The7thGatekeeper
returns with a raw, uncompromising single shaped by personal struggle, fierce
influences, and full creative control—offering listeners chaos, honesty, and a
glimpse into the upcoming album’s intensity.
1.
You’ve written, arranged, and performed all the parts on this release. How did
taking full creative control shape the sound and identity of the track?
Taking on all parts can be hard, because it’s easy to lose perspective, but it also brings freedom to focus on the tone and direction of the track to match what I want it to serve. It can make it easier to express myself without having to account for shared control.
2. The mastering was handled by Romesh Dodangoda at Longwave Studios. What
made you choose him, and what impact did his work have on the final product?
Romesh is an incredibly talented and rightly decorated producer and engineer.
He’s also a superb human and Cardiff based too. We’ve worked closely and he’s
largely mentored me in my own engineering and mixing, and by listening to
feedback and mixes he’s down for me in the past I’ve learned a lot about how to
get the best from my sound.
3.
You’ve mentioned early Slipknot and Lamb of God as big influences. How do these
bands echo in your riffs, vocal delivery, or overall energy?
I can only dream of having an ounce of these guys talent, and often write with their delivery (particularly Corey’s vocal) in my head. I can never get there, but it gives me something to aim for. I need to be careful with reference tracks, because often it just depresses me that I’m nowhere close to their modern sound, but then I remind myself that they all started out somewhere too - and that it’s more important that my songs exist than are “perfect”. The whisper part and “bat on keg’ are clear nods to Slipknot - like a thank you to them.
4. This track was inspired by personal struggles and things you “just can’t
escape.” How does music help you confront or channel those experiences?
I try to be as honest as possible, which isn’t always easy, and can be quite exposing. I get to express how I feel, and explore what that means deep down. I also hope that others may find shared experiences in my music. Finding a creative angle rather than just an outpouring can help too - at least finding something positive in it.
5. You weren’t sure about releasing this song initially. What gave you the
push to finally put it out there for listeners?
This track will not be a surprise to anyone close to me, but maybe to others just beyond that. Being honest about some of the issues I face helps to externalise it a touch, and I hope that other listeners find a shared experience from it too.
6. The recording took place in your “small chaos room at home.” Can you
describe that space and what role it plays in your creativity?
It’s a small room that serves as office, gym, clothing space, sometimes spare bedroom too. And it’s packed with instruments and recording gear too… But it’s mine, and is a reflection of me and my life. I feel comfortable there and that creates a freedom in writing, rehearsing and performing.
7. The layered vocals add a raw, chaotic dimension to the track. How did you
decide on this approach, and what effect did it create for you?
Initially I sang it with Corey Taylor in mind, but the lower part didn’t sound
right - how can you sound like HIM right? So I explored a higher / louder
scream option. I trialled it as a blend and it served the song - that’s how it
feels in there sometimes. So I stuck with it.
8. Given
how personal this release is, what kind of emotional connection or reaction do
you hope listeners take away from it?
I hope that other listeners find a shared experience from it, it helps me to know that I’m not the only one who struggles. This needs to be a bigger conversation generally in this world.
9. This single is part of your upcoming second original album. How does it
fit into the larger story or themes of the record?
It’s one of the fiercer tracks, and theres a few on there - alongside some
softer ones too. I’ve a wide range of influences and they all turn up at some
point.
10.
You’ve also mentioned plans for a second covers EP. What’s the appeal of
putting your spin on other artists’ material alongside your originals?
There are so many artists out there that I respect and admire, and I enjoy playing & singing their tracks to learn how they build the songs and to make me critically listen to their productions. I learn a huge amount of that. It would be pointless to try and replicate what they’e already released, so if ever I find an angle to explore I different direction I’ll see where that goes. Recording them then helps me learn and improve my skills that I can take back in to my own writing and recording. It’s like having a leg up, and I hope that listeners enjoy some of the directions I take these songs in.
11. Live performances are still under wraps. When the time comes, what
should fans expect from a The7thGatekeeper show?
Emotionally I’m ready to go, have the energy for it and will enjoy it. I hope to connect with an audience, make them angry, make them sad, make them feel joy, like an emotional work over - but most importantly I want to engage and have people take something from it.
12. Looking back, what was the most challenging part of making this track,
and what moment made you feel most rewarded or proud?
Getting the lyrics down, and then sticking with them. Deciding to share this track was probably the trickiest thing. I do like the guitar riff in the middle of the song - it feels good to play and I think it translates well here.
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