THE WORLD IS
A STAGE.
FOR THE GREATEST INDEPENDENT ARTISTS
Dethwish
Dethwish - ‘The Disappearing Act’
LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Music
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
I’m Dethwish from CT (Shoutout 860) and I’m doing whatever the hell I want. Rules are meant to be broken and I think that is applicable just as much in the music world as it is the real world
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
When I was in high school I had a band- I was in a pretty rough place during this time of my life and music and art were the only things that felt worthwhile to me . At our first show I was able to connect with people in a way I had previously never thought possible- I realized that I want to help people experiencing the same things as me and I’ve been trying to do that ever since.
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Same thing I’m doing today. Except now I might sell a few more T shirts lol
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
Mourn is probably the most meaningful song on The Disappearing Act. When I was younger I was with a family member in the hospital as they died. A lot of those feelings went in to writing that song.
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
I want everyone to know that they are not alone. This world is a scary fucked up place. Especially right now. Music brings people together and lets them know that every experience is shared in one way or another.
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
I think there are a lot of great artists doing similar things right now- shoutout to every homie that I’ve met in this journey so far. One thing I will say I don’t see a lot of is world building/ storytelling (I’m a huge My Chemical Romance fan so I always look for that in music) I think that on this album especially I tried to execute that in a way that was entertaining to the listener, but didn’t take away from the songs
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
I think Suffer is a great song to get into this album with. A lot of different things going on but still catchy and aggressive.
#numetal #industrial #rapmetal #hyperpop #hyperpunk
Swept Into Decay
Swept Into Decay - ‘Ethereal’
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
In March of 2022 something magical and unexpected happened. From the infamous Steel City of Czech Republic, Ostrava, a band rose from the ground and built their reputation with their heavy sound and unforgettable live performances. If you have a thing for stupidly heavy and loud music you’ve come to the right place! This is Swept Into Decay.
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
Basically, after the first show ever. Standing on the stage and feeling the moment to its fullest made us realize that this is it. We saw the people in the crowd and knew that we wanted to make it big. Also, the support from our families, friends and partners showed us that they trust us with our music and made us feel so grateful and full of energy.
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Probably drink the bar dry haha. But seriously we probably wouldn’t believe how huge this moment is and we would savoir it a lot. But yeah, a big party would also work.
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
That’s a split between Perfect Chaos and Labyrinth of Suffering, I guess. Perfect Chaos is more personal and deals with bad decisions and is rooted in self-sabotage. A more sincere break up song if you will haha. Labyrinth of Suffering on the other hand is more ambiguous and is open for self-interpretation, but the main theme is mental health and how you should always put it in the first place despite everything. But if I had to choose which kid I cherish the most it’s probably Perfect Chaos. -Adam
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
Mix between anger and relief. Releasing anger gives us energy and relief makes us feel light and at peace with the world and ourselves. Sorry for the esoteric answer I just lit up my sage candle for this interview. -Adam
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
If you see us in your lane, you better watch out because we can’t drive. We think that it boils down to that point when you kinda invent your own sound that’s specific to your band and we think we nailed it with ethereal and the upcoming EP. Just the vibe that our music brings is unique enough and we can safely say that we aren’t as generic as we might seem.
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
The new single Ethereal is totally a good start of their journey. It has everything so if you do not like something spefific in your music, Ethereal has much more to offer to compensate
#deathcore #deathmetal #modermetal #downtempo #metalcore
Lives Lost
Lives Lost - ‘Haunted (Alt version)’
LISTEN: Spotify
FOLLOW: Instagram
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
SEEKING HEALING AND HOPE THRU ARTISTIC EXPRESSION THROUGH ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND RESILIENCE Lives Lost is an emotional hard rock band formed in Hershey, PA in 2020. Bursting onto the scene by blending the sounds of Y2K Rock, Alternative Metal, and Post Hardcore to offer a unique listening experience built on the universal truth: survival is only the beginning.
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
Music saved me for myself quite simply. I do believe I can greatly credit music for staying out of trouble during my late teens obviously I still found substance abuse and alcoholism if you listen to our music or read anything interview wise I've ever done, but music was an outlet that kept me from completely losing myself in my lowest moments. Now I have a desire to do that for others with my music and let them know that they're not alone the same way so many of my favorite artists did
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Tour the entire country and give back to my community
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
This is tough but I think out of everything I've written The song that means the most to me is the one that I wrote about my wife, "FOUND (FT KELLIN QUINN)", and I think for some people that song doesn't just mean to find a significant other. You know it means to find yourself. It means to find God and I think that's so important you know. Finding your reason for being and I'm so glad our fans found that song
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
I want people to feel hope. I want people to know that they're not alone and I want people to struggle, goodness, kindness and love in this world
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
I like to think the ministry aspect of this band is a good part of what makes us unique within the Hard Rock/ Metalcore /Post hardcore whatever you want to call us atmosphere right now because I do this in God's grace to let people know to live and feel hope and not be afraid because there is hope and there is love and it exists in our spirits.
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
They should listen to our song Champagne because it's our most accessible and it's a good representation of the amalgamation of sounds we represent
#metalcore #posthardcore #altmetal #hardrock #activerock
Fox & Bison
Fox & Bison - ‘I Got no Money’
LISTEN: Spotify
FOLLOW: Instagram
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
In 2026, Fox & Bison mix electro to create bursts of sound synonymous with the era, inspired by what’s happening around them, filtered through their playful, energetic and invigorating approach. Without a doubt, these two Generation Xers aren’t done stopping the world from going round in circles.
#AltHipHop #Alternative #Altpop
Deadweight
deadweight - ‘Out Of Mana’
FOLLOW: Instagram
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Deadweight from Stuttgart (Germany) are loud, uncompromising, and unstoppable. With an explosive mix of various metal genres and the driving groove of hardcore, they steamroll over everything that stands in their way. Emerging from the Stuttgart hardcore scene in late 2023, they immediately showed with their debut album "Desolace" where they’re headed—forward, onto the stage, and right into the chaos. Raw, intense, riff-focused. Hardcore fueled metal. With their newest single "Out of Mana" the boys from Deadweight drop an absolute banger that constantly shifts between technical riffing at breakneck speed and catchy hooks. With “Out of Mana”, Deadweight prove once again that they have a knack for multi-layered songwriting and hooks that keep you awake at night. Lyrically, Deadweight moves in their usual dark vibes, while the song title deliberately winks at the guys' passion for RPGs and tabletop games such as World of Warcraft, Skyrim, and Dungeons & Dragons. Best regards from your nerdy riff lords: "Out of Mana".
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
To be honest - the first time each of us heard the first riff. For me (Kusi) it was Enter Sandman by Metallica. Since that day I just wanted to play guitar every damn time.
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Play more shows! Maybe overseas in the United States ;)
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
Definitely "Out Of Mana". It basically came out of nowhere and took just 4 hours to write and ultimately became one of our most loved songs.
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
The wonderful thing about music is that it evokes emotions in everyone. If our music evokes emotions in others, then we’ve done our job.
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
We're not "modern metalcore" - you know? We're pretty riff focused and don't use any backing tracks while playing live. Some say thats out of time, but for us it means freedom and lots of fun.
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
Slap "Out Of Mana" all day long!
#metalcore #hardcore #metallichardcore
Keeping Secrets
Keeping Secrets - ‘Other Side’
LISTEN: Spotify , Apple Music
FOLLOW: Instagram
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Formed in Birmingham, Alabama, Keeping Secrets formed from guitarist Kyle’s frustration and inspiration from leaving religion and vocalist Neil’s perspective of similar upbringing but largely different path taken. Drawing influence from modern heavy music without being chained to it, Keeping Secrets blends modern metalcore, contemporary, and orchestral elements into something volatile and unmistakably their own. Every song feels lived-in, like a scar you keep touching just to make sure it’s real. Lyrically, the band digs into themes of loss, identity, betrayal, abuse, and turning personal wreckage into something loud enough to share. There’s no polish for the sake of comfort here. The honesty is intentional. The heaviness is earned.
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
It’s a different answer for all of us, but we’ve all been doing music in some form or fashion most of our lives.
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Probably call each other, then start planning more shows.
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
We’ve got a few songs in queue to be released that we are obsessed with. We all actually bump our own soup pretty regularly.
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
Is nostalgia an emotion? We’ve gotten feedback saying they’ve gotten that from listening.
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
Truthfully…. Nothing. So many great bands and artists are out there doing their thing. Those that like us, love us. Those that don’t, that’s okay too.
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
We’ve only got two songs out as of March 2026, but Other Side is definitely a great start.
#metalcore #hardrock #metal
KSICK - ‘Inch Too Late’ & ‘Is It Enough?’
FOLLOW: Instagram
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
We're from Jacksonville Beach, Florida! We're proud Florida Men and love to bring that wild and untamed energy our state is known for!
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
I'm not sure we're even taking it seriously right now! We play for fun. If opportunities come, we'll take them! But we're writing, recording, and doing everything involved with this project because it's just FUN!! Music is a blast. It's cathartic to create. It's pretty pure for us!
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Ahah I think about that sometimes and what would be the first move. First would be to thank Jesus. Second, probably pay back all the favors I've gotten from making this thing still go. Next, try to hop on a tour??
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
Probably Hissy Fit AND Is It Enough? Both have legends, at least to me, on them. Dallas has been such an encouragement in my life. Seeing him overcome the trials in his life and still perform and love God is awesome to see. Having Aaron write on our track is insane too. What a blessing!
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
Hopefully some type of wild energy! This music is supposed to be fun, creative, and make you want to bang your head!
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
We don't use AI. We have real instruments in our songs. We write songs in a room together. It isn't over produced. I wish people would get back to the roots and make HUMAN music!!
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
Oh geez. Probably Hissy Fit. That one has everything we want in a song on it.
#metalcore #hardcore #screamo #heavy metal
GODOVIIR - ‘Hope from the Abyss’
LISTEN: Spotify
FOLLOW:
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
GODOVIIR is the project of Serbian guitarist and composer Igor Kundović — a work shaped by nearly two decades of playing, experimentation, and reflection. Though formally educated as a Master of Software Engineering, Kundović has long navigated the intersection of analytical thinking and creative instinct - natural synthesis of these two forces — structured yet fluid, rational yet intuitive.
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
I've been playing guitar for twenty years, so the idea of making an album had been sitting with me for a long time. But it was when my son Matija was born that something shifted and that moment made it real.
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Probably buy a new ESP guitar :D
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
Without a doubt, it's The Cry of Mathias. That song is dedicated to my firstborn son Matija, and the lyrics were written by my lovely wife Lola — so it carries something that goes beyond music for me. It's deeply personal, and it always will be.
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
If I could choose what someone takes away from listening I'd want them to feel some kind of inner peace. Or nostalgia - that bittersweet place where you're not quite here, not quite there. Like being in a dream probably.
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
There's always this need for combination of atmosphere and heaviness, probably because I grew up as much on video game soundtracks as on heavy music. And underneath of it, whether I plan it or not, something Balkan always comes through - in the melodies, in the feeling - that's just who I am I guess.
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
I'd say start with The Cry of Mathias. Hope from the Abyss might be the easier entry point, but The Cry of Mathias contains all the elements of who I am as a musician.
#ProgressiveMetal
Colin Michael - ‘Breathing Home’
LISTEN: Spotify, Apple Music
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Raised on hard rock and shaped by real-life experience, Colin brings an authenticity that cuts through the noise. His songs are driven by powerful vocals, dynamic arrangements, and lyrics that wrestle with ambition, resilience, love, and redemption. There’s weight behind the sound—music forged from challenge, growth, and the relentless pursuit of something greater. Industry veterans have taken notice. “Dude, this is like if 3DD and Days of the New had a baby with Rob Thomas.” — Taylor Roberts (Taproot; Riding With Killers) “It’s like country Fuel! I dig it.” — Chris Kael (Five Finger Death Punch) “Dude, this is GREAT, man!! I’m so proud of you!! Guess I’m flying down to play some shows with you soon, huh!!” — Rich Beddoe (Saint Asonia, Daughtry, Finger Eleven, Wrecking Room) "I dig it. Send me more when you can! Would love to hear it all, I dig the vibe!" — Garrett Whitlock (Mammoth, Tremonti)
INTERVIEW:
1. “What moment made you realize you wanted to take music seriously?”
Peace with the right support partner makes all the difference
2. “Say, your music blew up tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
Thank God
3. “What’s a song you’ve made that means the most to you—and why?”
Breathing Home came from coming out of a dark place and toxic relationship, finding hope, positivity and Christ thru it all!
4. “What emotion or mindset do you want people to feel when they hear your music?”
Revived, the opportunity of what lies in front of us all for growth, connection, relationships and the power we have to make those things happen!
5. “What separates you from every other artist in your lane right now?”
I don’t have to make music, I WANT to, and writing with members of 3 Doors Down
BONUS. “Say someone just became a fan of you—what 1 song should they listen to first and why?”
Breathing Home
#altrock #altcountry #dadrock #rock #alternative