the song choices are novelistic and fitting for their lives.
The interview concluded with expressions of enjoyment and gratitude for their time and efforts. Phil and Jason thanked me for the opportunity and the conversation, expressing their appreciation. It was indeed a great experience, and I look forward to sharing more insightful interviews with you in the future.
