Interviews: Crymwav

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Rock/Metal band Crymwav from the USA. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. What was the spark that kicked off "Speak No Evil"? Was there a specific moment, story, or headline that pushed this song into existence?

Yes, most definitely. There were a number of incidents that all accumulated into this song coming to life. The LA fires of last year, as well as ICE agents invading Los Angeles, were what brought this song to life. That and the feeling that this current administration was targeting people, places, and things that were opposed, rejecting, and resisting their fascist agenda. Surveillance of your social media, for example. They have a database they know who you are. Fuck ICE

2. The track touches on themes of surveillance, tech power, and modern authoritarianism. How personal is that message for you, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?

Well, it's obviously very personal. It was enough for me to be motivated to write and sing about it. I'm not the only one who feels this way. There are millions of Americans and people all over the world who are watching what this current administration is doing. If anything, I hope it inspires someone to know that they're not alone and feeling the boot of big tech on their neck.

3. Your sound pulls from classic influences like Thin Lizzy, The Damned, and Hawkwind. How do you balance honoring those roots while keeping Crymwav sounding current?

Those bands mentioned are definitely influences, but we don't directly sound like any of them. If you're familiar with those artists, you'll hear elements of that in our music, but I know damn well that our sound is very fresh because we draw from a lot of different sources and not the usual sources. There's a big mix of creativity in this band, plus we all came from the American hardcore scene of the '80s. All those elements combined, I feel, give us a fresh, new, and exciting approach to rock 'n' roll.

4. Roman Jugg (ex The Damned) con contributed keyboards on the track. How did that collaboration come together, and what did he bring to the song that surprised you?

Yes, we were blown away that we were able to have Roman play on the track. We met Roman when we were in London last year. He was at some of our shows, and we became friends. I told him when we were partying in London that I would love to do something with him and he said to me "anytime Roger." so when we got back to LA and this song got recorded the breakdown was something we were thinking about in initially we had these baroque minor sounding guitar parts in there and then a lightbulb went off in my head and I thought" let's get Roman to play keyboards on this"! We sent him the track, told him the idea, and he nailed it in two takes Piano and harp accord. He knew exactly the direction and vibe we were looking for.

5."Speak No Evil" hits hard but still sounds clean and powerful. What was the production process like working with Hunter Crowley and Mark Chileki to lock in that sound?

We tracked this song very fast. It came about faster than the majority of our other recordings and songs. I felt it was urgent to get it out. We tracked this at Hunter's studio, and I came back and redid my Vocals actuall,y on the day Ozzy Osbourne died. I don't know if it had an effect on my performance, but subconsciously, maybe it did, as I certainly poured myself out on it. I'm proud of this song. It's powerful, and it has a message. Mark Chileki did the mastering. He's worked on a number of our things in the past.

6. Do you usually write with a clear concept in mind, or did the theme of this song emerge naturally as the music came together?

Every song is different; the ideas can come from anywhere. But this song seemed to dictate itself to me both lyrically and musically. I was emotionally open to the vibe and the energy of it. It wrote itself.

7. The big takeover magazine called you "the natural successor to the classic rock sound". How do you feel about being seen as part of that lineage?

That's actually a really great compliment. There's actually much more to the quote that puts us in a more modern perspective and approach. What they're saying is that we're carrying on the tradition of really great rock music, but with a Modern look at it. As far as the lineage, it's very complementary as all our early formative loves of rock 'n' roll music, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, The Beatles, The Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, the list goes on, are all phenomenal bands and talents. I took that as a high compliment.

8. What does the title"Speak No Evil" mean to you personally in the current social and political climate?

What it means and what the song was trying to convey is that you're being watched and listened to, and they're collecting all the information on you, on your political leanings, your social leanings, so whatever it is that you're saying, they're collecting that data, which they can and may use against you. They've already stopped people from visiting and coming into the United States who don't support this current administration. How long before Americans are sought out to be prosecuted for not siding with this current fascist administration, hence the title Speak No Evil? Because I believe they are evil.

9. How does the single represent the overall direction of the upcoming full-length LP coming this summer?

Is this track a mission statement for the album? I think the general theme of the album is one of a dystopian future, but with a positive outlook on how to somehow find your place and stay sane despite the insanity around you. The LP is taking shape very well, and there are a lot of shades and colors, but "Speak No Evil" could very well become the mission statement of the album. I certainly don't object to that sentiment. It's a powerful statement.

10. Were there any refs lyrics or sections of the song that did not make the final cut?

No, not at all. Everything was put on the table and used; even the guitar parts in the middle break are still there. They're just mixed down below Roman's keyboard parts. As stated previously, this song just dictated itself, every part.

11. How do you see the role of hard rock today when it comes to social commentary? Can rocks still be dangerous and relevant in 2026?

Good question. I think it depends on the band and what their statement is. A good song that can capture emotion and convey a message is always a fantastic way to communicate, so there's always the possibility of that happening at any time, anywhere, any place. In general, I see the role of hard rock as what it's always been ...escapism. And there's nothing wrong with that either. I certainly don't want to be known as a band trying to shove our opinions down someone's throat; that's definitely not our objective. Our objective is to entertain with dynamic high-energy rock 'n' roll, but if there's a message that can be taken from a song, then that's fantastic. Can Rock still be dangerous and relevant in 2026, maybe. Who knows ... it's kind of hard to be that way when you're giving everything away on social media and showing everybody what's behind the curtain. That and it's all been done before ... as for us, we just try to stay honest and be musically fresh, that's all we can do.

12. What kind of reaction have you seen so far from fans since the single dropped? Any feedback that really stuck with you? 

The reaction to all the singles we've done has been very, very good radio-wise also. I like to think we write songs that people can relate to and have enough hooks to stay with you after you've listened to them ...this single in particular seems to up the ante for us... The critical response was very, very good on this one. I'm glad that people noticed that we had a statement with this one that was very poignant and relevant to the current state of affairs.

13. If "Speak No Evil" were the first Crymwav song someone ever heard, what do you hope it tells them about who you are as a band?

Well, hopefully it would let them know that we're a powerful band with Gothic overtones, cool arrangements, and lots of guitar dynamics...with a message!

14. Looking ahead to the Album release, how do you plan to translate this energy into your live shows?

Well, we do our best to try to make sure the live shows are as tight as possible. I'd like to think that each and every one of us gives 100% when we're up on the stage. I think it's evident when you see us live.

15. What's the one thing about Crymwav that people might not expect when they first hear the music?

I think people will find out that we're a very multidimensional band. There's a big Krautrock influence in this band, too, so there are a lot of musical interludes that are quite fresh and interesting. I'd like to think so anyway!

16. Which modern bands do you feel are also carrying the torch for raw, guitar-driven rock right now?

Honestly, I'm so busy trying to keep my head above water and keep focus on what we're doing musically that I haven't had as much time as I'd like to keep up on what's going on currently, Rock-wise. There are some bands I've seen that I think are really cool. I like the Baboon Show. Black Mountain... I guess I need to get out more!

17. What does success look like for this single beyond streams and numbers?

I don't even think about that stuff, to tell you the truth. To me, success is getting it out there and seeing that the response is good and that I, in the band, can stand proud behind whatever it is. We're putting out music... that's my idea of success. 18. Is there anything about the making of "Speak No Evil" that fans would find surprising or funny? Hmmmm... well, like I mentioned, I did do those lead vocals on the day. Ozzy died. That's pretty interesting.

19. If you could describe the upcoming LP in three words, what would they be? 

Kicks fucking ass!

20. Is there anything else you would like readers of "Breathing The Core" zine to know about Crymwav or what's coming next?

Well, we do have some UK dates coming up in March, which we are excited about. We'd like to be able to stretch out and start to tour a lot more. Also, we could use the support on our various social media sites. You know the usual, Instagram, Facebook, and of course Spotify or whatever streaming platforms you listen to, and when we finally get this album out in hard copy! Just wanted to say thank you so much to Breathing The Core for allowing the opportunity for us to get to know your audience and crowd ...it means a lot to us. Thank you again, and Long live rock 'n' roll.Roge

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