A Q&A with Void Collapse

Modern take on death metal from Texas and Michigan…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Our latest album Gwenda was released about two months ago. It’s the first of a four album concept. Each album covers one of the tarot queens. Gwenda is the Queen of Wands. I’m starting the Queen of Swords right now. Shane just sent me the drums to get going on. As for what it means to me: It’s the culmination of what I’ve learned, and pivoting into where I’m heading. It came out really close to what I wanted it to be. I’m working on getting these next three as close to what I want also. I’m planning all of them out at the same time, so they really feel united.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Honestly, the hardest thing has always been getting it out there. Just getting people to listen, and everything that goes along with that. Paid promotion and commercials don’t really even work. With death metal, majority of the population doesn’t even know about, and the part that does has thousands of bands grabbing for their attention, so it’s an uphill climb. I think it’s all part of the process though. You keep trying different things, and find your own way through. Slowly but surely your music finds its place.

What did you enjoy most about producing your own material?
It’s out of necessity, but also rewarding. The best part is you can do what you want, and how you want. The drawback is if you are unsure of something or make a mistake you can’t ask anyone in the moment. You’re often stuck doing your best and making due. Shane does all his drums. We talk about tempos, and styles, but he does all his stuff. Then I fill everything else in.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I want listeners to have a full album experience, from the cover, to the song titles. I want the album to tell a story, not so much in words, but in the fantastical element to it all. That’s what I’ve always found in death metal, and that’s what I wanted to convey when I started Void Collapse.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something of the process?
Sure! Well I keep Shane’s drums ahead of me. So, when I get down to two or three drum tracks I get a hold of him to start the next batch. We discuss the style and tempos, and what I’d like them to sound like. Then he goes off and records. I don’t try to arrange or order the parts, I just want him to drum. It gives me a randomness and something to write around. So, I get the drums, and I’ll record one in, and just start playing to it. I’ll keep writing and refining until I get something I like, then it’s time for me to record. When I’m doing rhythm guitars I don’t punch in, I one take them all the way through. I think it gives them a sway, and the song moves around. I do the leads, bass, and then little flourishes. Finally I’ll do the vocals. There isn’t a technique I’ve ever repeated with vocals, they are all different, and all have some new problems to tackle. After that I get it mastered, or when the project is done. That’s it!

What band/artist have influenced you most since you’ve started this project, and why?
There are so many. Cannibal Corpse, Nile, Origin, Bjork, The Beach Boys, Animal Collective, Sleigh Bells, Waking the Cadaver. There are so many things I listen to. My goal is to build a death metal sound scape. Brian Wilson is a huge influence on that front. Johnny Marr and what he did with The Smiths. Kurt Ballou and Converge. When producing I’m just thinking of what I want to do, and I’ll take ideas from stuff I listen to. Like “oh they put the sound of a diesel engine running in this track to fill up space. I’m going to try that” That type of stuff.

What countries would you’d like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
We’re not a live band unfortunately. We’d like to be, but we live across the country from each other. Also we both have full time jobs, so it’s pretty difficult to get our heads around. If we did I would go anywhere we could. I’d love to see the world, but I think that time of my life is over. I have family, a house, and all that.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
‘The Cross Eyed Dove’ is what I would pick. It just sums us up perfectly right now. I don’t think that this next album will have as much melody as this one. But the ethereal/supernatural quality I always want to catch with this band is caught in that song. I think when I made it I wanted to be able to go into a daze during it, I love it, and that’s what I accomplished.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Whatever it can be. Honestly I’m not expecting too much. I will take it as far as possible, but I’m pretty much doing it for myself. I’m thankful we live in a day and age where I can put it out digitally, and anyone can check it out. But, the odds of a two piece death metal, home-produced project taking the world by storm is pretty slim.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Hey, thank you for a great interview. These questions were really awesome, and I had a great time answering. Thanks to anyone who has checked us out, and if you’re reading this, and any of it resonates please give us a listen, we really appreciate it. Thanks again!

For more info visit: voidcollapse.bandcamp.com