Landon Tewers, the versatile vocalist of The Plot In You, dives into fascinating discussions about the modern metal scene. He shares insights on balancing heavy and melodic influences while maintaining artistic integrity. The conversation explores the impact of AI on music production and how it’s reshaping the industry. Tewers also reflects on the rise of 'baddycore' and its connection to social media. Lastly, he opens up about the emotional journey of creating viral hits and the pressures of constant online presence.
Landon Tewers highlights the importance of balancing multiple roles in the music industry to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
He emphasizes the value of committing fully to distinct musical styles rather than blending genres to satisfy listener expectations.
Tewers acknowledges the shift towards single releases in today's music landscape, allowing for greater focus on song quality and audience connection.
Deep dives
Balancing Multiple Roles in Music
Landon discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing various roles within the music industry, including being a vocalist for The Plot in You and a producer. He notes that he doesn't work a traditional job, which makes it easier to manage his time between producing songs and touring. Despite taking a break from his solo projects to focus on producing, he enjoys the creative freedom that comes with each role. This blend of responsibilities contributes to his ability to maintain a manageable work-life balance in a demanding field.
The Fusion of Heavy and Pop Influences
Landon shares his perspective on merging heavy music with pop elements in songwriting, emphasizing that he prefers to commit fully to one style rather than trying to blend both. He believes that forcing elements from both genres into a single track can leave listeners unsatisfied. By choosing to create either aggressive music or catchy pop-influenced songs distinctly, he can cater specifically to audiences without compromising any of the music's integrity. This approach has allowed The Plot in You to connect better with their fan base through clear genre definitions.
The Shift to Single Releases
Landon expresses his gratitude for the freedom granted by his label to experiment with releasing singles rather than a full album. This shift allows him to focus on the quality of a few songs, putting more effort into each release rather than spreading attention across multiple tracks. He finds immense value in taking the time to develop songs that resonate with listeners without the constant pressure of a looming album release. This strategy not only enhances creativity but also keeps him inspired throughout the songwriting process.
The Evolution of Music Consumption
The current landscape of music consumption has shifted significantly, with singles often outperforming full albums in streams and popularity. Landon acknowledges the frustration artists feel when their less popular songs receive little attention despite the same effort put into their creation. He notes the difficulty in tracking which songs resonate with audiences, but recognizes that trends can change rapidly based on social media momentum, especially platforms like TikTok. This evolving dynamic forces artists to adapt to a consumption model that favors immediacy over depth.
Creative Freedom and the Role of Producers
Landon highlights the importance of collaboration with producers in creating fresh and innovative sounds for heavy music. He admires producers who play a crucial role in shaping a band’s sonic identity, using examples of renowned mixers that have transformed the genre. His own experiences as a producer reinforce the significance of not micromanaging creative talents, allowing artists and producers to express themselves fully without restrictions. This collaborative environment fuels creativity, contributing to the overall growth and innovation within the metal scene.