Obituary Interview: No Nonsense Metal Interviews

NNMR: No Nonsense Metal Interviews 
OBITUARY

   As far as legends go, you don't get much more legendary than Floridan Death-Metal outfit, Obituary. Whether its because of their extensive collection of world renowned material, or because of the way that nearly 30 years after forming they are still pushing the limits of the genre that they themselves redefined, they have amassed a vast and highly dedicated following. After almost 3 decades of supplying their adoring fans with life affirming music, Obituary now turn to that following with the ultimate test of loyalty.

   Its no secret that the Music Industry of todays world has the disgusting habit of destroying the very bands that make it wealthy, but not all bands buckle under the weight of record companies greed. Some bands explore alternative routes that mean they can continue to do what they love and continue to provide fans with the music they worship. Campaigns and programs such as Kickstarter, allow fans to fund the recording and associated expenses for their favorite bands. At the moment these campaigns are scarce, but judging by the current condition of the music business, it wont be long before these campaigns will be the only method fans will have of insuring new material continues to flow.

   Advancing forward into the unknown, Obituary are continuing to do what they do best. The only difference this time is that they are doing it without a record company. They are far from alone though, as they have their legions of fans to make the next album possible. Before you bombard Obituary with your hard earned money, you should probably wait to here what the deal is. Through the Kickstarter campaign, fans can donate money to the fund which the band will use to record a brand new album. Already convinced? Well, the added incentive is that the quicker and more generously you donate, the sooner new material is likely to be laying waste to your eardrums. However, if the Metal community can't unite together, to dig deep into both their hearts and their wallets, then there wont be a new album. Simple really.

   To get a better understanding of the Kickstarter campaign and to find out just what Obituary have in store, No Nonsense Metal got in touch with with Obituary's own Donald Tardy, to get the latest. 

NNM: Hello DT, It has been 4 years since Obituary's last full length release, what has the band been doing since then?

Tardy: "The last 3 years have been non stop for us. We played shows for our fans on every corner of the planet! There has been more plane rides than I would wish on my worst enemy, but that is all part of the business. We are home now writing the new album and 2014 will be a very exciting year for us and our fans, that's for sure.

NNM: Can you explain what this new Kickstarter campaign is about exactly?

Tardy: "The Kickstarter campaign is an attempt to raise money to try and record the new album, and maybe release it on our own. Straight to the fans without a record label if possible."

NNM: What made you guys decide to go on without a label?

Tardy: "After 25 years with labels and making next to nothing per album sale we want to take a different approach. Kickstarter gives us the opportunity to try something that will help us and our future with album sales. 

NNM: How has the current state of the music industry affected the band?

Tardy: "Its no secret that album sales have been cut in half for bands since the birth of the internet, so its time to think outside the box, and try a new approach without sacrificing anything from our fans. We still want to release a great sounding record and make sure it is available just like it would if it was on a record label."  

NNM: Have Obituary got any new material ready for recording?

Tardy: "Yes! We have 4 songs there and more very close."

NNM: How do you think the new material compares to your genre defining classics like Slowly We Rot?

Tardy: "We have half the songs written and couldn't be more excited about the feel of the music. Its classic Obituary, but always improving and progressing as individuals. The new stuff is going to make older Obituary fans very happy, and I believe it will draw new fans to us with our groovy mid-tempo style."

NNM: Will Obituary be doing anything particularly special for fans following the release of the fan-funded album?

Tardy: "We have all kinds of ideas ready for our fans and followers, but they will just have to stay tuned online for everything to come!"

NNM: Will this fan-funded album be the last release fans get to see of Obituary, or is there still much to be done?

Tardy: "We are still getting warmed up, so hang on to your ass and prepare for much more metal from these Florida boys!"

NNM: Is there any direct points you would like to make to your dedicated following?

Tardy: "2014 will be the beginning of something very special for music lovers and a new way to connect with our fans. With Unation, we will bring you in much closer than you've ever been to a band, and be a part of every aspect of our music lives! Through events, live streams and documentaries that we will share with the people who are wanting more than just an album from a band." 

  It certainly seems that Obituary have no plans of slowing down and enjoying golf any time soon. All that fans can do now is keep their eyes peeled and their fingers firmly on the mouse over the next few days, for when their chance to contribute to the Kickstarter campaign arises. Its fair to say that, following the release of an album predominately funded by fans, Obituary wont leave fans short changed. For most of the Metal community, the prospect of a new album is enough for them to part with their cash. For others, fantasies of tours and other events is reason enough. Either way, it is wise to keep checking in on the Obituary Facebook and Twitter pages for the impending news about how you can play your part in both Obituary and Metal history. 

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