After delivering a wave of impressive alt-rock belters over the last year, Minneapolis-based duo The Ocean Deep recently kicked things off once again with the arrival of their latest effort 'Cyanide'.
Channelling a raw and powerful blend of rock and pop influences, 'Cyanide' makes for a compelling and passionate listen. Jam-packed with energetic hooks, killer pace, and an instantly infectious chorus to boot, it feels like we will be hearing a lot more from these two over the coming months.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Jeremy- Guitar. Slaved away learning open notes because I wanted to feel cool. I just liked the way it sounded.
Justin- Guitar. Watched Kirk Hammett play and fell in love. Even though learning guitar was a nightmare and I told myself I didn’t want to learn how to play lead solos haha.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Jeremy- Grew up on country and eventually discovered Punk Rock and that transitioned into Metal.
Justin- Also grew up on country. Big fan of R&B and hip-hop when I was in high school and then it turned to metal and 80s then went to Pop Punk and I still love every genre.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Jeremy- Weezer: Blue Album.
Justin- Shaggy: Hot Shot … I still rock it to this day.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Jeremy- Box Full of Sharp Objects by The Used.
Justin- Purple Rain by Prince.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Jeremy- I usually start with the bass line, then synth and typically do vocals last.
Justin-I am basically opposite. I write the melody and fit everything to the vocals.
We also both will just show up with no ideas in mind and just throw stuff on the screen and see what comes out of it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Jeremy- Nothing, Nowhere.. Driveways, Architects.
Justin- A Day To Remember (always), also Driveways because I just copy Jeremy.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Jeremy- 3OH3 because it would be a big party and super fun.
Justin- All Time Low.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Creating music and hoping people actually like it. Try to get some meaning out of it. Playing shows for people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Pretty much everything haha. Creating a song that you think is great and nobody hears it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Jeremy- Don’t take anything personal.
Justin- Don’t stop making music. If you love it then just keep doing it and if it’s good, there will be an audience for it.
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The Ocean Deep's new single 'Cyanide' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.