We all take inspiration from the music we hear. As an artist our job is to take that inspiration and create something fresh and new with it. Our recent find Demise brings a wide range of influence into his unique sound.
We caught up with the innovative alt-hip hop artist to get a little deeper into his mind. Enjoy the interview:
First off, what is the story behind the name Demise?
The story behind my stage name goes deep into my past, my whole life I’ve been surrounded by death, whether it be the death of family members or the death of a friendship/relationship. Ever since my tenth birthday, I’ve always felt like my own death was on its way. I never thought I would even make it to eighteen, it still feels surreal to me.
How would you describe your sound?
I sound like a lot of different things, I’ve been experimenting with a plethora of genres and different vocal sounds/styles. Most of the themes revolve around death, destruction, heartbreak, suicide & the devil taken on in a more numb type of feeling, though some of them come out quite emotional.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
I would definitely say Staind, Seether, Danzig, Paramore, Neck Deep, My Chemical Romance & Rise Against. I spent almost all of my childhood listening to these legends which is where I get a lot of my inspiration from.
What is it that drives you to create music?
Mental-illness, the want for a better life than what I was given and the need to help people who are like me but have no means to talk to anyone. I know what it’s like to spend all your time in a dark room, with no one to turn to. I want to impact people and the world in a positive way, in a way that makes people know they’re not alone and that there’s always a hope for some sunshine amidst weeks of rain.
How does a song come together for you? What is your songwriting process?
I usually get on Youtube or sift through my beats to find an instrumental that perfectly describes the mood I’m in. Songs and ideas come and go on a whim for me. I find it so much easier to write a song from the heart when the emotions are currently impacting me and in some cases overwhelming me. Though once I find that perfect instrumental it just flows through me. I’ll end up getting some songs completely written in fifteen minutes. Oddly enough those usually turn out the best, full of raw, unfiltered lyrics and emotions. I think music is my own coping mechanism.
How do you hope to connect with the listeners with your songs?
I hope that the people who hear my songs message me over instagram or twitter. Getting to know people who are like me is one of the coolest things about making music. Growing up I was like everyones counselor, so I’d want any of my fans or people who like my music to come to me if they need someone to talk to, or if they just need someone to listen to their good news, whatever it is, I just wanna be there for people. One of the worst things on the planet is receiving that good news and having no one to tell, or having that awful day and no one to listen, I want to change that.
Share some advice for other young artists trying to get noticed?
Connect with other artists, do collaborations and make sure to advertise your music through ads. Make people know you exist and make music from the heart. Give it your all and never let people discourage you. I feel like lots of people fail just because they don’t get the results they want so they quit. Everything takes time so you just gotta learn as you go, see your dream to the end.
Give us a look at the future of Demise?
For the short future I’m going to be experimenting with more sounds and song themes, putting more effort into getting my music out there, collaborating with artists and then eventually an EP I’m calling “Coffins”.
Follow Demise on INSTAGRAM.
