DeathWhite Interview is up

http://deathwhite.bandcamp.com/

Answered collectively by the band:

1. As your a very new music project to many of my readers .Tells us a bit about how the band came to be?

DW: Deathwhite actually started as a very basic, in-home/in-studio project between the two of us. However, realizing that we enjoyed practicing (but not playing out), we added a third member, which allowed us to have actual rehearsals. So, the band in its current state has been together since late 2012. The three of us have known each other for quite some time, and have been in other types of bands before, but nothing like Deathwhite. Very new and exciting territory for us.

2. So I hear many different influences and styles there is a strong Post Metal, Ethereal element mix Prog Rock and  Post Rock. Where did this ideal come from.

DW: We all played in extreme metal or thrash metal bands prior to Deathwhite’s formation and it was simply a matter of wanting to try something new. Being that we’re each fans of darker, slower music, it made sense to move forward in this direction. However, you are the first one to point out any sort of prog rock influence, although none of us would balk at that sort of music. Some of it is rather enjoyable. That being said, we’re still working on our sound; it’s 100% a work in progress, which we’re fully aware of.

3. You have much in common with bands like In the woods, Green Caranation, Antimatter and  Katatonia... Where these bands to inspire your progression musically? Also I hear bands like Sunny Day Real Estate and Shudder to think in the mix or am I just confused?

DW: You are spot-on regarding In the Woods, Green Carnation, Antimatter, and Katatonia. Green Carnation is a remarkably underrated band…The Quiet Offspring is a fantastic album. Same goes for Katatonia is a major influence, and Antimatter, who are one of the best dark rock bands going. Sunny Day Real Estate and Shudder may be a bit off, though. However, it’s all in the ear of the beholder. Nothing against those bands, but they don’t factor into the mix.

4.You have seemed to go the DIY way of releasing album with a PR company doing the press push. Is 2014 the time of of real independence of not needing a label . PR company and Social media has made that possible?

DW: You are correct: Social media and hard work via the Internet has made some labels obsolete, especially if you want to get into the whole physical product aspect of things. Being an independent band certainly has its advantages and disadvantages, like anything. A good label can help with tour support – should it be asked for, along with other necessities in the promotional department. But, being independent allows one to do as they please without something looking over your shoulder. We’d be comfortable with either situation.

5. If you could release a track on the album as pro done video what would on Ethereal album it be and why?

DW: “When I (Wasn’t) You” seemed to be the right choice for releasing an initial track before the EP’s release, so that would probably be the song we’d choose. It’s perhaps the most accessible number of the six songs found on the EP, although you might get a different answer from not only the band, but those who were kind enough to listen to the EP.

6. What is the story or theme of Ethereal?

DW: There is no theme with Ethereal, as our lyrical topics range from personal matters, to topics of the anti-religion variety. This is where the title came into play; how those who claim to be holier-than-thou, or “ethereal” quality, are sometimes, and the ones who need the most help or have the most character issues. Hypocrisy within religion is rampant, and shows no sign of slowing down. That’s where the title came from.

7.   Where do you see the sound of the band heading a darker more gothic neofolk realm or more progressive as I can see both ?

DW: We actually have plans on getting heavier with our next release(s). The EP is a good display of what we can do, but it’s pretty raw and in spots, underdeveloped, which is natural for a band’s first recorded outing. The new material we’re presently working with is definitely heavier and in spots, faster, but we have no plans on losing the melodic and/or melancholic edge we have right now. And, clean vocals will remain, but there are discussions on adding a few growls here and there.

8. If you could tour with anyone who would it be and why?

DW: We do not play out, and have no plans in which to do so, therefore, there is no ideal band for us to tour with.

9. What are the members of DeathWhite currently listening to? Anything Shocking?

DW: Lots of bands at the moment actually, some surprising, like Virgin Steele, Coroner, Eluveitie, Evemaster, and An Autumn for Crippled Children. Others, like Steven Wilson, Opeth, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Devin Townsend, and Katatonia are regulars among the members.

10. You have a very limited presence on the web do you perfer it that way just facebook and bandcamp and let the music do the talking?

DW: Correct. We prefer to maintain a limited presence on the internet for the time being. Our official website is currently be revamped, so we will simply exist on a few musical platforms and not go the route for social media. An effective tool for some bands, but not this one. Sometimes, less is more in that regard, for bands who constantly bombard their fans via social media, tend to lose some of their intrigue and/or luster after a while. Again, different strokes for different folks.

11. Do the members of  DeathWhite create music under other project names or is DeathWhite the focus for the band members?

DW: One of our members currently plays in a pretty heavy band in and around town, but that’s it. For the rest of us, Deathwhite, and various non-musical pursuits eat up our free time.

12. What would you tell new bands starting out?

DW: Work toward finding your own sound. Don’t copy others – it will only set you back in the long run. Also, write, then record a proper demo or EP, then worry about playing shows. Too often bands do it the other way around and their product suffers. More importantly, just have fun and enjoy writing music with those whose company you enjoy. Few experiences are more exciting.

13. Thanks for the time and interview any closing thoughts here...
DW: Much thanks for the support. We will be back in the studio later this year, so we hope to have a new release ready for early 2015. Kind regards.