Interviews: Drip Fed Empire

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Nu-Metalcore band Drip Fed Empire from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Burcher: In the band's conception we had a couple of names that were less than desirable, as many bands have done in their early stages. There was an exchanging of ideas but nothing really stuck. I took some proper time to reflect on the band's message and how to reflect it in a broad and subjective manner. I wanted to explain the world we are stepping into, Everything is controlled, monitored and drip-fed to the public. Drip Fed Empire, that's where the idea comes from.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Burcher: Good question, I felt like I saw a hole in the market that needed filling which I was enthusiastic about, to begin with so it all fits and it made sense for me to do it. Over my time growing up I saw metal bands use electronics more extensively in terms of things like turntables and synthesisers. But that's what they were, bands with electronics. I was fascinated with the idea of a full genre hybrid, namely between industrial metal and dark EDM. Over the years we have refined our concepts together as a team and moved with the times. We hope this new record will begin to place us at the forefront.

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

Jack: So I knew Jamie for a fair while and then met Burcher just through mutual friends. Once I was asked to join the band I met Jordan properly and it’s all gone from there! (Jamie) Me and Burcher formed the band as a duo after we moved to Bristol together from Cornwall where we met in college over 10 years ago.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

Jack: My favourite band is Enter Shikari! 

Burcher: You might love it or hate it. My favourite band at the moment is actually The Midnight, I absolutely love synth-wave, I guess we don't always listen to the music we write. 

Jamie: My favourite band at the moment has to be Bring Me The Horizon. 

Jordan: I love the really heavy stuff. I’d have to say Thy Art Is Murder.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Jack: I think just hearing what’s out there being done at the moment. The fact that nothing is off limits is amazing and the fact that with us, you can throw in any idea and if the rest of the group vibe with it. It can turn into something great! Like, look at Bring Me The Horizon! They are nailing every type of sound they want and it’s a massive inspiration!

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig that we played was in Derby, UK, at The Hairy Dog

7. Where would you like to play? 

Jack: I have a few on this and they might seem a bit out there but the dream gig locations are the download festival, the o2 in Glasgow, heavy music awards, the Cardiff International Arena and the most out there one is Alexandria palace! Gotta dream big yah know? 

Jamie: I’d love to get on the following UK festivals next year; Mangata Festival, Burn It Down, Hammerdown Festival & Misery Loves Company. These are some wicked events!

8. Who would you like to support?

I would adore supporting Enter Shikari, Bring Me The Horizon, Electric Callboy (who we actually did open for a few years back), As Everything Unfolds & Limp Bizkit to name a few. A lot of nu metal-type bands basically with electronic elements thrown in.

9. Who not?

Jack: Any pop/rap artist. The music that we make and those kinda genres just don’t make sense whatsoever (Burcher) Also bands who are in the “classic rock” genre again just musically wouldn’t make sense personally.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

Jack: I think at this point for myself it’s not an issue anymore. When I was just starting out performing live of course I was nervous but playing live has been what I wanted to do since I was 14, so in that regard, I had mentally prepared myself for it since then. I’ve also just always been a very outgoing guy so never had a problem in crowds so it wasn’t the most difficult thing to overcome. 

Jamie: In terms of overcoming it, I think as long as you don’t completely overwhelm yourself the ‘butterflies’ and nerves you feel before going on stage can be a very good thing. I’ve always found that as soon as I step onto the stage that feeling of nerves transitions straight into adrenaline and it's an amazing feeling. Much like how I feel skydiving would feel or like a great rollercoaster. It’s scary at first and every ounce of your being is telling you not to jump. But once you get past that and do it’s the best feeling in the world. You feel unstoppable.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Enter Shikari, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Black Peaks, Bring Me The Horizon, Borgore, Skrillex & Linkin Park.

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

About a year ago when I was out I met someone at a club who knew who we were and they wanted me to meet their mum the next day as she was visiting Bristol. As a small band, I didn’t think she would know us or even care about meeting me in general. That was a weird one at this point.

13. What do you think of your fans?

The dedicated fans that we have are phenomenal! They have stood by us in the times when we weren’t doing anything and stayed active with their support. It’s amazing! And the new ones are just as important as they help us really feel the gigs we’re playing. Just knowing that the music we are making resonates with people makes it all worthwhile! Some of the hardcore ones send us Xmas presents and even have our logos tattooed on them. That’s the kind of dedication we have from some fans. It’s crazy, loving and amazing!

14. What do you think of our site?

Burcher: It’s pretty cool. It's great that fans and upcoming artists have a place to distribute and discover new music. There are a few bands on here that I haven't listened to that I’ll be getting stuck into tomorrow, it’s 11:30 on a Wednesday night.

15. Something to add? 

Jack: Support the local scene! Sometimes as a local and up-and-coming band, the support from the public is everything to us! The fact that some people give us their time and effort means the world to us. In these bands, all we want is to share what we have made and what we as a group have created. Even if that means coming to gigs earlier and just standing there watching. Even that is a massive amount of support. You just don’t know what these bands will go on to do and achieve. We give everything we have and for people to see that and check it out is amazing. Even if they think “not for me” that’s fine the fact you have the time to try and see means the world to a lot of us! 

Burcher: Anything I want to add? Sure, Support your local bands wherever you can, even if it's just showing up to listen. Behind every band is at least one set of disappointed parents and another member suffering from mental issues, addiction, or going through other things. I say this because musicians especially can be deceptive. It's literally our job to fool people into thinking we’re the dog’s bollocks. Social media is great for this. Never underestimate the value of being present and supportive, it really makes a world of difference knowing that your music matters. It means a lot to us, and we're very grateful for the support we've had. Thank you!