OLI SYKES on Count Your Blessings Repented, Sempiternal & Deathcore Era

Life Changes and the Need for a Slower Pace

Transitioning to Parenthood and Lifestyle Changes

• The speaker reflects on their experience living in Brazil, contrasting it with life in America, emphasizing the slower pace of life.

• They mention how the beach environment allows for easier breaks from work compared to England's rainy climate.

• The arrival of children has shifted priorities, creating a focus on family and reducing distractions.

Challenges of Touring as a Parent

• Discusses the difficulty of balancing touring with new parenthood, noting that leaving young children is emotionally challenging.

• The speaker expresses concern about missing out on important moments with their kids while fulfilling professional obligations.

Navigating Career Opportunities vs. Family Time

Balancing Professional Growth and Family Responsibilities

• Acknowledges the tension between wanting to provide financially through music opportunities and being present for their children.

• Highlights the pressure of maintaining momentum in their band’s career while managing personal responsibilities.

Emotional Impact of Touring

• Reflects on achieving headliner status at festivals after years of hard work but grapples with the emotional toll it takes away from family time.

The Duality of Nurturing Music and Family

Providing for Future Generations

• Describes an overwhelming desire to provide financial security for children while also recognizing that presence is more valuable than money.

Children’s Interest in Music

• Shares humorous anecdotes about their child’s reactions to music, indicating early signs of interest despite the chaotic nature of parenting.

Revisiting Past Work: Lyrics and Artistic Integrity

Reflection on Previous Lyrics

• Discusses revisiting older lyrics that may not align with current values or societal norms, contemplating potential censorship or changes.

Balancing Artistic Expression with Responsibility

• Considers whether certain lyrics should be altered due to interpretations perceived as misogynistic or inappropriate today.

Remaking "Count Your Blessings" Album

Process Behind Re-recording

• Explains challenges faced during original recording due to lack of experience and resources, leading to dissatisfaction with sound quality.

Audience Expectations vs. Personal Satisfaction

• Emphasizes importance of staying true to original fans' expectations while improving technical aspects without losing authenticity.

Engaging with Fans’ Perspectives

Community Feedback

• Shares experiences interacting with fans online regarding vocal techniques and album responses, highlighting both positive engagement and criticism.

Evolution as an Artist

• Reflective thoughts on how public perception can shift over time regarding vocal abilities; acknowledges personal growth throughout a lengthy career.

The Evolution of Music Production in Metal

Shifting Sound Aesthetics

• The band aimed to create a sound reflective of modern music while acknowledging the classic elements from 2006, realizing that no one was currently producing similar music.

• Emphasis on clarity in instrumentation: kick drums need to be more pronounced, snares should have a distinct ping, and riffs must be audible since they dominate the album's structure.

Mixing Techniques and Influences

• Discusses how mixing styles influence production; spacious mixes contrast with heavy, fast-paced riffs typical in modern metal.

• Highlights the challenge of balancing traditional sounds with contemporary influences, noting a lack of current references for their style.

Nostalgia and Modern Deathcore

Revival Trends

• Observations on the revival of deathcore; many bands are leaning towards cliché styles rather than innovating within the genre.

• Describes their music as archaic and primal, focusing on breakdowns and riffs reminiscent of earlier metal styles.

Analyzing Past Works

• Reflecting on past compositions reveals a different approach to tempo changes compared to today's more calculated methods.

• The excitement around complex musical parts encourages fans to engage deeply with their work.

Revisiting Classic Albums

Experience with "Pray for Plagues"

• Discusses the group's initial reactions upon listening to "Pray for Plagues" collectively or individually, emphasizing its significance in shaping their future direction.

Legacy Considerations

• Plans for a 20-year anniversary celebration were initially underestimated but gained significant attention from fans eager for nostalgia.

Remote Collaboration Dynamics

Recording Process Insights

• Details about remote collaboration during recording sessions due to geographical separation among band members.

• Each member contributed uniquely: programming drums, crafting riffs, and recording vocals independently before merging efforts.

Capturing Unique Vocal Styles

Vocal Techniques Exploration

• Challenges faced when trying to replicate unique vocal styles from previous albums; emphasizes understanding vocal shapes over mere technicality.

Cultural Reflections on Music Preferences

• Reflecting fondly on early 2000’s music culture as an era marked by creative freedom and experimentation without constraints.

Influences Behind Their Sound

Musical Inspirations

• Band members had diverse influences ranging from true metal (Metallica, Pantera), post-hardcore (Norma Jean), leading them toward creating something unique together.

Iconic Riffs Impact

• Recognition of iconic riffs that shaped their sound; admiration for influential albums that inspired them creatively.

The Role of MySpace in Music Distribution

Emergence of New Platforms

• Discussion about how MySpace revolutionized music sharing and allowed new bands like theirs to gain visibility outside traditional media channels.

DIY Culture Influence

The rise of independent artists empowered fans to support local musicians directly instead of relying solely on mainstream outlets.

Early Struggles and Breakthrough Moments

Initial Recording Experiences

• Recollections about early recording attempts being naive yet authentic; highlights learning curves through trial-and-error experiences.

Unexpected Success

• Despite initial skepticism regarding their recordings' quality, songs gained traction online unexpectedly through platforms like MySpace.

Navigating Criticism Over Time

Evolving Sound Journey

• Transitioning from deathcore roots into broader genres led them to face criticism but also opened doors for growth as artists.

Resilience Against Naysayers

• Despite backlash against evolving sound choices over time , continued success indicates resilience against external pressures .

The Influence of Nostalgia in Music

Understanding Musical Influences

• Discussion on the variety of sounds available and how music is influenced by various sources, emphasizing that all music draws from something beloved.

• Acknowledgment of the hypocrisy in criticizing others for "ripping off" styles when all artists are influenced by their favorites.

• Recognition that nostalgia plays a significant role in listeners' connections to songs, linking them to personal memories and experiences.

Creating New Memories

• Artists cannot recreate the nostalgia tied to past songs; instead, they should focus on creating new moments and memories for listeners.

• Emphasis on the importance of artistic experimentation, suggesting that previous albums have paved the way for current creative directions.

Evolution of Musical Identity

Learning and Breaking Rules

• Reflection on personal growth as a musician since "Sempiternal," learning music production rules before feeling ready to break them.

• Importance of balancing artistic freedom with audience expectations while acknowledging that not every fan will appreciate every direction taken.

Identity Crisis in Bands

• Exploration of identity crises within bands as they navigate public perception versus their own desires for musical exploration.

• Realization that bands cannot be everything to everyone; they must embrace their unique strengths rather than trying to replicate other successful acts.

Maintaining Unique Elements in Music

Embracing Distinctiveness

• Acknowledgment that few mainstream bands maintain heavy elements like screaming or breakdowns, which are essential aspects of their identity.

• Encouragement for artists not to dilute what makes them special, especially amidst changing music discovery methods driven by algorithms.

Changing Landscape of Music Discovery

• Discussion about how algorithms now dictate music discovery more than personal recommendations from friends or family.

• Reflection on shifting trends where longer songs are often overlooked due to perceived attention span limitations but still find success if they're good.

The Balance Between Commercial Success and Artistic Integrity

Navigating Industry Expectations

• Critique of rock bands diluting their sound for commercial viability while questioning whether this approach truly resonates with audiences.

• Insight into how mainstream acceptance allows artists to reintroduce heavier elements without losing fans who may initially resist change.

Legacy and Influence

• Desire to emulate influential bands like Linkin Park as gateways into heavier genres while maintaining a connection with newer audiences.

Upcoming Shows and Fan Engagement

Arena Show Dynamics

• Excitement surrounding an upcoming arena show featuring no barricade, allowing direct interaction between fans and performers.

Safety Considerations

• Plans for safety measures at shows where crowd surfing is encouraged, highlighting the need for awareness among attendees during high-energy performances.

Honoring Past Work While Evolving

Remastering Classic Albums

• Discussion about staying true to classic albums while modernizing sound quality for both old fans and new listeners.

Cultural Impact

• Recognition that older albums evoke strong emotional ties due to life events associated with them; remastering aims at honoring those connections.

Genre Fluidity in Modern Music

Breaking Genre Barriers

• Commentary on how contemporary music has become genre-less, embracing diverse influences across different styles.

Future Directions

• Hopeful outlook towards future collaborations across genres as younger generations embrace varied musical tastes without strict boundaries.

Exploring Nostalgia and Authenticity in Music

The Fun and Authenticity of the 2000s Music Scene

• The speaker reflects on how music from the 2000s was perceived as fun and authentic, regardless of whether listeners genuinely liked the bands or enjoyed them ironically.

• There is a discussion about how initial fun and irony in music can lead to commercialization, where the industry seeks profit once a trend gains popularity.

• The speaker appreciates current artists like Bring Me the Horizon for embracing this nostalgic energy, highlighting that it feels genuine and enjoyable.

• Observing fans passionately engaging with their music reinforces the idea that love for art transcends trends; it's about connection rather than mere popularity.

• The resurgence of interest in older music highlights its significance to many people, showcasing a collective nostalgia that resonates deeply.

Personal Growth Through Adversity

• The conversation shifts to personal experiences during lockdown, emphasizing how isolation led to introspection about identity beyond being part of a band.

• Acknowledging struggles with addiction during this period reveals deeper issues tied to self-worth being linked solely to musical success.

• The realization that validation from external sources (like Spotify metrics or sold-out shows) can be detrimental prompts a quest for self-discovery outside of music fame.

• Experiences at award shows create pressure to conform to industry expectations, leading to cynicism regarding artistic integrity versus commercial success.

• Lockdown becomes a catalyst for therapy and reflection on personal identity, prompting a desire for fulfillment independent of band-related achievements.

Shifting Perspectives on Success

• Therapy helps redefine what success means; it's no longer about accolades but creating meaningful art that resonates personally and with fans alike.

• Emphasizing happiness without relying on band status leads to healthier perspectives on life and career longevity; finding joy outside of music becomes essential.

• A transformative trip to Brazil introduces spiritual insights that further shape understanding of purpose in artistry—serving others through music rather than seeking validation.

• Conversations with spiritual mentors highlight the importance of enjoying the journey rather than fixating solely on outcomes or audience size.

• This shift encourages focusing on serving audiences through craft instead of competing within an industry landscape defined by numbers.

Legacy Beyond Commercial Success

• Ultimately, there’s a desire for Bring Me the Horizon's legacy to reflect innovative music creation rather than fleeting viral moments or commercial hits.

• A commitment emerges: prioritize making impactful music over concerns about competition or market position; authenticity reignites passion for creativity.

• Reflecting on future aspirations emphasizes creating memorable work that stands out personally rather than chasing trends or external recognition.

• Gratitude towards past experiences shapes current outlook—appreciation for growth both personally and as part of a band fosters resilience moving forward.