Discover the ambicious rise of Pound Of Flesh, the band that will be shaking up the Ontario scene. From the inception of their impactful new singles to their epic collaborations, learn how these artists are shaping their future without ever losing sight of their core. Don't miss this intimate conversation with Zachary Emmons, one of the architects of a sound that defies expectations and redefines the genre. Note that the interview was conducted around June 20, just 8 days before the release of the "Badwolf" EP on the last 28th of June.
1. What challenges have you faced as an emerging band in the Ontario hardcore scene, and how have you overcome them?
Being a band in such a big scene for hardcore music like the gta scene we found the biggest hurdle was standing out to get noticed. With so many great acts in this scene standing out and finding a unique sound is something needed to succeed. We were fortunate to have a very similar sense of what we wanted to sound like and it became the Pound Of Flesh sound everyone knows us for today.
2. How do you manage the conflict between personal artistic expression and the expectations of the audience or the music industry?
We have been incredibly fortunate to be with our current management Extreme Management Group, who have been incredibly supportive of us taking the reigns on the creative direction we take in this band. Our band manager, Keith (also the vocalist for the Convalescence) works tirelessly to ensure our creative vision is made very clear to those in the industry. Obviously it’s a very give and take industry so we don’t mind making some concessions to further the project.
3. You've released two singles in recent months; do you believe that recording a full album is resolved in 2024, is it still relevant to release a full album?
So this year we have dropped “Black Mirror” “Purge” and “Wraith” for singles. June 28 we have the “Badwold EP” coming out five additional songs, however we also have a full length album nearing completion of 11 brand new never before heard songs so the writing process for us never stops. Being musicians that did this as a hobby before, we find enjoyment in the creative process and always are writing to advance ourselves as writers.
4. Do you have any particular rituals or methods to get into the creative mindset necessary for writing lyrics?
When we sit down to start a writing session we often will listen to our recent favorites for songs that have come out, for inspiration and just to get the musical gears spinning in our brains. We’re very fortunate to have Brady, as he is already thinking of drum parts the moment he hears us start to fiddle with a riff. For Shane when he writes lyrics, he tends to find something he wants to talk about that he is passionate about, and goes from there. Shane is a very gifted lyricist, having been a lover of a lot of wordy rappers like Tech N9ne and Rittz, he finds himself utilizing a lot of hip hop traits in his lyrics like a lot of wordplay for instance.
5. Which song best represents the musical identity of Pound Of Flesh, the one you will never tire of performing and why?
Our musical direction went the way it is today around the time we started working on “Purge”. From day one that song was to be the labelling of our identity in the music industry. We felt that song captured all the elements we love in hardcore, with its “slammy” in your face main riff, the two steps, the hanging note hook and the big breakdown. It keeps the energy throughout the entire song and is one of those riffs that you can’t help but make a “stank face” when listening to it.
6. How do the lyrics of "Purge" explore the idea of justice and vengeance in the context of human relationships?
So “Purge” was lyrically aimed at the thoughts of a musician trying to make it. About the struggles you face in both the scene and at home while trying to make ends meet and succeed at your craft. It’s about knowing the sacrifices you have to make, but being unsure if you’re able to make them. It’s a lot to do with the mental journey you face during that.
7. Can you talk about the creative process behind your latest single "Wraith" and the collaboration with Casey Tyson-Pearce from AngelMaker?
“Wraith” is actually a song Shane and myself had written back in 2016, and it sorta just sat on shelf. Shane and I had gone back and forth each of us on songs, he did a riff I did a riff. Being our second single in Drop F tuning ("Purge" was the first), it was our way of solidify our sound. Once we had decided we wanted a feature for it, it was a matter of who. We knew we were wanting to find someone not only with a lot of support behind them, but someone that we had a ton of respect for as a musician. That made Casey a no brainer. He’s become the standard for Deathcore vocals and it just made sense for us to have a fellow Canadian on this one with us. We couldn’t be happier with how that song turned out!
8. Do you plan to collaborate with other artists or bands in the future?
We definitely do! We’re always down to collaborate with other musicians and artists! We’re currently looking into a very high profile feature, of which I can’t say who at this time but we’re aiming to have them on that full length I had mentioned earlier. Ashley for the "Badwolf EP," we have our really good friend Chris Osuch of the Toronto-based band Seagrave on the albums title track!
9. With the signing to Extreme Management Group, Inc., what are your ambitions for the future and how do you plan to extend your reach beyond Canada?
Our plan is to begin touring Canada coast to coast with us solving our tour vehicle issue, and take the show overseas. Our manager Keith also works with Satellite Touring, and so the plan in 2025 is to take the show overseas to Europe, Asia, and Australia, before coming back to Canada and then take the show to the United States. Lots a touring on the horizon here for us!
10. Do you have any other studio plans this summer and possibly offer a new record by the start of the school year in September?
Our vocalist Shane owns a full professional recording studio, which is also where we do our albums and singles, so we never stop being in the studio. It’s a great way to keep our minds sharp and music enjoyable for us still.
11. You have a date on the calendar with Get The Shot in Oshawa next July, do you have any other shows planned on that side before the end of the year?
Yes we do! We are also playing with the legends in Green Jelly August 14 in Ottawa, that show also includes the Convalescence too! Then we’re doing an Ontario run with our good friends in the Toronto-based band ITUS at the end of August. As for October there is a very big date in Kingston we’re playing that we’re announcing soon so keep your eyes peeled for that one!
After that the plan is to head out west, where we’ve noticed a lot of streams, and support for us is coming from. Plan is to hit all of Canada before heading overseas to let Europe in on the madness!
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Pound Of Flesh is poised to make their mark on the Ontario Deathcore scene with a unique sound that has allowed them to overcome challenges and stand out. Their management of industry expectations while preserving their artistic expression is supported by a management that respects their creative vision.
As you have read in this interview, "Purge" embodies their musical identity with captivating elements, while "Wraith," in collaboration with Casey Tyson-Pearce, demonstrates their openness to influential collaborations. With future international tour projects and the conquest of the complete Canadian scene, Pound Of Flesh is ready to take on the global stage. Their story inspires following their musical journey. Stay tuned.
