The Soundsphere Magazine Podcast

Luke Johnson (No Devotion) and Lee Downer (The Defiled) reflect on their past bands, Lowlives' future and new music

#lowlives #spinefarm #grunge
Luke Anthony Johnson (Amen, No Devotion) and Lee Downer (The Defiled) have been in bands that courted a lot of controversy over the years.
Through the anxiety and stress that came with those groups, the pair eventually found each other and found a "safe space" to create raw, gritty alternative rock that is as much catharsis for them, as it is for listeners.
In this interview, we go in-depth with Lowlives in 2024, discussing the delay to the forthcoming debut album, being signed to Spinefarm by Daniel P. Carter, and some funny tour moments.
For more visit:
https://www.instagram.com/lowlives
https://www.spinefarmrecords.com/473/artists/lowlives
 

Ian from Sounds Pretty Grim talks loving Spooky Culture, growing the channel and more

Dom Smith sits down with one of his favourite YouTubers, Sounds Pretty Grim to discuss the creation of the channel, personal motivations, goth and spooky culture and much more. 
https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsPrettyGrim
https://www.soundspheremag.com/ 

IVW’s Sybil Bell comments on the creation of Independent Venue Community

Sybil Bell talks to Dom Smith of Soundsphere about the creation of Independent Venue Week, and how that inspired Independent Venue Community, alongside her love for Hull and the North of England's creative scene. 
https://independentvenueweek.com/us/
https://independentvenuecommunity.com/ 

Jake Duzsik on ’Rat Wars’, HEALTH as a brand and their punk ethos

#health #ratwars #healthband
Jake Duzsik discusses HEALTH's brand, alongside his own personal development in this revealing interview ahead of the 'Rat Wars' album release.
Full feature coming soon to: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Bad Wolves’ Doc Coyle on the creative process behind ‘Die About It’

#badwolves #alternativemetal #dieaboutit
Doc Coyle goes in-depth on his thoughts about Bad Wolves' forthcoming record, 'Die About It' and discusses how he feels the band fits into the modern alternative metal landscape.
https://badwolvesnation.com/

Dirty Sanchez’s Mathew Pritchard talks being a vegan chef, his mental health and the importance of going outside

#DirtySanchez
Mathew Pritchard is a man whose career looks drastically different now than it did at its onset. Rising to notoriety 20 years ago with stunt and prank show Dirty Sanchez, Pritchard is now widely visible as a vegan chef and triathlon athlete. With this year seeing the launch of vegan supplement company SWYD Supplements and the third Dirty Vegan book, Dirty Vegan: Fast and Easy, Pritchard sat down with Soundsphere’s Dom Smith to reflect on his career and personal growth, anxiety and how he maintains motivation.
 
https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/mat-pritchard-discusses-success-sobriety-and-his-perspective-on-fame/

Code Orange’s Jami Morgan shares the intricacies of ’The Above’, working with Billy Corgan and more

Jami Morgan of Code Orange chats to Dom Smith about the hidden depths of 'The Above', and working with the likes of Billy Corgan on 'Take Shape'. For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Rasheed Thomas discusses the legacy of Nonpoint, touring the UK

#nonpoint #numetal #alternativemetal
Rasheed Thomas of US alternative metal overlords, Nonpoint chats with Dom Smith from Soundsphere about the band's legacy, and coming over to the UK for a tour! --- South Florida-based rock band Nonpoint, has been captivating audiences with their energetic sound and passionate performances for over two decades. Formed in 1997, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of what modern rock can be, combining heavy metal, nu-metal, and hard rock into a unique and powerful musical force. Over the course of their 20-year career, Nonpoint has released several critically acclaimed albums and garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the industry. Throughout their career, Nonpoint has been celebrated for their signature sound and powerful lyrics, which often tackle social and political issues. Their hard-hitting sound and emotional live performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as recognition from the music industry. Nonpoint has received multiple award nominations and has been praised by publications such as Rolling Stone, Revolver, and Alternative Press.
Nonpoint is: Elias Soriano (Lead Vocals) Robb Rivera (Drums) Rasheed Thomas (Guitar /Backing Vocals) Adam Woloszyn (Bass) Jason Zeilstra (Lead Guitar)

Steve ”Liquid” Hawley opens up on Bran Van 3000’s success how personal trauma inspired ’I Walked’

Fresh off the success of his song ‘Hard Labor’, which has been heard on radio all over Europe and has just been featured in Bafta winning editor / screenwriter Will Gilbey’s new action-thriller film Jericho Ridge, new Liquid Ltd single ‘I Walked’ is a soulful hip-hop meets Americana track that reflects on the Montreal artist’s life journey, from struggles to enlightenment in consciousness. Liquid Ltd, aka Stephen “Liquid” Hawley has soared to the Top of the Pops with Bran Van 3000’s smash hit ‘Drinking In LA’ and with ‘I Walked’ has teamed again with Brooklyn’s Billboard number one charting, Emmy nominated producer Rench to bring a powerful portrait of desire facing the reality of inner-city life and concrete meeting the dirt road. “If you want the highs! Better know the lows”, Liquid proclaims with a sounded foundation, as ‘I Walked’ carries the weight of his highs and lows in life so far. The contemplative song is sure to have you deep in thought and get under your skin with its gritty rap bars and restrained rustic troubadour lilt. “It’s a song of the miles travelled, escaping conflict and pain and being forced at a young age to make life-changing decisions”, says Liquid. “It is a story of consciousness in consequences in the battle of bad and good”, he adds. The video for ‘I Walked’ was shot by Liquid and Francis DiSalvio (F6 image) in the infamous Fattal artist compound in St. Henri and Liquid’s own neighbourhood NDG (Notre Dame De Grace) or Our Lady of Peace in the West End of Montreal. “It’s a marginalized community layered with many cultures from Irish to Jamaican and where I have lived since hitchhiking to Montreal at 16 years old”, reveals Liquid. “I wanted to capture the feeling I felt when I was 16 years old. The highs and lows, bad and good and the struggle to find a way in the maze”, he explains. So, take the steps and walk with Liquid Ltd in ‘I Walked’ and enjoy a richness of emotion that will bring a fire to your spirit and hope to despair and meet you there!
 
https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Theo Polyzoides from King Nun opens up about how ‘LAMB’ represents the band’s naivety and growth

Soundsphere's Dom Smith sits down with Theo Polyzoides from King Nun to discuss the band’s creative inspirations behind ‘LAMB’, and how the creative development of the record has pushed him in new ways as an artist. London-based grunge upstarts KING NUN today announce their highly anticipated new album ‘LAMB’, set for release on respected independent label Marshall Records, 29th September 2023.
Fans can pre-save/pre-order – HERE The announcement is accompanied by the band’s latest video ‘But We Live On The Beach’ – HERE. ‘LAMB’ (produced by the band’s very own Caius Stockley-Young at The Marshall Studio) sees the London quintet take us on a journey that embraces vulnerability and authenticity. With a poignant blend of introspection and raw emotion, this is a collection of vibrant, hook-laden tracks that delves deep into the human experience; with a healthy dose of existentialism, confronting one’s terror, as well as social and emotional threats and anxieties head-on. The album encapsulates the struggle to remain true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity and detachment. This powerful indie-punk, grunge opus serves as a profound metaphor for that delicate part of us susceptible to cynicism, trauma and emotional pain. Yet, it is precisely this vulnerability that emerges as the most beautiful aspect of our being, rising to the occasion with resilience and grace. In a society where the prevailing response to challenges is often to become cynical and mask our emotions, ‘LAMB’ offers a refreshing alternative. It speaks directly to the struggles faced by many, highlighting that true solutions lie not in aggression or escapism, but in embracing our shared humanity. By retaining our naivety, optimism, and trust, we can carve a path towards a brighter and more compassionate future. Speaking on their new album, vocalist and enigmatic frontman Theo Polyzoides comments: “LAMB is about vulnerability. It’s about being true to yourself. It’s about retaining the part of you that is naive and optimistic and trusting, in the face of a world that will turn you into a fucking android if you give it even an inch.” exclaims Polyzoides.” “So, LAMB is a metaphor for that Achilles heel, the part of you that is susceptible to trauma, emotional pain… all of these things,” he expands. “that’s the thing that rises to the occasion and is the most beautiful part of us… I think that, actually, if we all just tried to retain a bit of humanity, we’d probably make a better future.” Through its evocative melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and fearless exploration of the human psyche, this album stands as a testament to the power of vulnerability, positivity and the enduring strength found within each of us. This interplay of light and shade can be found expertly showcased with the band’s latest single ‘But We Live On The Beach’. “In direct contrast to how bright and optimistic the song sounds, lyrically, this is one of our bleakest songs.” remarks Theo.  “It's about being surrounded by friends who are all developing substance issues, when you come home to a 24/7 rager that goes on for weeks on end. In this song; ‘the beach’ is an analogy for a party. The chorus is a desperate plea which is to say; "No, I don't want any part of this, we LIVE on the beach, this isn't a holiday anymore, it's become habit, the novelty is gone and it's getting scary now."
For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/ ‘LAMB’ will arrive 29th September 2023 via Marshall Records.