The Soundsphere Magazine Podcast

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.   

Freedom Festival X Soundsphere Magazine meet Otto & Astrid…

Ahead of Hull’s annual Freedom Festival celebrations, Lucy caught up with Berlin art-rock royalty Otto and Astrid, before their upcoming show Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project debuting on Friday. The dynamic Euro-pop duo talked their favourite Hull slang, their songwriting process, and the best kebabs they’ve ever eaten. An interview that will certainly make you laugh, Otto and Astrid are not to be missed at this year’s festival.
Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project takes place on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of September at 8:00pm at Humber Street’s Social.
 
https://www.soundspheremag.com/
https://www.freedomfestival.co.uk/
https://ottoandastrid.com/ 

Bailey Spinn comments on her TikTok success, mental health in music and more

#baileyspinn #tiktok
 
Viral TikTok sensation Bailey Spinn talks to Dom Smith about their experience in the music industry as an artist, the songwriting process and the trials and tribulations of creating viral content!
For more information visit:
https://www.soundspheremag.com/
https://www.instagram.com/baileyspinn 

Jah Wobble on the importance of being a good person and why thinking about legacy is bo**ocks

#publicimage #sineadoconnor #jahwobble
Jah Wobble (John Wardle) comments on his new album his attitude to touring, and the importance of being a good human being during this in-depth chat with Soundsphere's Dom Smith.
For more visit: https://www.soundspheremag.com/
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Known for forming Public Image Ltd with Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon and Keith Levene, Wobble's collaborations have since included Brian Eno, Bjork and Sinead O'Connor, and his groundbreaking and innovative bass playing has cemented his place in music history. He is also a published author of several books on a variety of subjects. 

Urban Heat’s Jonathan Horstmann discusses the viral success of ’Have You Ever?’, new music and more

#urbanheat #goth #postpunk
Jonathan Horstmann of Urban Heat sits down with Soundsphere's Dom Smith to discuss the band's viral hit, 'Have You Ever?', the possibility of touring the UK, and much more.
For more information visit:
https://www.urbanheatband.com/

WWE’s Erick Rowan discusses his favourite metal bands from Amon Amarth to Isafjord

WWE and AEW star Joseph Rudd (Erick Rowan) goes deep on his favourite heavy bands (including the likes of Ghost, Paradise Lost and many more), and whether he believes in guilty pleasures when it comes to music. More here: https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Kamtin Mohager discusses the dynamic differences between Heavenward and The Chain Gang of 1974

 Kamtin Mohager has an open and honest discussion about Heavenward's significance when it comes to his extensive musical back-catalog with the likes of Teenage Wrist and The Chain Gang of 1974. 
Kam goes in-depth with Soundsphere's Dom Smith on new tracks from the album, including 'Be My Blues', alongside sharing his passion for bands including Placebo, and My Vitriol and Silverchair and how they influenced the record as a whole. 
For more information visit: 
https://www.instagram.com/heavenwardband
https://www.soundspheremag.com/

Richard Patrick talks the evolution of FILTER’s sound, his relationship with Trent Reznor in 2023

Richard Patrick of Filter goes in-depth about the band's new album, 'The Algorithm', and discusses his friendships with future tourmates Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie, alongside his former Nine Inch Nails partner, Trent Reznor. 
https://www.soundspheremag.com/
https://officialfilter.com/ 

WWE star Mustafa Ali talks about his love for J. Cole’s music

Ahead of WWE's Night of Champions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, WWE's Mustafa Ali opens up about his favourite artist J.Cole, and why the artist's music means so much to him.
WWE Night of Champions airs LIVE in the UK at 6pm BST on Saturday, May 27th on WWE Network

Nita Strauss talks her solo album ’The Call of the Void’, working in the studio with Alice Cooper

The words “Stay Humble Or Be Humbled” have regularly adorned the front of Nita Strauss’ t-shirt. It isn’t just a mantra but a mindset to keep yourself grounded even when things are going well. And things certainly are going well for the Los Angeles native rocker… “My boyfriend actually has a clothing brand called Beverly Kills and he’s the one that makes that shirt. I like that attitude, because I think if you’re not humble the world will find a way to make you humble,” said Strauss in an interview with Soundsphere’s Dom Smith.
It’s an impressive way of thinking for a 36-year-old that has not just rubbed shoulders with, but taken to the stage with some of the biggest names in rock and metal. Not content with a role as a touring guitarist, Strauss has struck out as a solo artist in her own right and we’re not just talking her stint in Iron Maiden all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens. In 2018, Strauss launched her debut solo album ‘Controlled Chaos’, a title that seems at least in retrospect, to explain the nature of its production. Five years later and not only has the world changed, but so too has the professional outlook of one of the busiest guitarists in the game ahead of her sophomore release. “If you listen to my first album which I self-produced, self-engineered, I recorded every instrument. My boyfriend played the drums and I even engineered the drums, which is terrible because I’m not an engineer and I don’t know how to engineer drums, I looked it up on YouTube and it shows!” “I’m proud of it, I’m proud of the stomping of feet and smashing your head into the wall of making ‘Controlled Chaos’, but I think this upcoming record really shows a lot of evolution as an artist. I was really able to take a step back, take a deep breath and allow the collaborative process to happen with different outside writers, collaborators, guest vocalists, a guest guitar player and embrace that collaborative spirit. Rather than just saying this is my thing and I don’t want anybody to tell me how to do it.” Arguably Strauss’ rise to the top came to pass when she became the legendary shock-rocker, Alice Cooper’s, touring guitarist....
https://www.soundspheremag.com/features/nita-strauss-talks-her-solo-album-working-in-the-studio-with-alice-cooper-and-more/