Interviews About Albums: Doctor Nez - High Desert Lows (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Stoner Rock/Heavy Metal artist Doctor Nez to ask questions about his album, "High Desert Lows".

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

High Desert Lows is my second release, but feels like a debut to me. When I released Scary Faces in February of this year, I was still trying to figure out what exactly Doctor Nez was; it wasn't until "Camouflage" from that EP was finished that I knew Stoner/Doom was my path. Now, with this record, I feel like I've released a cohesive (albeit small) collection of songs that make sense together. High Desert Lows is the true start of Doctor Nez.

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

The idea for the name High Desert Lows is, I think, a bit simple and verging on dad-joke levels of wordplay. The record was inspired largely by my time living in southern California and the absolute hell that the area was; the land, the price of everything, the depressive nothingness surrounding Los Angeles (I lived about 100 miles north of LA), and the natural reclusiveness that infects many who live out in the Mojave. This region is known as the "high desert", and was where I experienced some of my record lows in life.

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

High Desert Lows was entirely written, performed, recorded, and engineered by myself in my basement over a 5-month period.

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

From a music/songwriting perspective, it's High Desert Lows. Sometimes I almost forget that it's me...I just really feel like I nailed the mood with the lyrics on that one, to the point it didn't even need a true second verse. It'll also be tough to out-write that riff.

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

I hope people can relate to at least one of these songs. If someone is going through the same feelings, I want them to know they aren't alone. If they've already conquered these feelings, I want this album to be a positive flashback, allowing them to say, "I remember being there...glad that's over!"

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

Sure, let's go with one from Mark The Grave: "Don't wanna die, just need to go." Keep in mind, when it seems like all is lost and you're ready to just give up, the answer might be a change of scenery, a change of perspective, or just any change at all that you make for YOU.

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

I've gotta thank my wife for putting up with my endless hours of recording and mixing. Between having a child and a full-time job, cramming this album into my evenings definitely created its own challenges and she has always been incredibly supportive of me. As far as musical inspirations, there are a ton from every direction and genre, so I'll just recommend to readers 3 of my favorite albums: "Venus Doom" by HIM, "Black Harvest" by Green Lung, and "Burning The Days" by Vertical Horizon.

8. Something to add?

Thanks for your time and for having me on the blog! This is our second time working together and I hope it isn't the last! If people enjoy what they hear from High Desert Lows, the best way to help me get merch and gigs off the ground is to purchase the digital EP from https://doctornez.bandcamp.com/album/high-desert-lows. It's only $5, but you're welcome to name your price if you think it's worth more. Thank you for listening, reading, and sticking with me.