Interview War Gods of the Deep

In this interview, we delve into the creation of "Breaker of Worlds" by War Gods of the Deep, exploring its unique place in their discography, the band's diverse musical influences, and the creative vision behind their distinctive sound and visuals.

1. "Breaker of Worlds" marks a new stop in your musical journey. Can you describe the inspiration behind this single and what makes it unique in your discography?

“Breaker of Worlds” is unique, for WGOTD. in a few ways. First, it's a purposeful standalone single, which as you know, it's not very popular in the hard rock/heavy-metal arena. Heavier music tends to still be dominated by the desire to listen to consume albums, which I think is a great thing, and fully support. However, I also feel as if everything doesn't need to be an album, or even fit within the album framework. This song is epic enough on its own, and has enough turns and twists to keep it interesting without needing the support of other music before or after. With regard to its place within our discography, it is an updated take on what I consider my core style that was fully on display with our first EP, “Monsters, Magic and Mayhem”.

2. Your music blends elements from 70's country pop, 90's nu metal, and 80's classic rock and metal. How do you manage to harmonize these diverse genres into a cohesive sound?

You really don't have to… Good music always works well with other good music. All of those genres, as well as the many different stylistic approaches within those genres, emanate from the same place I've just wanting to exist in the form of a good song. When you have all of the components you were using sharing the same DNA, blending them together is not difficult at all… Nuanced, certainly, but not difficult.

3. The music video for "Breaker of Worlds" has a distinctive retro feel. What was the creative process behind this video, and how does it complement the song?

The video for the song is an homage to a time and technology that is long gone. The choice to do the video in this style was to create an absolutely absurd and nonsensical visual for an otherwise pretty melodramatic/epic/energetic piece of music that could very easily take itself too seriously if presented that way. The video decision was about subverting expectations.

4. You've been active for several years with a varied discography. How do you think your sound has evolved since your first release?

To be honest, I really don't think that it has. The reality is I have a very specific agenda for this musical entity, and it's just getting started. Our first EP, second EP and first full length record had nothing to do with one another sonically, and that's by design. Those three records exist as different moods of the band. There is no linear growth from an artistic standpoint between any of those titles. They literally exist to get those moments recorded and out.

5. "Breaker of Worlds" is available on various digital platforms. How do you feel about the current state of music distribution and streaming services?

Technology is great. The fact that you can listen to music anywhere, anytime, and as the background to any activity your heart may desire, is not so great. Honestly, that type of limitless accessibility to art always devalues the impact the art can have on someone's existence. The fact that streaming services rip off artists is not surprising, nor should it have not been expected…

The music industry in all of its facilities has a long and documented history of unnecessary middleman, and shysters ripping off artists. To me, those fleas come with the dog of industry and are not unique to, or result of the digital era. The greatest tragedy as I mentioned earlier, is people not taking the time out of their lives to make listening to recorded music something to do on a regular basis with no interruptions or distractions. Take an hour out of each day, find your favorite record or a record you may be interested in exploring, it doesn't matter what format it is… Vinyl, cassette, CD, digital - whatever is best for you. Then take that hour and listen to that record from beginning to end with no distractions, lose yourself in it, think about it, project your life and your world into it and then a project back on to you what you wanted to say to you or even needed to say to you. It's that type of experience we're losing in the digital era, I feel sorry for anyone and everyone who is never had that kind of connection to the music they love

6. Your previous releases, like "Action Space Battle" and "Monsters, Magic & Mayhem," have unique themes. How do you decide on the themes and concepts for your albums and singles?

I like comics, magazines and movies from the 70s and 80s, as well as syndicated network television Showa from the same time period. I basically just sit down and try to sync up what would be apropos for that time period, and then run with it.

7. The band is based in Chicago. How has the local music scene influenced your work, if at all?

Chicago is a city full of amazing musicians and artists, and always has been. There have been many incredible and legendary bands and artists that have come from Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. That's never lost on any musicians from here. Chicago is also still a very blue-collar working town when it comes to our music scene, so there is an incredibly vibrant and consistent opportunity for players across all types of genres , only get out and play, but to develop lasting connections and fan bases as well.

8. You released a KISS cover, "Who Wants to be Lonely," in 2021. What drew you to cover this particular song, and how do you approach covering tracks by other artists?

I'm a huge KISS fan *who isn’t?). They are my favorite band of all bands that I've ever listened to and have been my entire life. I chose that particular song because I feel like not enough 80s KISS gets the love and attention it deserves.

9. Can you share some behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced while creating "Breaker of Worlds”?

Ha! I could, but then where's the fun in that? Creativity, by its very nature, is laden with challenges, that's what makes the end result all the more satisfying and beautiful to the creator.

10. What are your thoughts on the importance of visual elements, like music videos and album artwork, in enhancing the musical experience?

It’s all relative to successful world building as far as I'm concerned. On its own, each component may be cool, but when all compiled together correctly, it creates something bigger than itself self. It helps establish the majesty that's necessary, in my opinion, to function in a successful rock band.

11. With the release of "Breaker of Worlds," what are your plans for the future? Are there any upcoming projects or tours fans should be excited about?

We have many things planned for the future, many things, however we would encourage everyone listening to just enjoy what's here now as that is all that matters. New music is always great, but never take for granted what you have right in front of you now. My stance is that at any particular point in time, 99.9% of the world is not listening to the music WGOTD has already made, therefore I see no point stressing out about what's coming next. Enjoy what you have. And if you really dig it, tell someone about it.

12. For those discovering War Gods of the Deep for the first time, how would you describe your band and what can they expect from your music?

WGOTD is a hard rock / heavy metal band with one foot firmly rooted in the 70’s and 80’s and the other foot tirelessly looking for a new place place to stand. As far as what you can expect, you can expect us to be true to what we feel we do best, regardless of who likes it and who does not.

https://www.wargodsofthedeep.com/

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