Interview Sutras

Sutras combines post-hardcore, neo-crust, doom, and shoegaze, blending spiritual exploration with aggressive music. In this interview, they discuss their influences, philosophy, and the meaning behind their latest work.

1. Your music draws from a variety of influences, from post-hardcore to "neo crust" and even elements of doom and shoegaze. How do you go about combining these different sounds to create something uniquely Sutras?

The sound and the music is just expression. We happen to enjoy aggressive forms of that and there is a lot to choose from. When I think of the term ‘punk’ or ‘hardcore’ I think of many kinds of bands that sound nothing alike to an extent – but yet there are shared qualities. With these two songs we came up with a blend of a few things we think sound good and serve an expressive purpose. In the future I hope more of these punk qualities will peak through and get more expressive. I agree it sounds unique and I believe it’s simply because it’s true expression and therefore it’s only ours. 

2. You describe yourselves as a “Dharma punk collective.” Can you elaborate on how Buddhism and punk rock ethics intertwine in your music and message?

The one point I want to make clear is that we’re not trying to spread a message or belief system per say. We are simply exploring ourselves, our thoughts and our being through music. Music to me is always more than trying to sell a song, an album or t-shirt. Which brings me to the point that Buddhist teachings are inherently anti-capitalist, anti-materialist and anti-racist. All the things that brought me to punk in the first place. They both help me exist in this materialist world that truly fucking cripples me and I struggle with it greatly. Instead of having a music life, a spiritual life and a material life – I want to balance them into one.

3. The theme of suffering, a central concept in both Buddhism and punk, seems to be deeply rooted in your lyrics and music. How do your personal experiences with addiction, mental health, and grief shape the music you create?

Many times, with these topics, I’ve tried to bury it all, I’ve tried to numb it, and I’ve tried to ignore it. Through exploring a spiritual answer to my many material problems I’ve come to do the opposite and bring these things to the light – and try let them go. Addiction, mental health and grief are all things that have affected my life tremendously and still do. I’m not writing songs saying I have the answer, I’ve won and here’s a self-help manual. I’m writing these songs saying I know it fucking hurts. That’s it.

4. EP Awakening of the Spirit was recorded at Developing Nations Studio by Kevin Bernsten, with mastering by James Plotkin. What was the recording and mastering process like, and how did these collaborations influence the final sound?

Frederick has recorded with Kevin a few times and has a good relationship with him. I was very happy to experience the studio with both of them. I understand why both Kevin and James have very full schedules, and we plan on doing it again with them very soon.

5. ‘Deathless’ explores heavy themes such as suicide and self-harm. Can you share more about the emotional journey behind this song and how you hope it resonates with listeners?

Like most punk rockers – I have a job outside of this. My job involves death and people kill themselves. I’m never very affected by it. One day somebody committed suicide and of course I had to overhear that dreadful, snide, “selfish” comment. After so many times you can’t deal with it anymore but instead of losing my job – I wrote this song. It’s dedicated to all our friends and family that have taken their lives intentionally or by accident.

6. In ‘A Daily Reprieve,’ you tackle the challenges of living a clear-minded lifestyle in the face of capitalism. How do you navigate those struggles personally, and how does that come through in your music?

My experience and observation may not be everyone’s.  People work and fucking work – supporting someone else’s extravagant livelihood while hardly having the opportunity to experience their own. We then get hits of pleasure through consumerism and that often involves drugs and alcohol. Buy some cool clothing or electronic device, drink alcohol, smoke, numb it and do it again. I won’t ever fully escape that unless I become a monk somewhere, but I try to maintain a spiritual practice that actively rebels against that. It’s not easy. How does it come through in music? Well, I scream into a microphone until it makes me sick, and I feel better.

7. You’ve both been involved in other bands and projects, like Requiem and The Escape Artist. How have those experiences informed your work in Sutras, both musically and philosophically?

This project ticks’ boxes for both of us. We both have a desire to work within the philosophy of this band. I know Frederick has always been the “leader” of sorts in his other bands and with this he sits back more and just gets to play while I do more of the “leading”. I know for me it’s been a very long time since I’ve been in a punk centered band… which has always been my heart.

8. The connection between spirituality and art is often complex. How does your own spiritual practice influence your songwriting and the themes you choose to explore in your music?

Many people associate ‘praise and worship’ music with spirituality… which it is not. Outside that, I don’t think it’s that complex. I think most people find ways to escape reality rather than face it. I think that is reflected in most music that is popular. For me finding spirituality is the answer to material problems – because one of those things won’t go with you when your body dies. Musically I’m just publicly working through that idea.

9. Punk has always had a strong sense of activism and community. How does Sutras contribute to or engage with your local music scene in the Washington D.C. area, especially within the DIY and underground communities?

I help volunteer and organize at a non-profit D.I.Y organization in D.C. called Rhizome which helps support disenfranchised artists and anyone else who has a suppressed voice. I am involved in various drug addiction and mental health recovery communities. Frederick has done a bit of work helping feed people in low-income areas that are often of color in his community. We do this all in our own lives. Musically we are figuring out how to exactly do that – but bear in mind we don’t exactly have a platform people care about. Our songs will be featured on a few compilations supporting animal rights organizations.

10. There’s a quote by John Coltrane at the end of your bio: “We have to keep on cleaning the mirror.” How does this idea of purification and self-discovery resonate with your approach to creating music?

Every fucking day that mirror gets dirty. That’s why every song is different.

11. You mention that ‘Deathless’ also touches on the idea of reincarnation and growth. Do you feel that music, like life, is part of an ongoing cycle of learning and evolution?

I know that the music we’re creating helps me understand what it is that I believe. It helps me come to terms with things that don’t have physical answers. So therefore, it absolutely is part of the cycle for us.

12. With the post-hardcore and punk scene continuously evolving, where do you see Sutras fitting in, and what do you hope to bring to the current wave of bands?

We’ve never as individuals been ones to fit in anywhere and I’m not sure it’s any different with Sutras. Musically I do think we have a chance to blend in with artists and bands we admire – and I hope our message of empathy with struggle resonates with everyone who is attracted to this kind of music. I don’t always want or need answers; but some understanding can go a long way.

Sutras - DistroKid (hyperfollow.com)