Prog rock with complex time changes and powerful lyrics is how Dead Empire's sound is characterized. Were you influenced by any prog bands when you first started writing verse and song lyrics, or did you primarily write from your own imagination?
There are for sure some influences and impressions of music we love. But primarily we strive to be authentic and original, and write according to what we feel the song lyrics need, whatever intention we feel to the concept we wish to convey. So yes we largely write according to our own creativity.
Before forming Dead Empire, which prog bands were you a die-hard fan of? Were prog metal acts likewise included in this?
I have always been a fan of styles like Mars Volta, Masterson, Rush, Camel and Pink Floyd (the list goes on). There are so many bands to listen to that create inspiration and motivation. A great idea executed well is always a great riff regardless of genre.
What does the name Dead Empire signify to you in connection with your lyrics, and why was it chosen to represent your music?
I don't think the name Dead Empire was chosen to sum up we do musically. It more reflects our modern day and age. How history can repeat, sometimes not for the best.
How does the band's name represent the current times? Do you have particular incidents in mind, or are you speaking in broad terms?
Look at the world, the long arm of media. We are connected to all the beauty of the world as well as all the depravity. The name Dead Empire merely reflects the common ground where all empires have fallen. Obsession with opulence and greed over doing good to your fellow man, obsession with wealth, consumption and money, lack of self-awareness and the relentless push for personal attention. All fallen empires have fallen in very similar ways. Throughout history it's the same, just look at it.
I was reminded of the ancient Roman Empire, which eventually fell apart owing to corruption and hedonism. We're not quite there yet, but media spin and cancel culture have grown somewhat reminiscent of the future foretold in classic literature. Your thoughts?
I agree, add the corruption and greed of the 1%. The fact that most kids in this generation can't buy homes or have kids. How obsession with appearance and desire to have fame trumps human decency and ethics. It’s always been the dominos falling no matter what age or empire they all fall in similar manner. It's in a lot of literature for sure.
To what extent is the band gaining recognition in the rock and prog rock scenes of New Zealand? Could you explain those scenes to readers who might not know about them? Apart from Dead Empire, have any other bands gained international recognition?
As always good things take time, and in New Zealand it's very hard to become established, having our single "Buckley" play on rock FM has been a huge boon. But I'd say we have done very well. We have had a lot of gigs throughout the North Island, and we have played in every scene that would have us. We have played with international acts like Coridian, Pull Down The Sun and Boondocks, plus many up and coming bands that I'm sure will start making huge noise in the future.
How likely would you be to recommend Coridian, Pull Down The Sun and Boondocks to potential listeners? What was the experience playing with them like?
Playing with those guys is sick. They have their sound locked down their sound and blow you away. Really talented guys. They also inspire the band and stoke the fire to put on a great show for the fans. Defiantly recommend checking them out.
Who are some of the up and coming bands you’ve shared the stage with? Are they mostly local bands from New Zealand? Who are some New Zealand bands worth checking out?
We have played with Shepard Reign from Samoa. They are on Spotify should give them a listen too. Mostly we play with bands from NZ. Opposite inverse I like those boys are tight. Unify are awesome too. Deadset, Destroy is the best way. There are quite a lot of great bands down our way.
Which FM radio stations in the area have aired "Buckley"? What is its subject matter?
"Buckley" was our first single on rock FM that was realized nationwide through New Zealand, which has been huge for us. This song is about a man disarming all of his hurt and wounds and letting go of the mortal coil. It’s heavy with mood and conflict, but alas it's all moments that every person has felt.
Has "Buckley" also been aired on domestic or international internet radio stations? Is the song personal to the band as well as easy for listeners to relate to?
"Buckley" has with the self-titled "Dead Empire", "Where You Found Me" and the newly released "Anger". "Buckley" is one of the songs with the biggest response so far, it's been out a while now. The meaning is pretty dark, but is complimented by the melody and 3/4 timing. The lyrics are honest and we try to capture the idea and concept the best we can, and I think we have found that it is relatable to the audience.
Would you prefer to see bands in your nation receive more publicity, or do you think New Zealand's music scenes receive as much recognition abroad as you would like at present?
Of course all musicians and artists should have a platform to pursue their dreams and see it through. I don't think many bands outside radio friendly genres get the attention they deserve. There are so many worthy bands in New Zealand. Of course Dead Empire would love to travel and tour the world. We know you earn it through blood sweat and tears, and how much you give, Financially it's not the same ball game as it once was a decade or two ago.
How much work does it take to integrate your words into verses that complement your songwriting, and what are the biggest inspirations for the band's lyrics?
With Dead Empire we all jump in on the creative process and thrown down all our ideas. It takes as long as it needs to, and when we are all happy with the result, we know we're on the right path. Sometimes we will come back to old ideas and re invigorate with what we think is better. It's a process we all love being a part of. Lyric wise I can go from dark and strange to bitter sweet heartfelt to ironic and prolific. My inspiration comes from knowing it's a blank canvas and the sky’s the limit.
In order to differentiate themselves from other prog rock bands, what steps did the band take to diversify and broaden their horizons?
We don't enforce on ourselves a genre, we don't play covers (weird huh) which keeps us grounded in our sound (I think anyway). We play what we want and follow our mood, feeling and intuition. I for one don't like being tied down by a style or genre, I don't like being pressed into a mold musically.
Which genres have you used as a source of inspiration to enhance your prog rock style thus far?
We are only getting started. Our inspiration versify from heavy to soft. I personally love prog rock, indie, classical, jazz, Motown… really a lot of genres. If you make yourself a cake, you’re not gonna have one piece and let the rest rot. You’re gonna enjoy the whole dam thing.
How much material has the band recorded with Link Flamingo's Nathan Sowter producing, and how much has he helped you sound better and be more professional? Why did you first choose him as a producer after meeting him?
We have released four songs currently on Spotify, ("Buckley", "Where You Found Me", "Dead Empire" and now "Anger"). Four more are in the works. The whole process has been a learning experience. It’s definitely a different beast from playing live, and it's really helped us hone our chops and shape our method of songwriting, understanding to get out of our heads and think of the audience more and how you want the song to be received. I for one had to learn to simplify more and have more pace. Some riffs you love have to go, some parts drag on more than they need, having and experienced ear like nates go a long way. Learnt heaps bout the industry from him.
Is Spotify an outlet you’re exclusively streaming on, or are you showcasing your songs on other streaming platforms? Are there plans to release them in physical format?
Mainly Spotify at this point. We have videos on YouTube of "Buckley", "Dead Empire" and "Anger". We definitely want to release an album in the future. It's more the financial side, it's easier to break it down into portions then to mortgage a house to record an album. We wish there was a music company backing us financially like the good old days, but sadly I feel it's changed.
How has Spotify been treating you? According to what I've heard, the website doesn't give musicians much recompense for streaming. Do you wish the financial situation with Spotify was a little different?
Spotify is a good way for people to hear your music. But that's about it. It’s not like you make anything substantial from it. Personally I think Spotify broke the back of music industry, made it so hard for people to earn a living.
In what ways has Spotify made it harder for musicians and bands to make a living?
When Spotify’s owner has made more than the top ten artists combined goes to show the platform is clearly making money hand over fist and paying peanuts. There’s not much the little guy can do!! It’s not like we got into music for the money! It’s more a passion or a need, if we can make money for it as a bonus.
What are "Anger" and "Dead Empire" written about? Explain how you modified the lyrics to match these specific tracks.
"Anger" is rather straightforward about how anger can be wielded to motivate and overcome obstacles but also how it can blind and destroy. It was more the arrangement of the song that made it boom, and how like anger it builds, explodes and then a slow burn. A similar process for a lot of our songs really, how you arrange a song can make all the difference.
"Dead Empire" is about how we are not free and how people become oppressed by the powers that be, and what is left to inherit after. I don't want to spoil too much, I like the people to find their own meaning in the song and personalize it however they want.
Who worked on the promotional videos for "Buckley", "Anger", and "Dead Empire" with you? Or were they produced independently by the band? How close were the videos to the way you envisioned them before they were made?
My brother (Tim Way) filmed "Anger" and "Dead Empire". The "Buckley" lyric video was sorted by band dad Matthew Ruddel. We are pretty hands on with a lot of what we do. The way the videos turned out made us real happy. "Anger" was pretty much what we had in mind.
Is Youtube more helpful to the band than other streaming sites? Or is it about the same to you?
Absolutely. Music is always better is a visual. YouTube is our second highest revenue be it not a lot still pretty epic!!!
Describe the new songs you're working on and what vein they'll be in for the readers. Will you be filming music videos for those new songs?
We’re always working on new songs, riff ideas, grooves sometimes tightening up old songs. Still working on the new one. I wanna take a bit of time and not rush with it. The idea behind it musically is two sides of the same coin. Kinda like parabol and parabola but not really. Ha so I guess that kinda doesn't answer the question. We have one video we want to make before we start the new songs. As always one thing at a time, but doubtless we will get round to it.
How much does the band intend to progress and grow in the future? How much farther do you have to go before you reach your goals in that regard?
Global domination!!!! Nah, as a band we have always made shit up as we go!!! Sitting at practice which we have once a week!! We said it would be kool to get a track on radio and tackle it. Same thing with a music video!! That spiraled out to us being approached by curtain call!! We started out with no real plan and watched it organically grow to what it is today!!!
Goals: I guess to have everything we have recorded. States is on the list and happening soon. Australia and Japan has been floated around too. But for four dudes with full time jobs and families etc. that practice once a week and make shit up as they go I think we have done alright! Slow burn organic growth and I guess we keep feeding it and see how big it gets!!!
Kaine Harkins: Vocals, keys
Milky Way: Guitar
Joel Luna: Bass
Matt Ruddell: Drums
-Dave Wolff
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