Truth and Venom (Scaredy Cat Promotions)

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Mia Lust of Manchester based psychedelic-garage-post-punk band, Chemtrails.

Mia talks about her appreciation for lyrics that use words in a creative and often unexpected way and how she tries to emulate that approach with her own lyric writing. She also discusses challenging herself to try new methods and processes to elicit specific responses to her songwriting.

Mia also talks about the common themes in Chemtrails' lyrics across their three albums as well as how she uses strong and often surreal imagery to get those ideas and feelings across in a less direct way.

Purchase and listen to Chemtrails' music here: https://adoseofchemtrails.bandcamp.com

Follow Chemtrails on their social media channels for updates on live dates and any other news here:

https://www.instagram.com/chemtrails_band

https://www.facebook.com/chemtrailsband666

https://x.com/chemtrails_band

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast. https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Photograph in episode image used with kind permission from Chandler McCowen.

https://www.instagram.com/chandler.mccowan/

Welcome to Truth and Venom!

In this first ever episode, Chris speaks to Joey Ashworth from mathy-indie-emo legends itoldyouiwouldeatyou!

Joey speaks about bands and lyricists that influenced them as a young songwriter as well as those they draw reference from more recently, before getting into the experiences, ambitions and philosophies that inspire their own lyrics.

There's also some in depth chat about the lyrics from some songs from the band's upcoming record. It feels like every aspect of life gets touched upon at some point in what turned out to be a fascinating and inspiring conversation.

Go here for ways to donate money towards aid for Palestine: https://impactful.ninja/best-charities-for-gaza

and for long term support: https://buildpalestine.com/

Listen to itoldyouiwouldeatyou here: https://itoldyouiwouldeatyou.bandcamp.com/

itoldyouiwouldeatyou can be found on social media here for updates on new music and live shows:

https://www.instagram.com/itoldyouiwouldeatyou

https://twitter.com/ITYIWtweetyou

https://www.facebook.com/itoldyouiwouldeatyou

More insight into Joey's lyrics can be found through their annotations here: https://genius.com/artists/Itoldyouiwouldeatyou

Recommended further listening:

Band On Band podcast, Episode 013.

Just An Insight podcast, Episode 136.

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Artwork photo used with kind permission from Estie Joy

https://www.instagram.com/photoswotitook

In this final episode of season 1 of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Annie Dorrett of Brighton based electro-punk-pop band, CLT DRP.

Annie talks about how performing with CLT DRP has enabled and emboldened her over time to express things in a more direct, bold way than she would in her day to day life. She also discusses the wider socio-political issues that have had an increasingly importance influence on her writing.

Annie also talks about the importance of trying to compliment the energy that the other band members are bringing to a track as well as the stories behind some of her most personal lyrics.

Purchase and listen to CLT DRP's music here:

https://cltdrp.bandcamp.com/

Follow CLT DRP on their social media channels for updates on live dates and any other news here:

https://linktr.ee/cltdrp

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast. https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Photograph in episode image used with kind permission from Dylan Scully.

https://www.instagram.com/dylpool___

Truth and Venom will return on October 22nd, This is your reminder to catch up and hit subscribe!

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Nina Saeidi of London-based Middle Eastern progressive doom band, Lowen.

Nina talks about how classic literature and scripture influence the band's lyrics, as well as how fantastical, sci-fi and ancient themes and imagery are used to tell the more personal stories of displacement, spirituality and pain.

Nina also reveals how some of these themes have developed with writing the soon to be announced second album, as well as the choice to increase the use of languages such as Farsi and Sumerian across the recordings.

Lowen will be playing Warhorns Festival, Brighton Doomsday and are accompanying Green Lung on a 6 date UK and Ireland tour in May.

Listen to Lowen here:

https://lowen.bandcamp.com/

Find links to the band's socials below for ticket links and information on the new music as it arrives!

https://www.instagram.com/lowen_band

https://www.facebook.com/Lowenband

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Artwork photo used with kind permission from Stephen at Tears of Fire Photography. https://www.instagram.com/stephentearsoffirephotography

https://www.facebook.com/TearsOfFirePhotography/

In the first episode of series 2 of Truth and Venom, Chris is joined by Ashley Tubb of Bristol based noisey genre ignorers, Sugar Horse.

Ashley talks about the enjoyment he gets from the lyric writing process as well as discussing the recurring themes within the band's songs, such as the ideas surrounding mortality and religious imagery. He also explains some of the varied sources of inspiration, such as:

'Hangover Square' by Patrick Hamilton

'I Hate The Internet' by Jarett Kobek

Ashley also gets into the shift in approach to lyrical style for the new album, 'The Grand Scheme of Things', in line with the band's choice to keep fans on their toes in terms of musical style.

You can listen to and buy music from Sugar Horse here:

https://sugarhorse.bandcamp.com

You can stay up to date with the band and find upcoming tour dates on their socials:

https://linktr.ee/sugarhorse

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo/

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Callum Cant of Scottish anti-fascist black metal band, Tyrannus.

Callum talks about the choice to use otherworldly concepts and narratives to communicate very real universal truths and socio-political views and the balance of clarifying an idea with leaving room for personal interpretation.

Callum also talks about the importance of prioritising community and love through the lens of black metal and discusses how some of his lyrical approaches have developed with the band's upcoming material.

Listen to and buy Tyrannus' music here: https://tyrannus.bandcamp.com/

For all of Tyrannus' upcoming performances as well as news on future releases, find the social media links you need here: https://linktr.ee/Tyrannus

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast. https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Episode artwork photo used with kind permission from Duncan McCall.

https://www.instagram.com/duncanmccallphoto/

This episode of Truth and Venom has a slightly different tone, as Chris talks with long time friends, Paul Chave and Rob Barker of Lincoln-based post-hardcorey noise rock band, Bat Flattery!

They talk about how the lyric writing process works withing the dynamics of the band, the use of lyrics to portray a particular side of oneself that might otherwise be shut away in public, and some influences behind some of their songs (such as wanting to hit someone at a steampunk festival, of course).

Paul and Rob also talk about developing their songwriting and lyric writing on their new songs which will be announced soon.

Listen to Bat Flattery here:

https://batflatterynoise.bandcamp.com/

Follow Bat Flattery on the following social channels for updates on new music and live dates:

https://www.instagram.com/bat_flattery_music/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Bat-Flattery-100076201477225/

Bat Flattery's artwork designer, as mentioned by Rob: https://www.instagram.com/friday_tzalavara6/

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Artwork photo used with kind permission from Sonia Graham.

https://www.instagram.com/sonsshots/

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with singer/songwriter, Katie Malco.

Katie talks about the subconscious influence of lyricists that she looks up to as well as the personal, at times very direct, nature of writing autobiographical lyrics and how that can complicate the relationship to older songs over time.

Katie also talks about new music that is planned for release later this year as well as giving some interesting insights into how she is still discovering new themes and outlooks when it comes to songwriting.

Links to Katie's social media and bandcamp can be found on her website. Go and follow for upcoming live dates and to get news about new music when it arrives: https://www.katiemalco.com/

Further listening:

https://helloiamhumanpodcast.com/episode-21/

https://www.101parttimejobs.com/episodes/d35eb91a-3021-11ed-a724-47d2564f9f1d

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

In this episode, Chris is joined by Jen Hingley of Manchester based alt-rock/punk band, False Advertising.

Jen talks about the balance of writing metaphorical versus more direct lyrics someone who is quite shy in daily life and how her own confidence has gradually come through in the songs over time. She also discusses lyricists that she looks up to as well as some of the aims and sentiments behind a few of the band's songs.

Jen also gets into the ideas behind the lyrics and general musical progression that is on display in latest single, 'Don't Ask Me'.

You can listen to and buy music from False Advertising as well as staying up to date with the band and any upcoming tour dates on their website:

https://falseadvertis.ing

Image photo used with kind permission from Miley Stevens: https://www.instagram.com/mileystevensphotography

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo/

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Cal Hudson of Norfolk noise/punk/indie/post-hardcore band, Other Half.

Cal talks about the importance of lyrics to him personally, as well as some of the biggest (and at times surprising) influences behind his own lyrical approach. He also talks about the process of writing lyrics to fit a narrative across albums and how much personal experience plays a part in that.

Cal also talks about the balancing of more violent themes alongside a often tongue-in-cheek approach as well as what can be expected from the upcoming third album, "Dark Ageism".

Listen to and buy Other Half's music here: https://otherhalf.bandcamp.com/

For all of Other Half's upcoming performances as well as news on future releases, find the social media links you need here: https://linktr.ee/otherhalf

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast. https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

Episode artwork photo used with kind permission from Mike Palmer.

https://www.instagram.com/mikepalmerphoto/

In this episode, Chris is joined by Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe of Leeds based post-punk/noise-rock band, Thank.

Freddy talks about the varied sources of inspiration for Thank's lyrics, be it musical, literary or comedic. He also discusses the role that humour plays in the bands songs and how that has developed over time in line with his own approach to life.

Freddy also gets into the lyrics from some of the tracks on the band's latest album, 'I Have A Physical Body That Can Be Harmed'.

You can listen to and buy music from Thank here:

https://thankleeds.bandcamp.com/

You can keep up with the latest live dates and news here:

https://linktr.ee/thankleeds

Image photo used with kind permission from Sam Hopkins: https://www.instagram.com/samhopkinsphoto

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo/

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Leona Farrugia of Maltese/British band, ĠENN.

Leona talks about the influence that visual arts and film have on her writing, the effect that being an artists away from home has on their lyrics and the hopes of being able to celebrate the band's heritage even more in future.

Leona also talks passionately about the deeper beliefs in why the arts in general as well as spaces for creativity and performance are so important for us to look after and cultivate.

For all of ĠENN's upcoming performances, visit their website: https://www.genntheband.com/home

or follow them at:

https://www.instagram.com/genntheband/

https://www.facebook.com/genntheband/

https://twitter.com/genntheband

Listen to and buy ĠENN's music here:

https://lnk.to/GENN-unum

https://genntheband.bandcamp.com/music

and you can support them further here:

https://www.patreon.com/genntheband

Recommended further reading:

https://londonworks.com/blogs/news/an-interview-with-genn-unum-album

https://www.vocalgirls.com/content/enn-theres-safety-in-gigging

https://www.fredperry.com/subculture/articles/genn

https://joyzine.org/2021/03/30/track-by-track-genn-guide-us-through-their-new-liminal-ep/

https://joyzine.org/2023/10/10/track-by-track-genn-guide-us-through-their-debut-album-unum/

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/

In this episode, Chris is joined by Phoebe Cross and Rich Mandell of London based indie-punk band, Happy Accidents.

Phoebe and Rich talk about the progression of the band's sound and songwriting process over time including the more collaborative approach to lyric writing that they've adopted. They also discuss some lyricists that they admire and how those artists influence their own writing.

Phoebe and Rich also get into the lyrical themes that run through the band's discography and how that has developed in songs from the new album, 'Edit Undo'.

You can listen to and buy music from Happy Accidents here:

https://happyaccidentsuk.bandcamp.com

You can stay up to date with the band and find upcoming tour dates on their socials:

https://linktr.ee/happyaccidents

Image photos used with kind permission from Nelson Autefault: https://www.instagram.com/autefault

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo/

In this episode, Chris is joined by Jack Green and Fraser Briggs of Hull based post-black-metal-or-something band, Still.

Jack and Fraser talk about their creative relationship and how this has continued to develop on the writing for new album, 'A Theft'. They also discuss the qualities that they value in both their own and others' lyrics.

Jack and Fraser also get into the personal circumstances, emotions and general outlook that have influenced their writing over time.

You can listen to and buy music from Still here:

https://wearestillaband.bandcamp.com/

You can stay up to date with the band and find upcoming tour dates on their socials:

https://linktr.ee/wearestillaband

Image photos used with kind permission from Alex Dixon: https://www.instagram.com/blackboxphotoco

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast.

https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo/

In this episode of Truth and Venom, Chris talks with Jamie, Justin and Tom of Surrey based punk/post-hardcore band, Stay//Asleep.

The band talk about the joy of working collaboratively and how that process plays out from Jamie's initial lyrics to the finished song. They also discuss their own relationship and preferences with lyrics and how that varies within the band.

Jamie also talks about turning to a more direct approach to lyrical themes and messages, as well as applying that to more personal subjects such as identity and grief.

Find links to listen to Stay//Asleep's music here, as well as links to the band's social media platforms to stay up to date with live dates and future releases: https://linktr.ee/stayasleep

Listen to On Repeat Podcast here: smarturl.it/onrepeatuk

This is a Scaredy Cat Promotions podcast. https://www.instagram.com/scaredycatpromo

Artwork by Spitting Fur Designs.

https://www.instagram.com/spittingfur_designs/