Interview Under Fire Podcast

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New band, new chapter, new year, new album. Why not all at once? Frontman Niklas Lykke of Danish metal band Livløs joins IUF today to talk about the newest album, “And Then There Were None”. Though it is his first offering with the band, and being the newest member, it feels as if Niklas was meant to be here all along. He's found his place. Perhaps there was a sense of pressure when taking over as the lead vocalist of a heavy metal group, but Niklas was ready for the task as he and his newest bandmates have come together to release some of the finest Scandinavian melodic metal you will ever hear. Combining elements of American-rooted death metal and groove metal have been a mixture that Livløs have conquered, and now to be able to translate their skill into this album will have many ears turned in their direction. Niklas talks about how they derive their influences from other notable metal acts like At The Gates, Carcass, Death, and The Black Dahlia Murder. And now with a twist of everything they are, it's their own established sound and it's here to stay. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the highly-anticipated 2nd album “And Then There Were None”, from Denmark's Livløs, out now worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Livløs, visit: https://livloesband.com/, https://www.facebook.com/livloesband, and https://www.instagram.com/livloesband/

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LA-based singer-songwriter Kara Connolly has worked hard to get to this point in her storied career – From previously working in the film industry, to playing sold out shows, earning nominations in Hollywood Music in Media, and getting the nod for a GRAMMY ballot, there comes a sense of overwhelming sentiment within her successes. We invite Kara onto IUF to give her the chance to take a deep breath in the middle of the action, as she takes us through her growth and experiences as an artist and a human being. Trials and tribulations are such outlooks of life, and Kara is no different to that aspect. We got the chance to also talk to her about her 2019 debut album “Life In Rear View”, and how it served as a catalyst into the next step in her musical direction. Her latest singles, “Roses” and “Something More” have shown a different side to her talent, both musically, visually and lyrically. It's a testament to her craft to continue evolving as a musician, and we get the opportunity to dig into these sonically crafted gems. Aside from her film and musical talents, Kara also talks about her dedicated and growing fanbase who are identified as her “Karakeets”, and how they have been a force of support for her throughout the years. It's a humbling accomplishment from head to toe for Kara up this point in her life, and she knows it's her time to shine. All the while, it's an episode where the main message is given as a reminder to really stop, and smell the roses. Kara is doing that to full commitment on her journey upward. We go in-depth and real with an immense talent in Kara Connolly, so tune in now and be sure to stream her latest singles “Roses” and “Something More”, out now everywhere on all streaming platforms.

Stay connected with Kara Connolly, visit: https://www.karaconnolly.com/, https://www.facebook.com/mskaraconnolly, and https://www.instagram.com/karaconnolly/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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It all began with “Strawberry Milkshake”. The Chicago-raised, LA-based artist Kit Major has come a long way since dropping that first single from a few years ago. From acting to writing scripts, Kit didn't really consider recording music until her college years. Taking a range of influences from artists like Prince and Bowie to Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa, Kit Major was more than ready to take the next step in her musical career. Within the last year or so, Kit has released some of her best work out of the gate with songs like “Solo Disco”, “Mind”, “When The Drugs Don't Work”, and "Party Street”. What is as important are the messages her songs convey - which circle around subjects such as anxiety, depression, and self-discovery to name a few. A big part of who Kit is can be heard within the lyricism, and we get the chance to dive a little deeper behind her upbringings and background that have shaped her into who she is today. She may just be getting started, but it's as if she's been here before. Tune in to this episode now and be sure to follow and stream Kit's music on all major platforms out there, and stay on the lookout for more exciting material from this rising star.

Stay connected with Kit Major, visit: https://www.kitmajor.com/, https://www.facebook.com/kitmajormusic/, and https://www.instagram.com/kitmajormusic/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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Chaos. It's a word that sums up Chris Dearing's solo project titled The Sound That Ends Creation. The band got its inception down in Allen, Texas in 2015, and here we are 6 records later with “Boomers, Zoomers, Desperate Coomers” as the newest album. Chris talks about how his creativity has never seemed to run short of ideas, as 6 albums is not an easy thing to do for anyone. It's also in the name itself, incorporated with sounds of grindcore, mathcore, fused with jazz and beyond. Chris talks about how he managed to mix elements of classical music with movie/TV show samples throughout the production process. It's another impressive addition to Chris's catalog of talent, and he is looking forward to taking it on the road as touring life has resumed. There is a sense of nervousness, and maybe even pressure, but it comes with the territory. Chris has never been more excited about the future, as he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. There's a reason why other outlets like Revolver Magazine and Knotfest have praised his work, with plenty more to come. Find out more as we dive into the mastermind that is Chris Dearing, and be sure to buy and stream “Boomers, Zoomers, Desperate Coomers” from The Sound That Ends Creation, due out worldwide on November 5th.

Stay connected with TSTEC, visit: https://thesoundthatendscreation.bandcamp.com/, https://www.facebook.com/thesoundthatendscreation/, and https://www.instagram.com/thesoundthatendscreation/

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Life doesn't go as planned, and if there was ever a soundtrack to that particular feeling, leave it up to Can't Swim. We are joined by frontman Chris LoPorto from the New Jersey based band as he talks about the meaning of releasing their 3rd album, “Change Of Plans”. It's been 3-4 years in the making, and to finally put out an album that ties into the chaos of life itself, it's a level of fulfillment for Chris. Additionally, bringing in renowned music producer Will Putney was a big part of putting this record to life, and we get the opportunity to talk about how the perfect chemistry between him and Chris could be something to hang everyone's hats on going forward. Tune in to this episode now with a passionate artist from head to toe, and be sure to buy and stream the new album, “Change Of Plans” from Can't Swim, out now worldwide via Pure Noise Music.

Stay connected with Can't Swim, visit: https://cantswim.net/, https://www.instagram.com/cantswim_/, and https://www.facebook.com/cantswim

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It's time to get tech-y. We welcome lead vocalist/guitarist Steffen Kummerer from Germany progressive death metal outfit, Obscura. It's been a wild ride for Steffen in recent memory, from dropping an album-of-the-year contender in 2018 to a complete band lineup change – This new chapter for him and Obsura is a personal one. We take a deeper look into the makings and origins behind the new album “A Valediction”, and how it serves as the most complete album for Obscura to this day. Steffen mentions how this record also goes to 11, and boy oh boy, does it ever. From themes, songwriting, to the production and the new members, Obscura may have very well one-upped their sound yet again, “A Valediction” shows the growth of not only the band's musicality, but Steffen's as well. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the 6th album from Obscura, “A Valediction” drops November 19 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Obscura, visit: https://realmofobscura.com/, https://www.instagram.com/realmofobscura/, and https://www.facebook.com/RealmOfObscura

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Turn this one up, and make sure your neighbors hear it too while you're at it, as we welcome the powerful frontwoman Justine Jones from the U.K. based metallic hardcore outfit, Employed To Serve. We invite Justine along with us to talk about their highly-anticipated 4th studio album “Conquering”. It's been roughly a decade into the makings for Justine, and with the new album, she and her bandmates are finally feeling they have hit their stride. Justine describes the production process from the first day to the last day and how there was a sense of pressure to reach their ceiling of musicianship. Aside from an album release, we also ask Justine about her record label called “Church Road Records” which she co-owns with her partner and bandmate Sammy Urwin. Founded in 2017 while overcoming the challenges during the recent pandemic, Justine is determined to keep the wheels turning by taking part within the music business herself. Whether it's on the stage or off, the passion and dedication within her craft remains at an all time high. One could even say, she is “Conquering” her way through her love for the music she so often puts on dynamic display. The album is full of jawbreaking riffs, ferocious vocals, and hammering drums incorporated with the sounds of hardcore punk. Take our word for it, and have the ice packs ready for the ensuing headbanging. Employed To Serve's new record “Conquering” is out now worldwide via Spinefarm Records.

Stay connected with Employed To Serve, visit: http://www.employedtoserve.com/, https://www.facebook.com/employedtoserve, and https://www.instagram.com/employedtoserve/

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The brothers, Lewis and Henry de Jong of New Zealand-based band Alien Weaponry, have been taking the heavy metal world by storm. It's been 10 years since the inception of this young and talented groovy tribal band, and they have been pedal to the metal ever since. The new album and sophomore effort “Tangaroa”, is everything about who they are. It's not just another metal album, but rather, something more that comes from the heart unlike anything ever heard. Lewis and Henry talk about the importance of paying homage to their cultural heritage of the Maori people, while singing lyrics in their native indigenous language. It gives their songs more purpose, emotion, and grit. Filled with thrash and groove elements while fused with tribal effects, this album will be sure to keep your neck headbanging at a rapid pace. They may be young, but it feels as if they have been at this thing for a while. Make no mistake, Alien Weaponry are setting the bar high for the new generation of heavy metal. “Tangaroa” is a sure and solid effort from the de Jong brothers that will be talked about for a long long time, and this work of gold shows how strong their bond is as a family. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream “Tangaroa”, out now worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Alien Weaponry, visit: https://alienweaponry.com/index.html, https://www.instagram.com/alienweaponry/, and https://www.facebook.com/AlienWeaponry

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When you've been making good music for 4 decades, you know you are doing something right. Leave it to the Bay-area thrash metal veterans Exodus to cover that ground. On the verge of dropping their 11th album, we are joined by seasoned frontman Steve “Zetro” Souza as we talk about “Persona Non Grata”. It's everything any Exodus fan would want from these legends, and Zetro sits with us today to talk about why this feels as complete as it does. There are challenges bands face when entering a long tenured career filled with hundreds of songs in the catalog, but Zetro sees it as a chance to keep improving as opposed to repeating themselves. He gives a big shoutout to fellow bandmate and a fan favorite in heavy metal lore, Gary Holt. Gary played a huge part in making sure the album came to a complete well-rounded production, and Zetro could not have asked for a better man to take the helm on the new record. We also talk to Zetro about his love for comics, and how the band has teamed up with publisher Incendium to release a four-issue comic book anthology series called “Tales From The Damned”. Plenty to be excited about as Exodus opens up to one of the more thrilling chapters in the band's history. Come on now, a new album AND a new comic? Strap yourselves in. Zetro has much to share. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the new record “Persona Non Grata”, due out November 19 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Exodus, visit: https://exodusattack.com/site/, https://www.facebook.com/exodusattack, and https://www.instagram.com/exodusbandofficial/

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The sounds of Brooklyn, New York. It's nothing like you have ever experienced. In today's episode, we are joined by the talented independent trio of Alma. Consisting of members Alba, Lillie, and Melissa – the three women have formed a bond unmatched. Musically and personally, within the last couple of years, they have come together to release their creativity in a form so unique and well-versed. “Mosaic” is their highly-anticipated debut album. Praised by the likes of publications of Atwood Magazine, Secret Meeting, and The Alternative to name a few, it's only just the beginning of everything they have to offer this world. Filled with the sounds of life in New York City, along with strings, bass, drums, and piano – this adventure filled album tells the story of the three combined in one unforgettable listen. Releasing a debut album is one thing, but releasing a debut album while setting the bar high for the world of contemporary indie music is another, and they are doing it well. This conversation is filled with emotion, laughter, and heart. It will have the listener look forward to more impressive material down the road from these girls, and believe us, they will arrive no short of that notion. Experience New York through the eyes and ears of Alma, and be sure to buy and stream their album-of-the-year contender in “Mosaic”, out now everywhere. And be sure to stay for the end as we set them up for a fun and engaging Lightning Round. Well done ladies, well done.

Stay connected with Alma, visit: https://almanoises.com/home, https://www.facebook.com/almanoises, and https://www.instagram.com/almanoises/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/