Loz Taylor, the formidable voice behind While She Sleeps, is commandeering the airwaves of Primordial Radio for an entire month as part of the Radio Residency.
From intense riffs to intriguing band anecdotes, Taylor navigates the complex terrain of the music industry, artistic evolution, and the indelible impact of punk rock on his musical journey.
From nostalgic trips to the record store for Sum 41 albums to the band’s transcendent collaboration with Derek Wibley, Taylor shares a deeply personal account of growth, genre-blending, and the importance of community in music.
Their new album Self Hell is out now and it’s gunning for a top 10 spot in the UK charts.
You can order your copy here.
Listen To The While She Sleeps Residency
Wanna catch all four Residency shows with Adam Whalley and frontman Loz Taylor? Just hit play on-demand right here.
Passion and Perseverance
“I do feel music in genres like pop is seen as more disposable nowadays. A song might stay in the charts for a few weeks and then get forgotten. In contrast, punk rock or metal demands what I’d call earning your stripes. For fans and musicians like me, it’s almost a lifestyle. We always aimed for a long career, not just one huge album but a steady rise to ensure longevity.
Looking back, the notion that we’d still be playing big venues and headlining major festivals would have overwhelmed my 14-year-old self. Our journey has been incredible, building a fan base of like-minded individuals who appreciate our work and respect our willingness to experiment. This support has put us in a position to take risks and play the biggest shows of our careers, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
The early days were tough, getting through gigs in dive bars with less-than-ideal sound. What got us through was our ferocious energy. The changing times have been hard on grassroots venues, many of which are closing. These places were crucial for bands like us in the past, offering unpredictability and a direct connection with the audience that’s harder to find now. Despite these challenges, navigating those rugged venues and delivering great performances was always our goal.”
Primordial General Mayhem
Primordial Radio is hugely excited to announce that the unique and ever-evolving London 2-piece BOB VYLAN is set to headline the main event of the Primordial General Mayhem on Saturday 27th April 2024, with four-piece, loud, unapologetic, rock outfit from Nottingham, AS DECEMBER FALLS confirmed as main support.
Also confirmed for the Saturday event is BLACKGOLD, SAINT AGNES, CALVA LOUISE and NORTH ATLAS with the opening band to be decided by the listeners of Primordial Radio.
Get Tickets
– The Primordial General Mayhem 2024
– Saturday 27th April
– KK’s Steel Mill: Wolverhampton, UK
Tickets on sale now.
Navigating Self Hell: Insights and Community
“Reflecting on our album title “Self Hell,” it encapsulates the ebb and flow of various emotions throughout the album. The challenge of representing a body of work with a single title was significant, but “Self Hell” resonated deeply with us. The concept of self-help intrigued me, particularly the journey one must undertake to reach a point of self-assistance. This journey, often filled with personal turmoil, teaches us about resilience and transformation towards positive outcomes. “Self Hell” symbolizes the personal battles we endure to understand and improve ourselves.
The rock, metal, and punk communities might appear tough and aggressive from the outside, but they’re incredibly understanding and open. This sense of belonging and community has always been important to me. Growing up, identifying with others through music created a profound connection. Our music aims to foster this community, encouraging open discussions about feelings and struggles.
Coming from a traditional northern background where expressing vulnerability was often discouraged, we embrace the opportunity to talk openly about our challenges. If you find yourself in a “Self Hell,” remember that people are more receptive than you might think. You’re not alone, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”
A Nostalgic Collaboration and Musical Evolution
“From an era when Sum 41 dominated our playlists, my journey with music began with curiosity and a skateboard ride to the local record store. Sum 41 was a revelation, shaping my musical taste and laying the foundation for While She Sleeps. Although we’re often labeled as a metalcore band, our sound transcends the genre, incorporating punk rock’s raw energy. This diversity is especially evident in “No Defeat for the Brave,” a track that embodies our broader musical identity.
The dream of collaborating with Derek Wibley from Sum 41 materialized in an unexpected way. Despite his initial reluctance due to personal commitments, Derek’s eventual involvement was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of music creation. His contribution not only elevated the track but also fulfilled a personal dream of mine, proving that music can bridge gaps between generations and genres.
Derek’s thoughtful engagement with our work, his willingness to contribute despite initial hesitations, and the seamless integration of his voice into our song underscored the meaningful connections within the music industry. This collaboration wasn’t about publicity; it was a genuine mutual appreciation and artistic contribution. While She Sleeps has always sought to push boundaries and explore the depths of our musical heritage, and working with an icon like Derek Wibley has been a highlight of our journey.
Reflecting on the impact of bands like Sum 41 and the evolving landscape of music festivals and records that defy genre expectations, it’s clear that our path is one of continuous exploration and homage to the sounds that inspired us. From ambient to heavy, our influences shape a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience, celebrating the legacy of punk rock and metalcore while forging new paths in the music world.”
We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. This helps support the station. For our full list of affiliates, head here.
