Interview with Decoy | Modern Hardcore / Groove Metal Band
Decoy, a fierce groove metal band hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been making waves in the Southern metal scene. Known for their powerful riffs, intense vocals, and raw energy, they are a force to be reckoned with. As the metal scene in the South continues to thrive, bands like Decoy are at the forefront, carrying the musical legacy of giants like Pantera while carving out their unique path, with some interesting modern feautures and callous vocals. Let’s get to know Decoy to discuss their journey, influences, and the metal scene in the South of the US.
Introduction: Who is behind the release re:selection?
Their most recent EP, re:selection, launched in January, marks a groundbreaking achievement in their careers. Throughtout this interview, we will discover how a group of good friends are having a great time creating powerful metal music, while staying true to their roots. Could be one of their possible upcoming albums be a candidate for the best groove metal album of 2024? We think so!
"Practice ALOT, venture out beyond your city, cut the gimmicks out, be genuine, and HAVE FUN."
Full Interview
In this interview with Decoy, we dive into the world of hardcore / groove metal with their vocalist, Jonah. He will provide a glimpse into their creative process, discuss how their music has evolved over time, and share their experiences navigating the groove metal scene. Let’s kick off our conversation with Decoy!
Formation and Influences
How did Decoy come together? How did you all meet and decide to form the band?
We’ve all been friends for years and have had other projects together so it just made sense to all get together and start Decoy!
Your music draws from the groove metal genre, although it mixes several other styles such as death, metalcore, punk… Or even trashy roots, as we can appreciate in your debut full length album Self Sustained Through Solitude. Which bands have influenced your sound and songwriting?
Hatebreed, Vein, Sanction, Converge, etc. to name a few!
The Making of re:selection
re:selection is a powerful compilation of some of your singles. Can you walk us through the creative process behind these tracks?
I (Jonah) wasn’t in the band during the writing of re:selection. I quit the band in 2019 to focus on my personal life and rejoined in 2023. They had the songs from re:selection for awhile, so I just retracked vocals and we put them out at the beginning of the year.
The track “Smg” provokes some serious headbangs. Can you share the story or the feelings behind this song? It also brings some In Flames Come Clarity vibes.
That is one of my personal favorite songs that we have. I can’t necessarily speak on the story and feelings behind it since I wasn’t there when it was written but I tracked vocals for that one and personality program the same day and I had a lot of fun. Shout to In Flames haha.
Songwriting and Production
Your compositions are known for their brutality and intensity. What inspires your lyrics and musical themes?
Our lyrics and themes are usually about mental health stuff with a spin on it.
Handling production and engineering can be tough when the music is so aggressive and mixes lots of elements. How do you approach these aspects of your music?
We just go in there and go crazy, we let our boy Kyle Eroche over at Lantern Light polish us up on the back end.
Metal Music Scene in the South of the United States
How would you describe the metal music scene in the South, especially in Louisiana? What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as a metal band from this region?
I feel like the South doesn’t get as much love as it should. Louisiana has been on the come up as of late so hopefully bands from here start getting more shine.
Are there any local bands or artists in the Southern metal scene that have influenced your music or that you particularly admire?
We draw inspiration from all over but I can safely say we all love Crowbar from New Orleans, absolute legends.
Collaborations and Future Plans
Collaboration is key in the music industry. Have you had any notable collaborations, and how have they impacted your music?
We haven’t had any key collaborations yet but we do have one planned for later on in the year if everything goes according to plan. I don’t want to spoil it tho
What are your plans for future releases? Are there any upcoming projects or tours that your fans should be excited about?
We will hopefully have a couple new music videos and new singles out by the end of the year! No upcoming tours as of now but we will be playing Texas in June for the first time since 2019 so we’re really looking forward to that. We have a few local shows coming up and a couple more out of state shows in the works.
Musical Evolution and Audience Reception
With re-selection being a compilation of singles, can fans expect a full-length album anytime soon?
We dont really know what our plans are next in regards to releasing another EP or Full Length but we are constantly writing and we have a couple new tracks being recorded!
How do you feel your music has evolved since you first started? Are there any particular moments or achievements that stand out?
I think we’re constantly getting better together and polishing up our original sound. Not straying off course from how we sounded when we first started but just evolving and doing it better. We haven’t had too many crazy moments or achievements that stand out yet. We signed with Upstate Records this year which is awesome. We love the Upstate family and we just want to keep building. Only up from here.
How has the audience reception been to re:selection and your previous releases? Are there any fan interactions or feedback that have particularly resonated with you?
The reception of re:selection has been amazing. It’s definitely our best project so far in my opinion.
Personal Insights and Inspirations
As a band, how do you manage the creative dynamics between the members? Do you have any specific processes or guidelines that help in your collaboration?
We’re actually all on the same page for the most part! We work so well together and we’ve been friends for so long that it all just naturally comes together.
What advice would you give to upcoming artists in the metal genre who are trying to make their mark in the music industry?
Practice ALOT, venture out beyond your city, cut the gimmicks out, be genuine, and HAVE FUN.
Final Thoughts
Is there anything else you want to share with our audience?
Thank y’all for reading, and supporting us. Look forward to seeing yall at a show soon. Also, shout out to Upstate Records, and everyone check out Swampgrave, Christworm, Inner Self, Realms Of Death, and With All Sincerity.
Conclusion
Haven’t you listened to Decoy – re:selection yet? If not, you can find it in our Groove Metal playlist.
