Exclusive Interview with 'BLOODTOOTH'

Founded in London, Bloodtooth is a British alternative, indie, synth-wave, garage rock band featuring Emily “wolf” O on vocals and bass, Luke Parsons on guitar and production, and Rik O’Neill on drums. Along with working in tandem with a number of visual artists based in London, such as Ani Mkrtchyan and Katcat studio. In a world where futuristic horror and 80s dystopian sci-fi collide, brit pop, punk rock, garage rock, synth wave, vaporwave, rhythm and blues, and grunge come together.

On September 15, Bloodtooth released a brand-new song called “where you want to go” along with a brand-new music video. Become the first to listen and discuss it. Prepare for a timeless piece of indie pop! Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

BLOODTOOTH: Bloodtooth was started by 2 music nerds with eclectic tastes, that stayed up late talking about music and then playing music. David Bowie and Prince brought us together. We’re from Manchester and from London.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

BLOODTOOTH: We’re both self taught and have played in various bands before.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘BLOODTOOTH’?

BLOODTOOTH: We’ve got some really eclectic tastes. But most of our influences are from the alternative, rock, electronic and indie. I think we both are influenced by the kills, yeah yeah yeahs, nirvana, kavinsky,

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

BLOODTOOTH: We seem to unintentionally make some emotive music. I think that may resonate with people because it’s very human and it’s emotions and feelings people may come across. We’ve been told that we sound a bit like shoegaze at times and at times like grunge or lofi indie pop.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as POP?
**BLOODTOOTH:**
I think being music fans, like most artists it definitely comes from being inspired by great artist and work intentionally or unintentionally. I think we were really inspired by punk and DIY and the experimentation of grunge and new wave; to feel like we could be creative and get us up to feel like we could contribute to the music sphere. But then also be inspired by soul, electro, rock, rap, dance, chill out, soundtrack music and pop. As long as it’s good music that’s all that matters. Generally the process is whatever comes out, you know when you like something.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

BLOODTOOTH:

Purely as an expression. It’s hard to make something good by forcing it. It’s sometimes of a time and a place. Sometimes it’s all of those things or none of those things. Like most things including fantasy or fiction comes from a real place.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

BLOODTOOTH:

It is a passion project. We do it because we love it. I think these days to do music especially as an indie artist you have to do it because you love it. There is not that obligatory financial backing or a need to impress a major label to help anymore. It’s a lot of time and effort and if you’re in it for the wrong reasons, it will get old pretty quick.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

BLOODTOOTH:

it can be starting with a beat or a riff or a bassline. It can be a collaboration or a very solitary experience. Different things can spark an idea.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

BLOODTOOTH:

This year has been pretty hard on both of us. We both got diagnosed with some serious freak health challenges and had to have surgery. So we were worried about surviving.
Life getting in the way is usually the main issues we face like most people. But we will keep trying to do what we love.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

BLOODTOOTH: it’s been great to release so much music to the world and have so much support. We really appreciate it. And Having Wayne from the flaming lips introduce 1 of our songs, was a dream come true.

11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

BLOODTOOTH: I think it’s a hard pill to swallow the rest of the world and how they view your art. I’m not gonna say it’s easy to hear that someone doesn’t like you or your art. It’s hard. It’s not easy to put yourself out there. But it’s all part of putting out something to the ether. I think we both can’t really stop making things, that’s what we do and it’s kind of a bit a type of therapy. If one person enjoys it out there in the world, for me that’s pretty epic. I guess there is something about connecting with people with art.
For the naysayers and haters; you realise that those people don’t really do anything but criticise and talk and have little self belief and value in themselves doing anything uncomfortable. Not everyone is artist but everyone is a critic.
It is good to listen and take constructive criticism that helps you move forward. It’s bad to be paralyzed to make art and show people by fear of prosecution and unsolicited advice. Do what you love and spread love.

12. Creative work in a studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

BLOODTOOTH: Both really. Love the process of making something. Love the execution and planning of a show.

13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

BLOODTOOTH: I think the music is there to provoke independent thought reactions and interpretations. Take what you need from it. If you get lonely let’s hang out in the headphones and rock out together. You tell me what it means to you.