Exploring the Creative Universe of The Drood: From “Superposition” to “The Book of Drood”

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of music, few bands encapsulate the essence of creative evolution like The Drood.

In an exclusive interview, Daniel and Nathaniel, the artists behind The Drood, offer a glimpse into their musical journey, detailing the intricate process behind their latest album “The Book of Drood” and reflecting on their previous works.

The Creative Process: From Improvisation to Structured Composition

Daniel reveals the stark contrast in the creative process between “Superposition” and “The Book of Drood.” He describes “Superposition” as “a one-off experiment in free-form improv ambient,” rapidly created for a TV show soundtrack. “The Book of Drood,” however, represents their more regular structured song composition process. “We jam it, record, jam again, then record, over and over, slowly building the song over time and re-interpreting it as we go,” he explains.

Nathaniel echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the pandemic’s role in shaping “The Book of Drood.” “Most of the songs were initially created during the heavy isolation days of the pandemic,” he says, highlighting the isolated yet connected nature of their creation process.

A Return to Groove-Oriented Sound

Both artists speak of their latest album as a return to their groove-oriented roots. “We never really left,” says Daniel, noting that even during the production of “Superposition,” their core sound persisted. Nathaniel adds, “The groove is always in our hearts!” He shares that “The Book of Drood” was roughly four years in the making, providing ample time to sculpt each song.

The Ethereal Vocals of Nathaniel

Nathaniel’s approach to vocal composition is unique and organic. “I never, ever write lyrics first,” he shares. “We write the music first, and as we’re jamming on it that’s when vocalization begins.” This process allows the vibe of the song to dictate its lyrical direction.

Diverse Musical Influences

When asked about their influences, Daniel mentions a wide array, including The Legendary Pink Dots, Edward Ka-Spel, Skinny Puppy, and MGMT. Nathaniel, acknowledging his admiration for Radiohead, stresses the importance of not being overly influenced by any one act. “They let the song do what it wants,” he observes.

Genre Exploration and Collaboration

The Drood’s history of genre exploration is a testament to their diverse musical tastes. Daniel points out, “Our personal playlists include everything from punk and shoegaze to electronic, industrial, dub, experimental rock, and classical.”

Their collaboration with Randall Frazier on the album added a unique flavor. “Randall is a personal friend who has helped The Drood over the years,” says Daniel, describing his involvement in the song “Determinism.”

The Making of “Static Time”

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Discussing their music video “Static Time,” animated by Wizardhead, Daniel notes, “We really let him take the reins and do what he felt, giving him 100% creative control.”

Balancing Humor with Serious Music

Daniel and Nathaniel both enjoy infusing humor into their music. “Sometimes it comes-through in the form of lyrics, or in our videos,” Daniel says. Nathaniel adds, “We are constantly riffing, joking, and creating comedy shorts.”

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Nathaniel shares their openness to new opportunities and collaborations. “We’re writing new stuff all the time,” he says, hinting at a live psychedelic punk garage rock album and upcoming performances.

In conclusion, The Drood’s journey from “Superposition” to “The Book of Drood” is a captivating tale of artistic evolution, experimentation, and emotional depth. Their music, enriched with diverse influences and a unique creative process, continues to inspire and resonate with a growing audience.