Interviews About Albums: Designer Disguise - Elswaer (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Metalcore band Designer Disguise to ask some questions about their latest album "Elswaer". 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Elswaer is the culmination of years of hard work and struggle. It is a sci-fi concept album greatly inspired by Star Wars, Dune, Raised By Wolves, and more. We have an entirely fleshed-out storyline with characters, planets, events, spaceships that have names, and so much more. While the Album is a self-contained sci-fi story it is also a reflection of our own personal experiences and struggles.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

The name is meant to transport you to a different place, to the universe we created. It is also the name of a planet in our concept universe. 

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

We are all composers on the album. Josh Wildhorn, our guitarist, recorded and mixed the record, however. He also did much of the production, but Jackson Bengtsson, our singer, is also a notable co-producer on the album

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

This answer has definitely changed over time and will likely continue to change, but right now I am in love with the slow song Infinite. It packs so much feeling and evocation into 5 minutes.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Never giving up is really the message, even when all is in darkness.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

“I know, I know I can’t keep living this way. I’ve been waiting for something to change. No more will they kick me around. Was lost but I found a new focus to channel my rage” “The things we want to run from are those we can’t escape”

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

This album was inspired by so many things from movies, to the realities we live in today, to our own life experiences. Star Wars is likely the biggest inspiration in terms of creating our sci-fi universe. We have a lot of thanks yous as well: we want to thank our families first of all. We wouldn’t be who we are or where we are without them. We also want to thank some very special friends who helped make this vision happen, Gene, Jacob, Ian, Vinny, Marina, Zachary, Shayla, Malia, Farah, Cameron, William, Ethan, Grayson, Brittany, Adrienne, and Brandon. WE LOVE YOU.

8. Something to add?

We are so excited about the future and we intend to continue releasing music and touring with far smaller gaps in between. Be kind and spread love!