A Q&A with Deadlock
Pop-punk and melodic hardcore, from Norwich β hereβs Mikey from Deadlockβ¦
Whatβs the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The songβs called βDeadweightβ. Lyrically it tackles the subject of mental health issues. A side of things I donβt really talk to people about. Itβs kind of an easier way for me to address those topics than directly talking about it with someone. I wrote it kinda more broadly about things. Like βOkay maybe there are things going on up in there, how do I get past it and move onβ.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
A number of things really. Being on my own doesnβt help (equally has been a benefit too funnily enough). Also as I touched on previously. It about a subject that I donβt usually talk about so being completely transparent about stuff has been abit of a struggle. In the way that itβs putting your vulnerabilities out in the open. Itβs been abit of a battle in that respect.
Who produced the release β what did they bring to it?
So I wrote and recorded everything in my bedroom. Pretty clichΓ© I know. Thatβs everything apart from the drums I mean. I had a few different session drummers but the one who stuck out the most was a guy called Brooks Farris. After he sent me the stuff back I really started noticing the song take shape and reshape which was a fun milestone. I hit up Sam Pura and Terry Beckley to take my bedroom recordings and sonically craft it into the final product you can hear today. Speaking as youβre reading after itβs release that is.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Iβm a strong believer that music is powerful, yet subjective. The listener may hear it and connect with it in a completely different way to its primary intention. If you enjoy it and find something relatable in your own path then thatβs what matters.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Despite being solo, with bands in the past Iβve always written on my own. Again. Apart from drums I usually do what I need to and then work with a drummer. I feel like you will always get one of two answers from this question though (Youβd be surprised: Ed). Either lyrics come first then the music or vice versa. I kinda do them at the same time. For example this one I knew I wanted something that acoustically could be played without changing tuning and even though I used a capo, something I could do without playing the exact same power chords as the full band version. So I wrote it initially acoustically as I pretty much do most songs. This in mind with that subject it was done bit by bit I guess inline with itself. Neither lyrics or music were finished first.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
So for probably the longest time Neck Deeps βRain in Julyβ was the sound I was clutching at for years. Like the whole boom of 2010s pop punk really. I was and still am really big on Napoleon. Theyβre more of a progressive outfit. Heavier too. Itβs that progressive harder sound that kinda inspired the lead writing on this but in a way that you canβt really tell. I only say that as I notice it myself considering this is the first time Iβve made a song where the lead parts are more βtechnicalβ.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues youβd like to play in?
I really should start by saying the UK as itβs more realistic being as Iβm here already. The States has always seemed like a milestone when you get started. But yeah. Just to get started touring would be my next milestone perhaps.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Sustainability, enjoyment and longevity. If it can be a project that is relevant enough and sustainable Iβd be quite content. Another clichΓ©, but the same or similar things bands you like and are inspired by have done or do.
For more info visit: facebook.com/UKDEADLOCK
