Welcome to In Conversation, a special interview column on the site where we sit down with artists and dive deep into everything music. This week, Joe sat down with The Last Martyr drummer Vin to discuss the band’s upcoming EP, what it’s been like creating their new EP, what he’s been listening to, and returning to the stage. The Last Martyr’s new EP, Purgatory is out this Friday can be streamed here.
What was the recording process for the EP with lockdowns etc?
Vin: We initially thought it was going to be a nightmare but it actually worked out pretty well. We were only allowed to have 1 person in the studio at the time, so either Monday would go in to do vocals or Ben would go in to track the main guitar parts and the rest of us would jump into the session via Zoom. Our producer, Chris Lalic, had this plugin which streamed the audio from his DAW right into the zoom interface and we could hear everything he was hearing. It was great.
With the EP set for release on the 10th, how are you feeling heading into the run-up to release?
Vin: I’m kinda curious to see what the wider audience out there thinks because it’s a pretty evolved sound from our previous releases. Regardless of the verdict, I’m super proud of it. It’s definitely the best thing I’ve ever attached my name to musically
Which elements of your sound do you feel you’ve developed the most on this EP?
Vin: Definitely the way we write the more melodic elements and poppy hooks have matured since last time. For me personally I’ve learnt how to let the music breathe a little more. I used to be a bit of a serial over-player, which was fun as a drummer but at times would detract from the overall sound.
How has it been developing the visual side of things with the music videos, single covers etc?
Vin: It’s been great. With the release of the singles and now the EP, the band have sorta formulated this process where we sit down and plan out how all of the releases would have some sorta visual ties to each other, and then we just continue developing and brainstorming ideas as we go along so all the other guys have a similar looking canvas in their heads before we approach a graphic designer or a video producer. It may not be the first thing you notice when you look at all the stuff we’ve put out with this release but I’m hoping it’s something that subconsciously links the EP to a certain aesthetic.
Are there any artists or albums that have been influences on the record?
Vin: Everytime I find myself looking for inspiration to write drums, I go back to and listen to Envy On the Coast’s first album, Lucy Gray. Their drummer at the time, Dan Gluszak brought this really raw energy that complimented a whole range of sounds that they packed into that album. I was also bingeing a lot of Ashnikko, YUNGBLUD, and Juice WRLD. Those guys have really minimalistic beats and samples which really accentuate the emotional drive behind their songs and that’s something I wanted to do with this EP.
How was it returning to the stage with To Octavia?
Vin: To Octavia were actually my top artist on this year’s Spotify wrapped so as you can imagine, I went hard in the moshpit after our set. I love hanging with those guys. It was a really fun show to come back to.
With three festival appearances lined-up, how are you feeling going into those?
Vin: I’ve just locked away some hard practice time over the Christmas break for myself. I want to make sure that crowd moshes hard. These people are paying good money, we have to show them a good time.
What is your dream tour lineup?
Vin: That would be a really hard one because there are so many bands and artists that have influenced me to get to this point. I’d say if we ever got onto a bill with Architects, Periphery, Stray from the Path or Sleep Token, I’d wet my pants.
Which records and releases have been personal highlights for you this year?
Vin: In a weird way, 2021 kinda gave me the time to really digest music properly. The albums that I had on repeat this year were:
For Those That Wish To Exist – Architects
Nurture – Porter Robinson
This Place Will Become Your Tomb – Sleep Token
bb u ok? – San Holo
Many thanks to Vin for sitting down for a chat with us, and make sure to tune in early next week for our full review of Purgatory! For all things The Last Martyr, metalcore and music in general, keep it locked on Boolin Tunes.