Interviews: Distant

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Deathcore/Downtempo band Distant from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.“Spirit” is one of your most personal songs to date. How difficult was it to turn such a traumatic real-life event into music?

Rene: I honestly have always thought about making it into a song or something creative that people could relate to. Writing the lyrics felt like a good outlet for the feelings I had, and I was glad that it was a song and not an actual act of violence towards this individual.

2. The track doesn’t glorify violence but confronts it directly. Was that an intentional line you were determined not to cross?

Rene: I wanted the song to be an outlet for others, too. For people who have had vengeful thoughts themselves. So that they don't act on them but can find release through music, the same way I did.

3. How did having Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life on the track elevate the emotional intensity of “Spirit”?

Rene: Tyler and I have a great friendship, and he is someone with whom I have talked about personal things. We both had things from our childhood that we bonded over, so it only made sense that he would be the one on the track.

4. Did the writing process for this single differ from how you normally approach material within the Tyrannotophia universe?

Alan: “Writing was definitely a bit harder since now it’s focused on real-life events and scenarios about a topic which isn’t easy to talk about, so it sure was a challenge to deliver it as intended.

5. You’ve released this under Century Media Records. How has working with a major metal label impacted your growth and global reach?

“We worked with Century Media for 2 albums already, and the team's effort has been great and definitely helped to reach bigger heights.

6. Looking back at Tsukuyomi and Tyrannotophia, how do you feel the band has evolved leading up to this moment?

“Definitely helped us shape the sound and what we want to tell with our music and paved the way for us to where we are now and what we plan to achieve.”

6. Your world-building has always been a huge part of DISTANT’s identity. Does “Spirit” signal a shift toward more personal storytelling moving forward?

“Absolutely. While the whole universe we built with previous albums is a big milestone for us, in the current time of age we live in, we thought it’s time to come back to our reality and address the issues of the modern world and give fans more of ourselves and to connect with our music on a personal level”

7. How have fans reacted so far to hearing something this emotionally exposed from you?

“We already noticed people's reactions to the 3 new singles, which are what we aimed for, and as mentioned before, creating the connection through the more emotional side of things. “

8. With coverage from outlets like Revolver and tours alongside major acts, do you feel deathcore is entering a new era? Where does DISTANT fit into that future?

“The deathcore sure is on the rise again, and we are here for it and happy to be a part of the movement. We are not planning to stop.

9. What was the biggest challenge in bringing “Spirit” to life, musically or emotionally?

It honestly was a pretty smooth writing process. We wanted something heavy and punishing with no breaks, so that's what we wrote. Emotionally, as I mentioned before, it was a good way to release that anger. I always need to decompress after working on the lyrics because of their personal nature.

10. Does this single hint at a larger body of work coming soon?

“We are always cooking something, so just keep your eyes peeled, haha.”

11. When fans see this performed live, what do you hope they feel walking out of the venue?

“We haven’t had a chance to play this song live yet, but we expect people to go crazy, enjoy their time, and mosh as hard as they can.”

12. Is there anything you would like to say directly to listeners who connect with “Spirit” on a personal level?

Rene: I hope this song gives you a healthy outlet. Revenge is never worth it, and try your best to forgive. Forgiveness is for yourself, not for the other person.

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