Brendan Murphy, the dynamic vocalist of metalcore band Counterparts, shares insights from his musical journey and online persona. He discusses the unique charm of European toilets and the chaos of air travel, peppered with humorous anecdotes. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of metalcore, exploring the balance between authenticity and mainstream appeal. Additionally, Brendan reflects on the emotional challenges musicians face, particularly regarding grief and substance use, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone through gaming antics and touring tales.
Counterparts opted for a surprise release strategy for their new EP, aiming to foster a more authentic connection with fans.
The collaborative and spontaneous songwriting process led to high-energy tracks focused on enhancing live performance engagement and audience interaction.
Brendan Murphy shared insights into vocal versatility between projects, blending aggressive and melodic styles to create dynamic storytelling in their music.
Deep dives
Surprise EP Release Strategy
The band chose to implement a surprise release strategy for their latest EP to create excitement and engagement with fans. This approach is not commonly used in the metal genre, where pre-release hype often dominates. The band reflected on how many larger artists have successfully utilized surprise drops, leading them to feel empowered to take a similar path despite the skepticism from their label. They believed that this direct-to-fan method would allow them to bypass traditional marketing strategies and instead foster a more authentic connection with their audience.
Creative Process Behind the EP
The songwriting process for the EP was both collaborative and spontaneous, resulting in a collection of songs that genuinely reflect the band's energy and intent. The band initially had only a couple of ideas but ended up with an abundance of material once they entered the studio, with multiple members contributing numerous demos. This sudden surge of creativity led to a concentrated focus on writing heavy tracks that would be energizing for live performances, allowing them to ditch songs that did not resonate with live crowds. As a result, the EP represents a culmination of ideas aimed at creating an engaging musical experience during their shows.
Drawing Inspiration from Live Dynamics
The band's approach to writing the EP was heavily influenced by their experiences at live shows and audience reactions. They aimed to create music that would provoke strong crowd engagement, translating the energy of their live performances into the recordings. The shift in focus became evident, with an emphasis on high-energy, mosh-inducing tracks that would encourage audience interaction. They acknowledged the importance of their most streamed songs and realized that the tracks which worked best for them on stage often differed from the more popular streaming numbers.
Vocal Variations and Musical Identity
The vocalist discussed the distinct vocal styles utilized between their two projects, emphasizing that counterparts have their own defined sound, while the end project allows for more versatility in vocal expression. The EP features a mix of vocal techniques, including aggressive screams and melodic elements, to highlight the emotional spectrum of their music. The creative choice to incorporate more raw vocals aligns with the EP's overall heavy direction, allowing for dynamic storytelling while staying true to the band's roots. This blending technique adds depth to their sound while retaining authenticity, reflecting their growth as artists.
K-Pop as Artistic Influence
In an unexpected twist, the conversation turned towards K-Pop, where the vocalist expressed admiration for the genre, particularly the girl group Twice. This discussion highlighted a broader interest in musical versatility and the potential for collaboration across genres. They humorously speculated how their heavy sound could intersect with K-Pop's vibrant performances, suggesting the idea of integrating K-Pop dance routines into their live shows. This playful banter exemplified an open-minded approach to genre boundaries, showcasing how inspiration can come from diverse sources within the music world.
