Passion, Perseverance, Dedication.
These three words encapsulate the very essence of Half Past Dead, one of my favorite emerging bands. Having followed their musical journey for over three years, the opportunity to engage in a conversation with them unfolded just a couple of weeks ago. Their music has always resonated deeply with me, and I am eagerly anticipating the moment to share some of the most poignant insights from our recent interview. Stay tuned until the end; I assure you, the experience will be well worth it!

Background

Before we get into the specifics, I would like to start from a short introduction. Originating from the streets of Richmond, Virginia, Half Past Dead emerges as the hard rock brainchild of four visionary, yet unconventional musicians. Their music spans the spectrum from the intense highs of teenage aggression to the profound lows of lifelong depression, crafting a sound that is simultaneously powerful and emotionally resonant. Addressing themes ranging from love and misery to violence and even horror movies, Half Past Dead, or HPD, strives to offer a comprehensive perspective on life, urging the world to focus on what truly matters. Founded and fronted by lead singer and guitarist Alexander Black at the age of 14, Half Past Dead swiftly ascended to prominence in the local Richmond heavy metal scene. Post-2019, Half Past Dead underwent a transformative phase, grappling with personal challenges and triumphs. Eager to break their year-long hiatus, the band covertly worked on new material, preparing for a 2021 comeback album and tour. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the postponement of The Unbreakable Tour, Half Past Dead remained undeterred. Instead of waiting, they plunged into recording their inaugural full-length album, Kiss The World Goodbye, which finally came out.

What got you into music?
This question was obviously one that I had been itching to ask.Remarkably, each member of the band had a unique entry point into the world of music, presenting a perfect opportunity to introduce you to these talented individuals.
Alexander Black: The lead singer, guitarist, and founder of the band, Alexander's musical journey began in school, where he took up guitar lessons. The only musician in his adopted family, he discovered his true calling despite initial attempts at sports. Silence was never a companion for him, igniting a profound passion for music.
Austin Riley: Serving as the bassist and a former theatre enthusiast, Austin's musical pursuits started at a young age. Initially a solo artist, he decided to join Half Past Dead after a stint with another band. Notably, the bass wasn't his primary instrument; he ventured into bass playing as a self-taught musician, adding to his repertoire of six other instruments.
Jack Devil: As the guitarist of Half Past Dead, Jack shares a background with his brother, Wilson Bly, both growing up in a challenging environment. Faced with limited choices, they opted for a life in music instead of alternative paths like becoming a stripper or a dog dealer.
Wilson Bly: Initially the band's cameraman for two years, Wilson transitioned to become the drummer when the need arose. Growing up in the same difficult circumstances as his brother Jack, they both gravitated towards a career in music.
Their paths converged when Jack, working at Guitar Center, crossed paths with Austin, setting off a chain reaction. Slowly but surely, Alexander brought together these diverse talents, forming the cohesive and beloved band we know today.

Creative process

One aspect that fueled my curiosity was their creative process. I was eager to understand how they crafted songs that showcased such diversity. Some of the tracks had origins with Alexander before the band's formation, but what intrigued me most was their open and collaborative approach. Each member actively contributes their ideas, resulting in a creative dynamic that makes each song distinct in its own right. The band collectively agrees that fostering an environment of acceptance allows them to explore and expand their creativity. This openness becomes evident in the uniqueness of each track on their album. Notably, this collaborative spirit has already borne fruit, with over a hundred songs ready for their next album.
What sets their process apart is the freedom each member has to infuse their unique perspectives, making the music more personal and distinctive. Their diverse backgrounds and individual inspirations from various artists contribute to this rich tapestry. As they draw from a broad range of musical genres, bands, and songs that left an impact on them, it's only natural for their music to reflect the aspects that resonated most profoundly during their formative years.
Once again, their creativity flourishes in an environment where differences are embraced, allowing them to weave a tapestry of music that is as eclectic as it is authentic.

Which are the bands and artists that influenced you the most in your early days as musicians?
Unsurprisingly, delving into their musical influences revealed some surprising yet fitting choices that have significantly shaped their sound and careers. I'll provide a glimpse into a few of the artists they mentioned during our conversation.
Austin:AC/DC, Bullet for My Valentine, Motionless in White, and Ice Nine Kills.
Wilson: Green Day, Disturbed, and Black Sabbath.
Jack: Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, My Chemical Romance, and some overlapping preferences with fellow band members.
Alexander: Van Halen, Billy Idol, and Nothing More.
What struck me as particularly fascinating was how, as a fan myself of some of these bands, I could discern the diverse influences that have woven into the fabric of Half Past Dead's music. Their songs seem to be a finely tuned amalgamation of sounds, traversing the spectrum from heavy metal to rock, appealing to a broad audience fond of these musical genres.
Here’s a fun fact for you: Alexander shared in the interview that one of his most significant inspirations was Black Veil Brides. It's a fun fact for me because, being a devoted fan of the group, I used to explore numerous fan covers out of curiosity. Alexander's rendition stood out to me, prompting me to follow his musical journey. Fast forward over three years later, and I'm still here, a testament to the enduring impact of music and the unexpected connections it can forge.

Album

As you're well aware, Half Past Dead's inaugural album hit the airwaves on October 30th, 2023, delivering a collection of ten songs that traverse a spectrum of sounds and genres. This musical journey is an emotional rollercoaster, guiding listeners through poignant moments that may elicit tears, juxtaposed with energizing, motivational melodies that invite enthusiastic sing-alongs.
When I probed them about the album's underlying message, their response left me utterly astonished. Recognising the diverse lives and experiences of their audience, they chose not to confine the album to a singular interpretation. Instead, they embrace the idea that each listener will connect with the songs in their own unique way. I find this approach particularly admirable; it allows fans the freedom to relate to the music on a personal level without being constrained by a predefined meaning.
While some artists meticulously detail the intentions behind every note and lyric, Half Past Dead prefers to preserve a level of mystery. They believe that the individual sentimental value of a song is heightened when listeners can interpret it without a predetermined explanation. According to them, once a track is released, it ceases to be solely theirs; it becomes a shared experience, belonging to everyone who lends an ear. In my quest to uncover the album's intrinsic value to the band, despite the varied responses, I discerned a few keywords that encapsulate its essence.
Once again, the music of Half Past Dead stands as a testament to passion, perseverance, and dedication, reflecting the collective spirit of a band determined to create an album that resonates on a personal level with each listener.

What words would you use to describe your album?
Despite their inclination to maintain a degree of secrecy regarding the album's meaning, the band possesses a clear understanding of its personal significance. One of the foremost descriptors they use is 'Heavy,' underscoring the profound emotional depths explored in certain songs. Conversely, other tracks resonate not only due to their lyrical poignancy but also leave a lasting impression through the intricacies of sound and technical aspects of music.
Another term that surfaces is 'Operatic.' According to Alexander, the album is designed as a journey, starting with the serene notes of 'Solace,' immersing the listener in their world. The culmination arrives with the final track, 'Kiss the World Goodbye,' echoing the quote 'some men just want to watch the world burn.' This cyclical structure invites listeners to create their own narrative, as the album, while not strictly a concept album, simulates a path open to personal interpretation.
In addition to 'Heavy' and 'Operatic,' they chose 'Emotional' and 'Unique' as words encapsulating the essence of this remarkable record. These descriptors reflect the multifaceted nature of the album, encompassing emotional depth, technical prowess, and a distinctive sonic identity that invites listeners into an individualised, introspective experience.
The stories of these artists are outstanding. Their music is relatable and they created a very accepting community, which is not something that everybody can achieve. It is clear in their words that they care about their fans more than anything else in this world, so I asked them if they had anything specific to say to the people that follow them.

Do you have a message for your fans?
'Live your life like you’re half past dead.' This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the message that Half Past Dead aims to convey through their music and their efforts to connect with each of their fans. According to them, the essence of this message is clear: live your life to the fullest, unencumbered by the opinions of others. If you harbor a dream, pursue it relentlessly without succumbing to procrastination. Once achieved, seek out new dreams without hesitation.
They emphasize the importance of not relying on external validation. While not everyone may appreciate your endeavors, as long as you find joy and fulfillment in what you do, no one can dictate that you're on the wrong path. The band urges individuals to take charge of their lives, recognizing that the journey may be fraught with logistical challenges. In a world where you only have one life, the question posed is whether you will live it on your terms or conform to the expectations imposed by others. The decision, they emphasize, ultimately rests with each individual.

Do you have any future plans?
Other than the obvious and very achievable goal of world domination, Half Past Dead's plans are both simple and ambitiously clear: they aspire to continue creating music, embark on tours, engage with their fans, and collaborate with other bands. As straightforward as these goals might sound, the journey is anything but easy. What sets them apart is their incredible determination. Even if they had zero fans, they confessed that they would persist in their musical pursuits. The band holds immeasurable significance to them, as do the people who support their journey. Their commitment is unwavering; they're prepared to exert every effort to deliver the best version of themselves and their music to their dedicated fanbase.

After providing you with a glimpse into the world of Half Past Dead, I genuinely hope you take a moment to explore their music. Rather than reiterating the reasons why I personally cherish their work, I'll conclude by expressing that, when I first immersed myself in their music, I never anticipated the incredible support they would offer throughout the years. The genuine passion they infuse into their music is only a testament to the profound care they hold for those who appreciate their craft.
I sincerely encourage you to give their album ‘Kiss the world goodbye’ a listen and extend your support to this remarkable band!