www.facebook.com/imageofdeceitband
From: Virginia
Sounds like: Industrial Metal
1. What's new with Image of Deceit?
Since the release of my debut album Self Reflection, I have been hard at work trying to find the right sound that I have been after since its inception. In the beginning, I was trying to figure myself out by experimenting with different guitar and synth approaches while also learning how to put together melodies. The organized chaos that ensued I’m sure is apparent as you listen from song to song. There’s no solidified sound but a catalogue of ideas that are expanded upon individually. Now having new synth VST’s and plugins at my disposal, I have been consistently working on my sonic vision that I think would resonate with the Industrial Metal community. Figuring out melody and how to apply it to your own music is no easy task either, but I finally have an approach to writing that makes me excited about writing new music.
2. What's the word on new music?
The word is plenty! The writing process for album 2 titled AWAKEN is almost complete. My guitarist/bassist Daniel Bradley is currently recording his parts as well as mixing and mastering each song as they become “complete.” On album 2, you will hear a more solidified writing approach as well as experimentation on the vocals. There will definitely be no void of melody either.
I’m also working on music for albums 3 and 4 so stay tuned as there is plenty of music to fill your ear holes.
3. How does the writing process go?
The writing process starts with me with a melody or a simple riff idea. I tend to keep the guitars simple so you can focus on the synths and vocals. For the guitars, I use a guitar VST and map out the notes like you would with a drum VST. My guitarist/bassist then records the parts live and incorporates some of his ideas into it. I never track a bass track though because I know that Daniel Bradley brings it every time. The great thing about writing everything yourself is that you can change things in accordance to what you hear vocally or when changing the main melody. I have definitely driven myself crazy by doing that but the outcome almost always outweighs the headaches of rewriting parts.
4. What have you been listening to lately?
If I’m not listening to my Industrial Metal playlist of various artists like: Celldweller, Blue Stahli, Rammstein, Static X, Rob Zombie, Powerman 5K, Daedric, Scandroid etc, I’m indulging in nostalgic radio hits from the 90s and early 2000s. Gotta give the Metal a break sometimes.
5. How do you come up with the graphics and artwork?
I have just one guy that I go to for all of my art work and that guy goes by the name of Noah Zark on facebook and instagram. His artwork spans across all 4 of my albums and will include album 5 when we get started on writing for it. His artwork is made with dark imagery and has started taking on a more photorealistic approach. You guys should definitely check out his stuff.
6. What's one thing you'd change about the local music scene?
That’s a hard question to answer really. A lot of things work against us on the social community spectrum and it makes it hard to decipher on, are we working against ourselves? Or, is the algorithm. When I first started introducing IOD to anyone that would listen, there was a support system where everybody was gaining attention together and helping each other in getting their music heard. Since then, it has been hard to stay relevant and maintain the small community of people that even gave you the time of day. You almost just want to make a 2 second video just to raise your hand and say, “Hey! I’m still here.”
7. Any potential live performances on the horizon?
As of right now, IOD is focusing strictly on music. I did, however, take IOD out on the road for a debut show in Lynchburg, Va with Daniel Bradley on guitar and backing tracks playing live. It was both an amazing, and terrifying, experience but it was a great turnout. I have for years been the guy behind the drums playing the beat on various stages across the east coast. I had no idea the transition from drummer to singer/screamer would be so paralyzing. I am so excited to bring IOD on the road but my anxiety got the best of me when I played my first ever IOD show. I was able to generate enough courage to play the whole show but the paralyzing feeling stayed with me for about a week after. I eventually want to persevere and bring IOD back to the stage one day. Stay with me to find out where this adventure leads!!!
8. Any plans for any music videos?
Music videos for me have been an afterthought. A lot of money goes into making them and I would rather put that money into the songs themselves. I have one music video, however, for the song “When I’m Gone” but it is made with animations and various imagery. When the right song comes along, maybe I’ll contemplate making a true music video, but for now, enjoying listening to the efforts going into making the music itself.
9. What do you wish to accomplish for the rest of the year?
I, personally, want to release albums 2 AND 3. Half of album 2 is already mixed, mastered, and released on all streaming platforms. Album 3 is already mapped out with about 9 or 10 songs. I feel like once I release album 2, anybody paying attention would realize that we are serious about making music and that IOD is not going away anytime soon. That would be emphasized by the release of album 3 with album 4 still in development.
