1 – New record, new band name. Why did you decided to change the name from Gorerotted to The Rotted?
It’s basically due to a combination of things that have made it clear to us that we’re not Gorerotted anymore. There’s only Tim and me left from the first album now, our sound has expanded hugely, the gore lyrics have gone and it just feels like we’ve done everything we wanted to with Gorerotted. Starting again as The Rotted has given us all a new enthusiasm and a new sense of freedom, and any limitations Gorerotted had put on us have gone. We’ve laid our old band to rest in a respectful manner, and we’ll always be proud of the things we did in those days, but now we’re looking to the future.
2 – Are you satisfied with this new album “Get Dead Or Die Trying”, the songs, the recording process, production, final product?
Yes, very, when we were in the rehearsal studio at the beginning of the year the songs just took on this whole new life. I don’t think any band should release an album that they’re not totally satisfied with and that doesn’t feel completely relevant to them. We’re all 100% behind this album and everything that went into it
3 – In the recording process you worked with producer Russ Russell and James Dunkley. How did you ended up working with them? Are you satisfied with their work?We found a video documentary about Russ on the internet when we were looking for producers, and after watching him talk about his work and after seeing how much enthusiasm and skill he has, we knew we wanted to work with him. We wanted a crisp and clear production, but we didn’t want a robotic, lifeless production like a lot stuff we hear these days, when everything’s been totally processed. This sounds like a band playing, it’s a very organic record, very intense, and very aggressive. But it’s also very catchy and musical too.
4 – Right now, your music is a blend of several styles, Punk, Crust, Thrash, Death, Grind, Black and even some Classic Rock and Heavy Doom. Which bands do you listen to and influence you to write music for The Rotted? And books? And movies?
There’s no specific bands that we’ve taken ideas from, it’s not been a case of hearing someone doing something that we like and then trying to incorporate it into our work, but more the fact that the styles we’re all into is obviously going to have shaped the way we write, so our music’s basically a mix of extreme metal, punk and rock, or any decent guitar-based music, like you said. I don’t feel anyone should surpress anything when writing, I think all of your personality should go into your music, and if you’re into a range of styles, you shouldn’t discount certain ideas just to fit into a specific genre or to appeal to a specific group of people. Write from the heart and write what you believe in and your music will come out interesting and passion filled.
5 – “Get Dead Or Die Trying” is a funny title (and so are some of the song titles). What does it means? What kind of subjects influenced you to write the lyrics for this record?It’s basically the idea that in order to live a fulfilling life on this earth, we sometimes do things that are bad for our mental and physical wellbeing. It’s something we’re all guilty of, it’s kind of like the whole ‘killing yourself to live’ idea. It sums up the ideas behind pretty much every song on the record. Lots of things that have actually happened to me have influenced what I write, it makes much more sense that I tell of the horrors of reality than of made up horror and violence. Speaking of things I’ve experienced first hand means I can offer a more genuine and intense performance than if I were to simply sing about made up subjects I have no real experience of.
6 – The cover artwork by Mick Kenney is awesome. I don’t know why but it reminds me of 77 Punk style and, mainly, Sex Pistols. What does it mean? Is it connected somehow with the lyrics?It’s based on the lyrics to the song Get Dead Or Die Trying, it’s about being out on the street, alone, broke, desperate and just not wanting to be a part of the society that walks on by, but instead drinking yourself to death and taking the easy way out. The British flag is there because we have a very British sound, and we’re paying homage to the incredible metal and punk bands that were spawned on our tiny island. My lyrics are about life here in London, so it fits with us perfectly
7 – Do you have a tour prepared to promote the record?
We have some summer festivals like Wacken and Summer Breeze, but right now we’re working on a full European tour. We want to take this album to as many people as possible and we’re all very focused on just getting back on the road right now.
8 – You have now some space for a final message.
I’d like to say thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the years, especially those who can see what we have done as being a positive thing. I hope everyone new to the band will get a chance to see us live and have as good a time as we always do. We’ve only been to Portugal once but we’d love to come back and party with you guys again.
Questions: RDS
Answers: Ben McCrow, Vocals
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