Deadlines' latest track "Downfall" delves into the pressure to conform and personal struggle. In this interview, they discuss its creation, themes, and live energy.
1.
"Downfall" addresses societal pressure and personal struggle. What
inspired the creation of this song, and what message do you hope listeners take
away from it?
“Downfall”
was inspired by the ongoing struggle between societal expectations and personal
wellbeing. We wanted to capture the pressure people feel to conform and the
inner struggles that often go unnoticed. The message is simple: you’re not
alone in your battle, and it’s okay to fight back against that pressure.
2. Your
music often explores themes of inner resilience and the need to break free from
societal limitations. How does “Downfall” build upon these themes compared to
your previous releases like Human Error and Eternal
Decent?.
“Downfall”
builds on the themes of resilience and breaking free but takes it to a darker,
more personal place. While “Human Error” was about human flaws and “Eternal
Descent” dealt with selfworth struggles, this track focuses on the societal
pressure to conform. It’s angrier and more direct, reflecting the frustration
of trying to maintain your identity in a world that constantly expects more
from us, especially through social media and external pressures.
3. The
heavy riffs and emotional melodies in “Downfall” are a defining part of your
sound. Can you walk us through the creative process behind writing and
composing this track?
The writing
of “Downfall” started with the riff. We wanted something heavy, raw, and
direct, fitting the themes of the song. Once we had that foundation, the
melodies naturally came together to support the emotional weight of the lyrics.
It was a collaborative process where everyone brought their unique influences
to ensure the song felt as cathartic as the message. A special thanks to
producer Daan Nieboer, who helped us bring everything together. It’s not just
about the band but also the people around us who support the creative process.
4.
Mental health is a key theme in "Downfall." How important is it for
you as a band to address these topics, and do you feel a sense of
responsibility in bringing these issues to light through your music?
For us as a
band, it’s important to talk about mental health through our music because it
affects us all, directly or indirectly. We feel a responsibility to open up
these conversations, especially in a genre like metalcore where emotional
intensity is central. Music is a powerful tool for connection, and if even one
person feels less alone after hearing our song, we’ve done our job. Our singer
struggles with depression, and that drives us to make this issue more
discussable. We want everyone to know: you are never alone!
5.
You've performed alongside notable bands like Alien Weaponry, Spoil Engine, and
NovelistsFR. How have these live experiences influenced your growth as a band,
and how do they impact your songwriting or performance approach?
Touring and
sharing the stage with bands like Alien Weaponry, Spoil Engine, and NovelistsFR
was a huge learning experience. It was inspiring to see how they engage the
audience and bring energy to their performances. It’s pushed us to evolve and
become more dynamic performers, and it’s given us fresh ideas for our own
songwriting.
6. What
was it like recording at Hillroad Studio with Daan Nieboer? How did working
with him shape the sound and production of "Downfall"?
Working
with Daan Nieboer was amazing. He has a deep understanding of our sound and
encouraged us to experiment without losing our core identity. His production
approach really brought out the aggression and emotion in “Downfall,”
especially in how he balanced the heavy guitars with the more melodic elements.
Thanks to him, this is one of our most polished tracks.
7.
Societal expectations and roles are central to the narrative of “Downfall.”
What personal or external experiences led you to tackle these issues in your
music?
The story
of “Downfall” is a mix of personal experiences and things we’ve observed around
us. We’ve all had moments where we felt crushed by expectations, whether they
came from society, family, or ourselves. As a band, we process that pressure
and writing about it is our way of dealing with it directly.
8. Your
live performances are known for their intensity. How do you translate the
energy and emotional depth of a song like “Downfall” onto the stage?
Our live
shows are all about energy and connection, so when we play a song like
“Downfall,” we want the audience to feel every emotion we’ve poured into it. We
channel the intensity of the lyrics and music to create an experience that’s
cathartic for both us and the crowd. It’s all about that raw, shared
moment.
9.
With Eternal Decent and Human Error EPs
focusing on resilience, what do you think has been the biggest evolution in
your sound and themes from these projects to your current music?
The biggest
evolution has been in our confidence and how we approach our themes. With our
earlier projects, we were still finding our voice and experimenting with
different sounds. Now we have a clearer focus on what we want to say and how we
want to say it. Our sound has become heavier, but we’ve stayed true to the
emotional depth that defines us.
10. How
has the Ghent metalcore scene influenced your journey as a band? Are there any
local or international acts that have particularly shaped your sound or vision?
The Ghent
scene has definitely shaped us. There’s a strong sense of community and
collaboration here that pushes everyone to improve and innovate. Bands like
Spoil Engine and Stake have shown us that you can carve out your own space
while staying true to your sound. Internationally, bands like Architects and
While She Sleeps have had a big influence on how we think about our music and
the message we want to convey.
11. The
music industry and societal pressures can sometimes clash with the personal
well-being of artists. How do you, as a band, navigate these pressures while
staying true to your creative vision?
It can be
tough to balance the demands of the music industry with staying true to our
creative vision, especially when there’s pressure to constantly produce,
perform, and stay relevant. But we’ve learned to block out the noise and focus
on what matters most to us: making honest music. Ultimately, our mental and
creative well-being has to come first.
12.
Finally, what’s next for Deadlines? Are there any plans for a full-length
album, more singles, or upcoming tours that fans should keep an eye out for?
We’re
already working on new material, and there’s definitely another EP on the way.
Fans can expect a mix of heavier, more aggressive tracks, but we’re also
playing around with some experimental sounds. We also have new tour plans in
the works, both locally and hopefully internationally, so definitely keep an
eye out for that!
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