Artist Spotlight & Interview – DIE SO FLUID
Die So Fluid, an English hard rock band that formed in London, England in 2000, consists of two members: songwriter Grog (vocals, bass) and Drew Richards (guitar).
They have released 4 full-length albums, the first two being Spawn of Dysfunction and Not Everybody Gets a Happy Ending. The third album, The World Is Too Big For One Lifetime, was released in the UK in June 2010.bThe fourth album, The Opposites of Light, was released on 5 May 2014. The band announced fifth album One Bullet from Paradise with a limited edition pre-order launched at PledgeMusic in August 2017.
IPM: Tell Us About Yourself
I’m Grog from the rock band Die So Fluid. This interview catches us at an interesting time in our story. We‘ve been a power trio, originally formed in London UK, with an unshakable bond for a decade (or two) I have since relocated to Los Angeles and we have just released our fifth album One Bullet From Paradise.
IPM: What inspired you to write music like you do?
Passion for music that strives to connect through truth and tone.
IPM: Tell us about the other members of the band, and of your chemistry.
I’m the singer, bassist and front person, I offer ridiculous amounts of drive, creativity and positive outlook, considering all the shit we’ve been through and see going on around us. Drew Richards is the guitarist, my buddy and partner in crime. We both write – penning songs together and separately. Sometimes we disagree but we have enough love to always work out the way forward with a laugh.
I guess we kind of balance each other out in the band. We are still grieving over the loss of our dear friend and amazing drummer Al Fletcher who passed from sepsis very unexpectedly and tragically two years ago. Al was a naturally talented musician, and an endearing and mischievous comedian who loved a beer and a good curry. Miss him every day. He didn’t get to play on our new album, and obviously there was a period when the world came to a standstill. Eventually we decided to continue making the album and brought in the expertise of our friend Justin Bennett from Skinny Puppy who contributed drumming skills and even mixed some tracks for us.
IPM: What are or were some of the challenges for you in producing or performing while keeping true to your vision of your music.
As this album isn’t our first rodeo I’m grateful that we don’t have any problem remaining authentic and doing whatever the hell we please musically as long as it satisfies our own criteria that have been developed over a long time. We try to not get lazy and challenge ourselves, which is what makes it fun. We don’t chase trends. It’s really what Die So Fluid is all about. In fact I think we do that so much it pisses people off (laughs) Drew and I were in another band years ago and started experimenting with sound and style on the advice of managers and A&R guys. In the end you realize anything that’s not coming from your heart and giving you the shivers is sure as hell not going to speak to anyone else.
IPM: Tell us about some of your recent shows / performances- anything that stands out, or is there anything that you feel makes for an exciting highlight.
The last show we played was at the Whisky on Sunset Strip and that was a top night, little did we know it was to be Al’s last gig. It was part of a bunch of US touring we did that year that was a blast and made a big impact. It’s been a while now and we’re looking forward to sticking our rock toes back in the water with a special London UK show at the Lexington on November 11. It is going to be emotional but we’re looking forward to playing with Justin and catching up with our loyal fans for this special event.
PM: Any Albums coming out soon or shows you are looking to promote.
The new album ‘One Bullet From Paradise’ is out now, and I just mentioned the London show, we also have a new single and video coming out August 24 called ‘Uncomplicated’.
IPM: Any “strange tales” or things that may have happened during a show that seemed too weird to be true?
We played at a festival in Italy and during the set a beautiful sunset happened and a biplane flew down really low swooping over the audience and landed in the next field. Chino from Deftones got out, climbed up on stage and we did a duet. OK kidding that was a dream but the first part is true.
This wasn’t DSF but it’s crazy so I’ll tell you anyway. I played piano for the Ozzy and Kelly Osbourne ‘Changes’ duet appearances on TV and stuff. We did the Olympic Torch Ceremony in Pall Mall by Buckingham Palace. There were big crowds and it was televised around the world. Then there was this bit where we all went back out on stage together for a finale and I found myself hanging out with the Osbournes, James Brown and Ronnie Wood. Like that bit at the end of Saturday Night Live, clapping and hugging. Surreal and awesome!
IPM: Where do you see your music going, where would you like to be in the near future, goals, dreams and passions?
We want to play live again and see how that feels. We’re not a band that’s used to changing line up so for us this change is a big deal. But sometimes the universe shakes things up that way and maybe there’s a reason. My mind is open, I don’t feel this is a world now that is looking for huge rock stars in the old school sense. I want success though. Who doesn’t want to give and receive love and abundance. I’m not talking private jets and gold taps. I’m happy with success that lets me continue to make music, follow my creative and spiritual path, expand and grow, and not suffer. I’m a yogi and yoga instructor and I’m currently studying harmonium, sargam, singing mantra and Indian folk music. I’m going deep with it. What comes out of it is sure to be interesting. The next phase is going to be a trip.
IM: What would you like our readers to know about you, Why do you think that they would enjoy your music / performances.
Our material is an original recipe of melody, tone, metal and post punk influences, and quality performance. You should check out a bunch of songs to get an idea of the full DSF spectrum. There’s a ton of videos too. We are great live. You haven’t fully experienced Die So Fluid if you haven’t experienced the energy of a live show.
IPM: Where can our readers find your music?
https://diesofluid.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/diesofluidofficial
https://www.facebook.com/DieSoFluid/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0OE30pXmzCwTxhoAFtCs8u?si=zvSZ4dKsQDm-456toFkLyQ
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