The Moshville Times - Interview: Marc Hood of Cadaver Soiree

It’s always nice to be ed out the blue by a band who wants their recording reviewed by oneself. It makes a writer feel honoured that a band has noticed the writer’s reviews and that’s what happened when Marc from three piece old school death metal act from Leeds called Cadaver Soiree got in . They have just released their debut album called To Betray The Creator and it’s a belter with a review to follow. The guys are doing everything by themselves and on this output deserve some recognition. While playing and worshipping old school death metal, they do play this style rather well. During this interview, Marc tells us what the plans are for the band, the recording process and the lyrical themes of the new album. Give them a shout and tell them I sent you!

Simple things first – where are you guys from?

We say we’re from Leeds. In truth none of us are from there. Andy and Neil live nearer to Wakefield. Marc lives in Manchester. It’s easier for us to rehearse in Leeds.

How long have you been playing together as a band?

This incarnation of the band has been together since around June 2018. Though the band has been around in some form since 2016.

Describe your music. What makes you unique?

We play old school death metal, easily recognisable by a fan of the genre. We add electronic elements, synth, etc too. It made sense when we decided to go drummerless. It adds to our sound and gives us something quite unique I’d like to think. Live we still play without a drummer. We do plan to get one ultimately but we’re looking for the right person.

You have recently released your debut album To Betray the Creator. How does it feel to get the debut album out there for the masses to hear for the first time and how have the responses been?

The songs have been going through rehearsal and live performances since early last year and were written mostly well before that. It’s great to have them recorded with the current lineup and to be able to share what we’re about. The responses we’ve had so far have been great, a lot of people are really getting into what we’re doing.

You have released the album through Morning Star Heathens Music Group based in London. How did you manage to get the album released through the label and how has the been so far?

The album itself is actually self released. Though the first single, “Limbless”, was released digitally only whilst we were still with them. We’ve no ill will towards MSH at all and still have a great relationship with Shane (founder of MSH music group) and we wish him all the best. It was just the best decision for the band going forward at that time.

Being active for a few years now, how would you say it compares to that of your earlier material and do you think you have found the sound you strive for or will Cadaver Soiree continue to keep experimenting?

The sound has evolved massively and combines all of our influences, particularly more recently with the addition of the electronic samples. In of the overall sound we’re really happy. What we’re currently writing for our next release is a kind of natural progression too. Still very recognisably us. Marc’s always looking for new and exciting ways to vent his spleen at people too.

You recorded the album at the legendary Academy Studios in Dewsbury with Dan Mullins. How was Dan to work with in the studio and how did this come about?

Dan’s a great guy and a phenomenal drummer. We’d intended originally to use the samples Andy had made for the drums. By the time recording time came around, Dan knew all the songs anyway and offered to play them live for us. We’re very happy with the results. His knowledge of mixing and mastering were great too. Can’t fault him.

How often is the band able to get together and rehearse in the studio? Where do you get together and record?

We rehearse generally at Pirate Studios in Leeds. It’s really easy to book and hassle free. We try to rehearse once a week at least unless we have a show, which is probably the best way to rehearse possible!

How are the songs constructed in the studio? Are there the main songwriters that take care of everything or is Cadaver Soiree a band where all contribute?

Usually what will happen is that Andy will record a reasonably stripped down version of a song idea he has, then Neil and Marc suggest amendments and add their parts after. We jam it out in rehearsal and get to grips with it together. Though more recently Marc has also contributed song ideas and riffs. Neil exclusively writes all the bass parts though.

Being a three piece when the album was recorded and having different musical influences within the band, was there sometimes a lot of negotiating in the studio or do you feel you are writing the music you want to for the band?

Honestly we work very harmoniously. Andy does the majority of the songwriting and we’ve never come across something that just hasn’t worked. We trust each other to make the right call when it comes to writing and performance. We all take reasonably well too. We’re all really boring and nice!

Is there a main lyricist within the band">What are the lyrics from the album based on?

The majority of the lyrics from To Betray the Creator were written by our previous vocalist, Nate (also of Petrichor) but a lot of the actual delivery was later changed to suit Marc’s vocal style more. Marc wrote all of the lyrics for “Augmented” and “Evil Breeds Evil” and added a final verse to “Aeons of Lies”. With the newer material Marc writes all the lyrics (he has to do some work after all!), the lyrics range from killer mushrooms to being given surgery forcibly. None of them are nice.

How hard has it been to juggle the touring side of things with the everyday jobs? Do you have plans to go on more bigger tours and further afield in 2019?

We’re just getting into our stride of being a live touring act. Honestly we’re happy just to play to people who’ll appreciate what we do. We’re booking shows constantly. Work/play is always a challenge but we make it work.

How hard is it for a metal band like Cadaver Soiree to survive in the current climate where bands have to tour non stop and sell merchandise in order to bring money back into the band?

At the moment we’re just enjoying being a band of dudes who get on well and make music. Money isn’t a focus, though it’s obviously amazing when fans are willing to contribute to what you do. It’s a really humbling feeling.

Before the internet, magazines and fanzines were the places to find out about new bands and trends. Now publications are replaced with thousands of websites catering for all genres. Do you think that some of the ion has been lost or do you think that the internet has been a good thing for music and Cadaver Soiree?

Personally we think the more opportunity a band has to get their music out there and be heard the better. Apathy has hit an all time high and the value of music has hit an all time low. We’ve made a ton of friends on the internet and it’s only helped us so far.

What are the rest of your plans for 2019?

Shows. Shows. More shows, and a few more shows for good measure. We’re also writing for the next release.

Being from the Leeds area, are there any other bands from your local scene that you would recommend?

Dychosis are always a band to watch, Iron Void, Petrichor.

A fun question to end this interview. If you were a DJ and were allowed to bring 5 CDs to the party, what would they be?