INTERVIEW W/ NICK DENEAU (VOCALS) BY NATHANIEL LAY
You’ve guys gone through several members changes, correct? How have they impacted the band’s sound over the last two years?
Originally Dismember the Fallen started with a cover band and underwent a few member changes to get a solid line-up that we really satisfied playing shows with. A little over a year ago we underwent a major member change and it had nothing but a positive influence on the direction of the band. We grew more serious, more hungry, and began stepping it up in terms of number of shows, stage presence, and musically.
How would you describe one of your shows?
I could probably sum it up with one word. Energy. We bring a lot to an ordinary show in terms of energy. We rehearse multiple times a week to ensure a tight, solid live performance musically. I can say it is never a bland, boring performance.
What touring plans do you have for this summer?
At the moment touring plans are in the works but nothing is finalized. Once everything is set we’ll definitely be spreading the word.
You have a new EP coming out at the end of May. Why the title “Moving In Dreamscapes”?
I want to say first of all that many of lyrics in “Moving In Dreamscapes” are from personal experience. Dreamscapes are defined as “a landscape or scene with the strangeness or mystery characteristic of dreams.” We wanted to correctly portray the surrealistic qualities of our songwriting and lyrics. I want our fans to put themselves in the moment I’m writing about and portray the feelings I had in a certain moment. I hope that the truth and honesty of my lyrics can help someone get through their day or stay strong through a rough time, hence the name “Moving in Dreamscapes.”
Tell us about the writing process of these songs
All of the songs were pre-produced at our home studio before going to Zoinga Recording to produce them. It’s a basic trial and error for us in the writing process. Many ideas are brought to the table and recorded and messed with. We tend to work on songs for one to two weeks to get exactly what we want out of it. As things went we improved on songwriting and building off each other to better ourselves.
Where and with whom did you record? How was the process?
We recorded “Moving in Dreamscapes” at Zoinga Recording in Royal Oak, MI in October of 2011. The process was a 5 day long process, from 10 am to about 11 pm every night. It was a great experience, going back to where we recorded our first EP “Structures” and recording our new music. It’s always an exciting time figuring out how each song is going to turn out and building on them with small ideas to get the most potential.
How has your sound changed or evolved since your inception?
Our sound has drastically improved since the first song that was written as a band. Looking at our first song “Don’t Let Go” to some of the songs on “Moving in Dreamscapes” is like night and day. I think we have all grown and matured as musicians and as people. It has definitely showed in our music and it can only get bigger and better from here.
What plans do you have for 2012?
Plans for 2012 include many, many shows along with hopes of touring, writing a full length CD, and spreading the word of our music and our message.
On the new EP, what song is your favorite and why?
My personal favorite song on “Moving in Dreamscapes” is “Give it Up.” I wrote this song about the passing of my mother in 2008. It has alot meaning to me, writing about something that isn’t easy at all to talk about. She was my best friend and my role model and this song is about how much it crushed me to lose her. I hope it can give strength to someone else going through a hard time of losing someone close to them.
Do you plan on staying independent, or are you searching for a label?
Well, there is a search for a label, even though we would love to stay independent. It’s so tough for a band to be on the road with all the high gas prices, the state of the music scene, and many other factors. Having a label to back you makes things alot easier.
What kind of lyrical stories/concepts are explored during this new record?
Many different kinds of concepts are explored in the lyrics of “Moving in Dreamscapes.” From liars and deceitful people, to love, losing somebody, and being controlled. I tried to touch as many subjects as possible in the 20 approximate minutes of “Moving in Dreamscapes.”
Will the physical release differ from the digital in any way? Where will fans be able to purchase this album?
Nope, the physical release will be the same as the digital release, other than it being professional packaged. “Moving in Dreamscapes” will be available at every major digital distributor and physically on our online merchandise store May 29th, 2012!
For some reason or another (ahem, Brand New), indie rock-inspired punk has been all the rage for the past five years or so. These are bands who carry an punk sensibility, play with an indie edge and tempo, and appreciate wearing your heart all over your sleeves. Some of these groups have seen success, but with the rapid growth of the micro-genre of late, the question becomes this: how do you sort out the good from the bad? Because we are dealing in punk music, the easiest criterion is also the best: how damn catchy are the songs? We are not talking about technical post-deathcore, where speed or instrumental prowess are king; we are dealing in a genre where a song’s likeability is paramount. To Maker’s credit, each of the four songs are quite addictive. There is at least one selling point-style hook each song possesses that keeps the listener coming back for more. “Shadows” starts the album off in style, with a very successful hook: “What do you got, when you got all these answers? What do you got when you’re all alone? You’ve got nothing.” It’s the type of hummable yet angry hook that punk fans tend to love. Thankfully, each of the next three tracks feature similarly enjoyable hooks catered to carefully crafted punk ditties. The biggest problem on the EP, is that it is only an EP. The band clearly wanted to keep its name out there while working on its sophomore LP, but thirteen minutes of music is really not enough to satiate the average listener. Despite offering up too little of the goods, this is a rather sweet little morsel for fans of indie punk. – by Nicholas Senior
