Monday, February 22, 2016

Dead River Runs Dry Interview


 Here’s our responses, from myself (Byron –
guitars) and Dan (drums). Thanks.

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Byron: Sure. We started in 2012 after knowing/playing together in various forms for a few years.
We’re strong personalities and I thought that the combination of those personalities as well as our experiences, musical interests and attitudes would make for an interesting outcome. So far, I think it
has.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?
Byron: Energy expanding.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Byron: Mostly primal energies, totemic and unnameable. That’s some of it. Although, there’s a
weaving of less abstract concepts in there too – anger at the existence of boundaries from political,
social and personal perspectives.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dead River Runs Dry'?
Byron: I’d had it in my mind for a while and like how it sounds. It’s applicable to a lot of different
situations.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you
describe your stage performance?
Dan: Our best shows are when we are under a bit of pressure: the logistics are not quite right, the
venue is improvised, etc. My favourite show so far would be with Italian black/crust band
Hierophant. A Sunday night in December; a lousy turnout; but great bands and vibrant
performances. The people who were there that night got something special. Playing with Ulcerate
was also an honour. In terms of what we bring: savagery tempered by atavism.

Byron: We’ve had a few. Playing Evil Invaders a few years back was very memorable and a personal
highlight, getting to share stages with some of the best bands in Australia and NZ as well as
internationals like Archgoat and Sadistic Intent which was one of the most aggressive sets I’ve ever
seen. Being a small band in a small scene like Australia means we don’t get to play all that often but
when we’re having a good night we’re ferocious, I’ve been told. I like playing live, I like hearing our
music loud and just going for it. Like any band we’ve had some shows better than others but we’ll
always give it our all.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Byron: Absolutely. Check out facebook.com/DeadRiverRunsDry for updates.

7.In June 'Static tension Recordings' are re-issuing your 2015 album, can you tell us a little bit more
about how you came in contact with this label?
Byron: Kyle from ST contacted us and made an offer we couldn’t refuse, we accepted.

8.In 2014 you where a part of a split with 'Satyros' and 'Feared', what are your thoughts on the
other bands that you shared the split with?
Dan: Truthfully, we were part of a large artwork, Elemental Nightmares, featuring 28 bands across
seven 10" split releases.
I'd also like to make a broader point about the Elemental Nightmares series: we were struck by the
conviction and integrity needed to undertake a big project like this. It gave exposure to a lot of great
bands in a deeply respectful and daring way. We'd love to see more of this. Hail.
Byron: I liked their stuff. Feared especially was a surprise to end up on a split with – given the other
bands their members are involved with who I also like.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Byron: People have responded to our music favourably which is greatly appreciated and humbling. I
never expected some of the responses we’ve had, it’s a good feeling. It sounds clichéd, but you just
have to get out what you have to get out and having people go with you on that and relating to it is
very positive. Thanks.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the
band members are a part of?
Byron: Between us, we’ve got a lot happening, past, present and future. Brad, our vocalist has
recently been focusing on his band Inclemency, which has similarities to Alcest, Silencer but is still
very unique. Dan our drummer is part of doom/death metallers Futility and is the main man behind
Bleakwood, as well as playing in The Veil and a few other projects like Dutch/Australian band
Remember That You Will Die. Kris, who used to play bass for us now drums in Graveir which is bleak,
cold, raw and fucking aggressive, along with playing in a noise/drone project called Transcendental
Warlords. Our new bass player Mat drums in a country/rock/punk band called The Delta Lions as
well as playing guitar in a hardcore band called HurtxUnit. I mostly focus on DRRD because I say most
of what I want to say musically in DRRD.



11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Byron: We’ve got a few things in the works which I think are expanding on our foundations and
exploring new areas but we’ll always remain entrenched in the original energies that sparked us –i.e.
raw, vicious metal.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and
also what are you listening to nowadays?
Dan: Everything from '70s punk and pub rock to the cutting edge of black/death metal. No limits. If it
speaks to the heart and the gut it is channeled back through what we do.
Right now I'm listening to Revenge (the new one is outstanding!), Mgła, Chelsea Wolfe, Lana Del Rey,
Mercyful Fate, Leviathan...
Byron: All the usual suspects have some part in DRRD’s sound.  I can’t start naming you bands
because I won’t stop. We’re big music fans in this band.
I try to listen to new stuff as much as possible – Bandcamp is good for that, as well as taking
recommendations from friends whose opinions I value. I like recent releases from Mgła, Lord Mantis,
Power Trip, Batushka, Macabre Omen, Horrendous, Revenge, Leviathan, SVARTIDAUDI, Oranssi
Pazuzu, most of the releases on Profound Lore…heaps of stuff. Too much music, not enough ears.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Dan: We appreciate the opportunity you are extending to us. In 2016 the blog is the lifeblood of the
underground and it's always great to be challenged to reflect on one's art. Cheers!
Byron: Thanks for the questions.

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