Having already established themselves as one of the more anthemic and energetic names on the alt-rock scene these last few years, US outfit Watersdeep are continuing their explosive direction once again on the blistering new single 'Sweet Dreams Of Self Deprivation'.
Lifted from their newly unveiled EP 'Fading Lights', which is available to stream now, 'Sweet Dreams Of Self Deprivation' makes for an incredibly infectious listen. With its bold and driven riffs, thunderous atmosphere, and powerful hooks layered throughout, they are returning to the fold with one of their most cacophonous outings to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with singer Gabe Jaar to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I ever learned was piano. I loved playing piano growing up and still do today.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved any rock that I heard on the radio, or from video games like Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero. Linkin Park is a band I loved hearing on the radio growing up. And by playing those video games, I discovered bands like Slipknot, Disturbed, Lamb of God, and Iron Maiden.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. To this day, I still consider it to be one of my most influential albums.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I’ve never thought about that before. I would say “Mr. Highway’s Thinking About The End” by A Day To Remember, because that breakdown in the middle of the song is so iconic. I think it’d be cool to be known for a breakdown like that, where you know everyone is always going to go crazy when you play it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. I’ve learned that if I think too hard about writing new music, I’ll just end up with ideas that feel forced and that I’m not happy with. My favorite songs that I’ve ever written are always the ones where I hear a cool idea in my head, at some inconvenient time of the day when I’m not home. So, I have to go somewhere quiet and do an awkward 30 second voice recording of the idea in my head, so I don’t forget it. From there, me and my bandmates build off those ideas until we feel that we have a solid song that’s ready to share with the world.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
The Used put out a new album this year and it’s made me fall in love with them all over again. I also love all the new music Mayday Parade has been putting out this year. When it comes to metalcore, I’ve mostly been listening to Counterparts, The Ghost Inside, Motionless in White, Silent Planet, Wage War, and just recently got into Alpha Wolf. I’m also a huge emo/pop punk fan, so I love seeing newer bands keeping the genre alive like Osatia, First and Forever, Feliticy, Magnolia Park, and 408.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
That’s an easy one for me. My Chemical Romance, hands down.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love seeing how happy people are at our shows. When we play live, we give people a space where they can let loose, and I love seeing all their smiling faces when I’m on stage. In the past, we’ve had people message us about how our music has helped them with their mental health struggles/other problems they’re experiencing. Knowing that our music has had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives is one of the most rewarding feelings ever.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It’s hard getting your music out into the world. We’re still a small band, so getting people to know that we exist is one of the biggest challenges we still face. We’ve had some successful songs, and other times, we feel like we’re pushing really hard and seeing very little results. It can be discouraging at times, but this is our passion, and we’re not slowing down any time soon!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Longevity is everything in the music industry. If you give up, you’ll never know where you could’ve gone. But if you never give up, and you keep putting yourself out there, you’ll eventually get the results you want to see.
-
Watersdeep's new single 'Sweet Dreams Of Self Deprivation' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.