The Sweet Kill – Nowhere

By starrymag | April 1, 2024

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) It’s a cross between darkwave and post-punk but my friend’s recent response was The Sweet Kill is unequivocally gothic!

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) The Cure, Joy Division and Nine Inch Nails

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your current single “Forbidden.”

 

A) This was a co-write as my recently deceased and longtime collaborator Donal Finn had been paired with a multitude of singer-songwriters and Danielle Parente from NYC came up with “Forbidden,” which was most memorable having had The Sweet Kill sound already baked into it. The longing for the release of a love forbidden in a world that wouldn’t understand ultimately harkens back to my early years of romance which formed who I am as an artist.

 

Q) You also filmed a music video for “Forbidden.” How did you come up with the concept for the video?

 

A) My girlfriend and co-collaborator Ellen Hawk loves to celebrate all things Gothic like castles, forests, magic, storms and the profound power of the elements. So, we embarked to these locations with our iPhone and shot these scenes.

 

Q) Since the release of “Forbidden,” what has been the reaction from fans and listeners to the new music?

 

A) “Forbidden” has had the most impact and resonance with our fans as the Bandcamp sales reflect this. Also, the comments have been quite positive and supportive and this quite artistically rewarding as this song is a set up for the next album Nowhere, which will be released in the spring.

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from not only listening to the new song, but your music in general?

 

A) Great question! The purpose of The Sweet Kill is to reach those lost in the shadows of life and let those know there is a purpose to “it” all. In the duality of light and dark there can be a celebration of art. I personally have wrestled with my dark side and found solace in art as the metaphorical light on my path. So, “Forbidden” is giving in to the duality of desire and release as perhaps a synonymous reality rather than the mutual exclusivity of the two.

 

Q) “Forbidden” is a track off your sophomore LP Nowhere, which is set to release this Spring. What are some themes you will be exploring with this upcoming album?

 

A) Nowhere questions the final analysis of the souls’ journey between two worlds. Are we eternally floating in the ether or are we never lost and always found? In other words, I’ve lived a certain amount of life enough to experience the loss of loved ones either by drug overdoses, suicide, car accidents, murder and disease. I have been privileged to have had life changing conversations with those on their death bed that have sparked a genuine intrigue in relation to the soul’s journey and the connectivity to source and commonality between all of us humans.

 

Q) If you can tease, which song was your favorite to write and record for Nowhere?

 

A) Definitely “Forbidden;” however, each song is personally special to me as I look at them all as my offspring. The title track “Nowhere” and “Alive” are specifically of my most recent friend, trudging buddy, musical colleague and collaborator. So, in essence, those two songs are the catalyst for this album’s vision. “Goodbye” and “Divide” are about my other band mate, musical collaborators passing, and the song “Step 1” alludes to my personal struggles and journey through the dark night of the soul.

 

Q) Nowhere is set to release through Young & Cold Records (Germany) as well as Shadow Zone Records (USA). How did you come to work with both record companies and why are you using two companies for the release of this LP?

 

A) Young & Cold Records are pressing up the vinyl and CDs in Europe, which I am very grateful for; however, Shadow Zone Records is my imprint label which covers the digital release. I got the idea from an indie band Pavement who were signed to matador records yet had their own label imprint entitled “Treble Kicker Records.” It’s a way to maintain autonomy.

 

Q) With the release of the LP, are there any plans for live shows to promote the new music?

 

A) Yes, I am in talks with booking agents worldwide to embark upon a tour to do so.

 

Q) If you could collaborate with anyone on a new project, who would you love to work with and why?

 

A) Another great question! Trent Reznor as I have always related to his self-containment/confinement in the studio, so to switch it up and displace us both by putting us in a room together I would find quite appealingly intriguing.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you first and foremost from the bottom of my soul for your supportive comments and adulation. To think I can connect through lyrics, melody and sound to so many people worldwide is quite humbling!

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Pete Mills