Interviews About Albums: DROP OUT - DROP OUT (2022)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Hardcore/Metalcore/Beatdown band DROP OUT to ask some questions about their new self-titled album. 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

DROP OUT is a 6 track showcase of aggression, isolation, and torment. This release is the foundation of the band, and we wanted to come out swinging, no pulled punches.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

I first came to the name looking over Converge’s discography during a writing session. It really fit the band at the time; most of us didn’t go to college, we dropped out of school or society. I also see it as a call to action. Drop out of school, drop out of your bullshit job, drop out of your shitty life, fuck all that.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Most of the music is composed by Bones with input from the band, with most of the lyrics coming from Devin.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

It’s hard to pick one, especially since these songs really came out of a specific mindset and feel like a complete piece. But PAROXETINE holds a special place for me. The song evokes the state of mind of being on endless prescription antidepressants and the hopelessness and numbness that comes with taking those kinds of medications. I also usually have a love for the final songs on albums, most bands put their most interesting tracks at the end of the album, sort of as an emotional capstone to the record. PAROXETINE also has a lot of interesting production going on, it’s probably our most bouncy and “fun” song on the album if that makes sense for a song about pill addiction.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

I don’t know how special the message is, but the record is an expression of feeling defective, broken, and isolated. It’s a reaction to our past issues, our continued issues with society and its systems, as well as our hopelessness about the future. I know some people resonate with these feelings.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

I’ll share a few lyrics from the song PAIN since it is hard to hear what the spoken word part of the song is saying, and it has a specific expression I think about a lot.

If I brought it to you would you snuff it out?

I promise it’s not what it seems

I know I’m drowning in promises 

 I can’t keep

The song itself is about self-hatred, but this line talks about the fear of opening up to someone only to have them react with disgust or fear. A lot of people are just not equipped to deal with someone else’s pain like that.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically I had been listening to a lot of nu-metal and really enjoying their approaches to rhythm and groove. KoRn definitely deserves a shout-out for its influence on our music. Harm’s Way and Code Orange have been two big favorites of mine since I was in High School. I love the way they blend touches of industrial metal into their music. I also wanna thank Emerald Boes for her incredible work behind a camera, my personal hype men London, Brandon, and Fresco, and shout out Dision Records fam!

8. Something to add?

You can actually receive a special bonus track if you download our EP on Bandcamp, which isn’t available on streaming or anywhere else. Keep an eye out for that, and follow us on Bandcamp, Spotify, or social media so you don’t miss our next release! www.disionrecords.com https://disionrecords.bandcamp.com/