After breaking through with their stunning debut EP 'Grotesque Radio' in 2021, fast-rising duo Golem Dance Cult are back once again to deliver their anthemic debut album 'Legend Of The Bleeding Heart'.
Capturing more of that raw and diverse psychedelic-infused industrial sound they are known for, 'Legend Of The Bleeding Heart' makes for a wonderfully broad and inventive listen. With its bold and euphoric textures, soaring energy, and captivating hooks layered throughout, they are cementing themselves as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new record available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Charles: Bass. I started with saxophone when I was 8 years old, but as a teenager my idol was Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) and as such, even if I did not really understand the instrument, I became obsessed with bass. I started with an acoustic guitar from which I removed the 2 higher strings then at 17 I bought my first bass (a Hyundai in plastic!)
Laur: I thought guitars were really cool when I was a kid but playing it seemed pretty difficult to me for some reason, then I fell in love with drums when I was 16. I should have known before because my favourite KISS member was Peter Criss when I was 9!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Laur: Rock'n'roll! KISS fascinated me because of their image at first and they opened the door for me but I was listening to my Dad's records (Eddie Cochran, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, etc.) before that. My first 7" records at a very young age were Sparks, KISS, Lio, Indochine, Joan Jett, Kim Wilde, Bananarama, Kate Bush, The Buggles, etc. So 80s!
Charles: Hard rock and animation soundtrack (Captain Harlock was a favourite). I was particularly fascinated by Kiss (Destroyer was the second album I owned). I was really into French pop too such as Lio, Charlelie Couture, Plastic Bertrand...
What was the first album you remember owning?
Charles: Motorhead Ace Of Spades. I loved the cover and spent hours imagining this band of outlaws in action!
Laur: KISS "Rock'n'Roll Over" and a live album from Johnny Hallyday!! I got attracted to it because of his cool white Indian jacket on the cover.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Charles: 7th Nation Army by the White Stripes. The riff, even if played on guitar, sounds like one of the coolest bass line, simple and efficient.
Laur:"Born To Be Alive" (Patrick Hernandez) so that I wouldn't have to work one more day in my life! Haha. Plus that's a pretty cool song when you think about it... And of course I owned that 7" record too!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Charles: I cannot have shoes when I record vocals, guitar or bass parts. I need to be barefoot (or in socks in winter). A way to feel the Earth?
Laur: Not that I can think of, honestly.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Charles: I have phases where I immerse myself in a band or artist. Recently it has been Ministry. No rhyme or reason, I just felt like listening to Uncle Al. Been into the latest Queens of The Stone Age "In Times New Roman" too.
Laur: Lately, I've been listening to the new Suede and The Cult albums. When it comes to smaller bands, I really dig "Bits and Pieces" by Peace De Résistance, a one man project from New York that will probably never play live.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Charles: Jane's Addiction (with original members)
Laur: Hm, maybe Manic Street Preachers.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Laur: When people tell you that what you do really means something to them, when they feel your music and lyrics.
Charles: same as Laur, touching people through your music is something unique!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Laur: Not being able to play live when you live on different continents! Haha... But hey, we have a pretty good album out!
Charles: agreed, though there are plans to remediate this. I will also add the whole promotion aspect. Now musicians get great tools to help diffuse their music, however, I feel sometimes the promotion aspect takes too much place (and time). I feel more and more like creating music, diffusing it on our website and letting it live its life.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Laur: "Keep it Simple" both from my drum teacher (Jean-Pierre Guichard who played in French band Ange) and from New York City rock'n'roller Kevin K (I was on the drums on a few of his European tours.)
Charles: the importance of intention -or the way of playing, the mood you convey in your music. Riff, lyrics, melody and rhythm are fundamental but you need to have clear intention in your playing. This is what makes a difference between a good and a great song.
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Golem Dance Cult's debut album 'Legend Of The Bleeding Heart' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.