Push to Fire: Interview with Murder by Death

Push to Fire Interview: Murder by Death
Interview with Adam Turla [vocals/guitar]
by Meghan Player

Murder By Death are an interesting band. Combining elements of Americana, indie, rock, country and even a little bit of goth - they are certainly a band that cannot be pigeon-holed and defined by one specific genre.
Taking a break from their current recording session [which subsequently wrapped up this week] - frontman Adam Turla seems more than happy to explain what brought the eclectic mix of sounds together.
"We're all [inspired by] different stuff," he explains, "Everything from soul music to David Bowie to Os Mutantes to Thin Lizzy to The Cure. Dagan [drummer] loves metal, and Matt [bass] is really into Nick Cave and bands like Mogwai."
This mix of styles and genres has also been a signature for the band - with any given Murder By Death album ranging from the deep, depressing, sorrowful sound to upbeat and raucous the next. A style that has kept tradition going with the bands upcoming album.
"We've been able to add a lot of strange sounds on this record that we couldn't do before," Turla describes. "The new record feels like it captures the vision of our band better than any we have worked on before. [We worked with] John Congleton [who] helped us nuture the weird sounds we were going for on this album."
"I feel like we really nailed the desolate and dark moments just as well as the upbeat and raucous ones. It's very exciting."
Almost as important as the Murder By Death sound is the intricate and unique style of storytelling through song. Lyrically, the band are unlike their mainstream counterparts - relying on the past in order to capture some of the most thought-provoking imagery.
"For me, a more complex song is much more fun to work on than a song that only functions in an obvious way," explains Turla. "[I studied] religion in college because it's what interested me. That's why there are a lot of dark, supernatural and religious themes in our songs."
"I personally love the story-telling element and style of lyrics, rather than the general love-related, angst-themed songs that is in much of music. I like our music to be the focus for the listener - listening to a record should be an experience."
Undoubtedly so, each Murder By Death album has had an adverse effect on its audiences - tales of jilted lovers, judgement, sea shanties, death, religion, and a running theme - whiskey - the band have managed to keep their niche sound, relevant with each album. An trait that Turla is perfectly aware of.
"I think it's definitely important that there are new ideas, but also link those ideas to the material you have done in the past," he explains. "It should all fit under the umbrella of the band, and not stick out too much."
Astoundingly, in their 10+ years together, Murder By Death have never made it to Australian shores - a country that enjoys a story as much as the next. Come late February however, the band will step onto our shores for the first time - a tour that Turla is undeniably excited about.
"We can't wait!" he enthuses. "We've been wanting to come for a long time. We couldn't be more excited!"
"We'll probably play a couple of new songs as well, but I imagine there are old songs people will want to see live - and we will deliver!"
With talks of the new album [due in May/June] and a busy touring schedule to follow, 2012 is set to be another busy year for Murder By Death - something that Turla is prepared to undertake.
"We will be busy, but we're excited!"

Many thanks to Adam for taking the time to answer our questions. Find more info and music clips on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MurderByDeath.

Push to Fire Interview: Murder by Death Interview with Adam Turla [vocals/guitar] by Meghan Player Murder By Death are an interesting band. Combining elements of Americana, indie, rock, country and even a little bit of goth - they are certainly a band that cannot be pigeon-holed and defined by one specific genre. Taking a break from their current recording session [which subsequently wrapped up this week] - frontman Adam Turla seems more than happy to explain what brought the eclectic mix of sounds together. "We're all [inspired by] different stuff," he explains, "Everything from soul music to David Bowie to Os Mutantes to Thin Lizzy to The Cure. Dagan [drummer] loves metal, and Matt [bass] is really into Nick Cave and bands like Mogwai." This mix of styles and genres has also been a signature for the band - with any given Murder By Death album ranging from the deep, depressing, sorrowful sound to upbeat and raucous the next. A style that has kept tradition going with the bands upcoming album. "We've been able to add a lot of strange sounds on this record that we couldn't do before," Turla describes. "The new record feels like it captures the vision of our band better than any we have worked on before. [We worked with] John Congleton [who] helped us nuture the weird sounds we were going for on this album." "I feel like we really nailed the desolate and dark moments just as well as the upbeat and raucous ones. It's very exciting." Almost as important as the Murder By Death sound is the intricate and unique style of storytelling through song. Lyrically, the band are unlike their mainstream counterparts - relying on the past in order to capture some of the most thought-provoking imagery. "For me, a more complex song is much more fun to work on than a song that only functions in an obvious way," explains Turla. "[I studied] religion in college because it's what interested me. That's why there are a lot of dark, supernatural and religious themes in our songs." "I personally love the story-telling element and style of lyrics, rather than the general love-related, angst-themed songs that is in much of music. I like our music to be the focus for the listener - listening to a record should be an experience." Undoubtedly so, each Murder By Death album has had an adverse effect on its audiences - tales of jilted lovers, judgement, sea shanties, death, religion, and a running theme - whiskey - the band have managed to keep their niche sound, relevant with each album. An trait that Turla is perfectly aware of. "I think it's definitely important that there are new ideas, but also link those ideas to the material you have done in the past," he explains. "It should all fit under the umbrella of the band, and not stick out too much." Astoundingly, in their 10+ years together, Murder By Death have never made it to Australian shores - a country that enjoys a story as much as the next. Come late February however, the band will step onto our shores for the first time - a tour that Turla is undeniably excited about. "We can't wait!" he enthuses. "We've been wanting to come for a long time. We couldn't be more excited!" "We'll probably play a couple of new songs as well, but I imagine there are old songs people will want to see live - and we will deliver!" With talks of the new album [due in May/June] and a busy touring schedule to follow, 2012 is set to be another busy year for Murder By Death - something that Turla is prepared to undertake. "We will be busy, but we're excited!"
Many thanks to Adam for taking the time to answer our questions. Find more info and music clips on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MurderByDeath.