Interviews: Weep

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Depressive Black Metal/Post-Hardcore solo project, Weep from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his INSTAGRAM PROFILE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Honestly, the DSBM scene has pretty much covered every word and action involved with being sad so I was shocked to find nobody had stolen Weep yet. I snapped it up because weeping is arguably the most honest form of crying, unfettered by social awareness.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

DSBM is an interesting genre because the best bands are all innovative in their genre bending. Lifelover in particular really brought a post-punk feel to black metal that was new at the time. In the path of the greats I also wanted to innovate and I felt that DSBM could be really long-winded at times. Thus it seemed to make sense to mix it with post-hardcore, a genre also known for intense emotional honesty albeit with a much smaller runtime.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

As a solo project you could frame this question in the philosophical sense as in: Do I know myself? The answer is probably not and if I did I would think I was weird.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

My favorite band is Katatonia. Nobody does melancholy like Katatonia I tell ya.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I think I often feel less inspired and rather compelled. Creative outlets are the only way I can process strong emotions, and music is the place I’ve found most comforting for working through my depression.

6. Where was your last gig?

Not with Weep, but I served as the vocalist and bassist for the wonderful Staten Island band Hypnopompia at a house gig in Oxford, OH.

7. Where would you like to act?

I’d love to play some local shows in Minneapolis. A gig at Fine Line or First Avenue is the dream.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

For Minnesota bands, I would say Amiensus or Eneferens are both bands that I really think would be amazing to play live with. On a broader scale, a show with Katatonia or the Ocean Collective would be my musical wet dream.

9. Whom not?

Anyone who’s a nazi, homophobe, or other kind of bigot. Metal has always been a space for people society rejected, which means there’s no place for anyone who would seek to persist in that rejection.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

As someone with pretty severe anxiety, stage fright is the death of me. The truth is that rehearsal is the best way to conquer it. When the set is all muscle memory you can play it even if you’re scared as shit.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I would say for Weep my biggest inspiration is Cara Neir. Part III/IV is a masterclass in screamo black metal fusion and Gary Brents prolific output and great attitude keep me optimistic about music-making. I would also say early Katatonia inspired me to make music because even though none of them were stellar musicians their music was still amazing, which is a rare feat.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

When I meet one I’ll let you know.

13. What do you think of your fans?

If someone out there is a fan of Weep, I think their credibility is insane and I hope that they consume DSBM responsibly.

14. What do you think of our site?

Breathing the Core rules, one of my favorite columns is the Behind the artwork series. Artwork is so integral to the metal experience and a chance to peek behind the curtain is always welcome.

15. Something to add?

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or other mental illness, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally or to a licensed healthcare professional. Life can suck, I know it, we all know it. There’s no reason to keep that shit bottled up.