Im Lockdown bleibt für viele Kulturschaffende nur noch die Flucht in die eigene Kreativität, um etwas Schönes zu erschaffen, worauf man sich freuen kann. Der Frontmann der texanischen Hardcore-Band Drip-Fed Jeffrey Blum verriet unseren Redakteuren Kevin und Jacky im Interview, dass es ihm genauso erging und Musik die einzige Motivation bliebt. So ist die Freude über die Veröffentlichung des neuen Werkes noch größer, da er wirklich auf das zweite Album „Kill The Buzz„, welches am Freitag erschienen ist und uns Anlass zum Interview gab, hin fieberte.
Frontstage: Hello! We hope you are doing good. How are you currently spending your time?
Jeffrey: Thank you! I really appreciate it. Life just feels like it’s been at a standstill for the past year, but I’ve been trying to fill my time by continuing to be creative. We still practice every week and are close to having another record already written. Band practice has been the only thing keeping me sane. I’m very thankful we’ve been able to write during this time, so it doesn’t feel like a complete wash of a year.
Frontstage: Yes, we feel the same that one year of Corona means one year in which not much happened through the eyes of people creating culture. In these times, how excited are you about the release of your new album on Friday?
Jeffrey: I’m incredibly excited. This record has been the only thing I’ve had to look forward to. I’m excited for everyone to finally hear what we put so much work into. I wish the circumstances were different, but I’m just grateful for our two record labels and that we even have the opportunity to still release the record. I hope people can find whatever escape they need in it.
Frontstage: Sure! Are there any plans to celebrate your release? We noticed that more and more concerts and events are being allowed in the States. We are still at a standstill. What are your plans for release day?
Jeffrey: We won’t be playing any shows until it’s safe to do so. It’s difficult not being able to tour or play shows to support our best work to date, but we’re doing what we can. We’re recording a live studio session that should be out around release day. Other than that, I’m just happy for the record to be out and everyone to hear the final product.
Frontstage: Yes, your album „Kill The Buzz“ is dynamic, angry and groovy-rocking hardcore punk as it should be. How does the record differ from your debut album in your eyes?
Jeffrey: I think we were still finding our sound on the first LP. At this point, we know what we’re good at and what we want to sound like, and “Kill The Buzz” showcases that. This is also our first release with our new drummer Colton who really brought a lot and added his unique feel to everything. This was the most collaborative material we have ever produced as well. Everyone wrote parts, contributed ideas and we dissected every song together in the practice space to make sure each part was calculated and realized to its full potential. We’re the type of band to spend an hour working on one transition. We work hard to make sure each song is the best it can be. The recording process was completely different as well. Our guitarist Chris tracked and produced the whole thing. There were no time limits so we could experiment on the fly and not rush it out. This benefited my vocals the most as I’m used to having to record all of the vocals in a day or two and destroying my voice.
Frontstage: Nice, how would you describe the sound of the record in five words or less?
Jeffrey: Impossibly dynamic. Addictively melodic. And weed.
Frontstage: The song „Moonlighting“ for example seems to be very personal and is some of the key songs. What is the story behind the track?
Jeffrey: The term „moonlighting“ refers to having a second job. The song is about a point where I felt like I had a second job acting as a shitty and unqualified therapist to my friends going through different crises. Most of the song is about a specific day where I was trying to get a friend out of his apartment who had relapsed and was suicidal.
Frontstage: Wow, hope that he and you are better again. Do you have a personal favorite on the album?
Jeffrey: It’s hard to choose and it’s definitely changed a few times, but right now I think my favorite is „Turn on the White Noise.“ I tend to favor the weirder songs where we explore different territories. Those are some of my favorite lyrics on the record as well.
Frontstage: That’s one of our favorites as well. What are your future plans? Is there a tour for the album coming up as soon as concerts can take place again? Possibly even here in Europe?
Jeffrey: We’re ready to tour whenever it’s safe. We were lucky enough to tour Europe in October of 2019, so I’m extremely thankful that happened before the pandemic. All of us would love to get back to Europe as soon as possible. Listen to Slow Jams from Berlin.
Frontstage: Thank you very much! We wish you all the best with your new record and hopefully we see each other soon! Stay healthy.
Jeffrey: You too, cheers!
Fotocredit: Zach Brigham
