music
Interview: TJ Breedlove of K.A.R.L. (Kill All Remaining Life)
K.A.R.L. (Kill All Remaining Life) is an electronic/industrial band that formed in 2007. Since then, they have released an untitled debut EP (2009), their self-titled record in 2010, the Rapture EP (2020), and earlier this year, a second full-length album, Tractus. I recently had the opportunity to talk to vocalist/engineer TJ Breedlove about the new album, the band’s beginnings, and what the future holds for K.A.R.L.
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Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, and congrats on the release of Tractus! Can you tell me a little bit about the album? What was the writing/recording process, and where did you draw your inspiration for the writing of the album?
TJ: Thank you so much for this interview! The writing process for Tractus started in 2021 and was, at first, largely built around internal struggle with mental health and negative outlooks on the world. Gradually, as the world kept diving further into chaos, I kept gathering more to write about. Though not all tracks are negative. I wrote a track that’s on there for my wife, who has been so loving and supportive throughout this process. The album, which was initially supposed to be 8 -10 tracks, evolved into 13 tracks over time.
For my own personal curiosity, what’s the story behind “Beg Me”? (That was one of my favorite tracks, so I’m interested in the creation of it.)
TJ: “Beg Me” is about internal anger. Built and kept inside for so long, and the violent fantasy of unleashing it. The song itself doesn’t promote violence, but as humans, we often face something that internally drives us to that level of anger and frustration. Some carry that anger for way too long and have no healthy way to release it. That song, though, was the last one recorded for the album. I had a very difficult time writing it for various reasons.
So, getting onto the subject of you, in particular: What made you want to pursue a career in music?
TJ: I’ve always wanted to be in a band since I was very young. I grew up listening to all types of music, like metal (black, thrash, death, and nu), grunge rock, and classic rock, but industrial has always been my favorite genre, particularly Darkwave. As I grew into my teens, I gathered quite the collection of CDs from different artists. Everywhere I went, I had a portable CD player and a stack of CDs from different genres with me. I couldn’t function without it.
Who are your biggest influences?
TJ: For me personally, I have so many. Project Pitchfork, Skinny Puppy, Spahn Ranch, Front 242, Chiasm, Jonathan Davis (KoRn and his solo stuff too).
Is there any artist or band you listen to that you think would surprise most people?
TJ: I have a very weird and random collection of music. Often when I randomize a playlist, people around will hear a lot of industrial or some form of metal, then all of the sudden, Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” will play. Sometimes, I get on a 70s kick and can’t stop listening to Zeppelin or Boston or Blue Oyster Cult. I don’t understand why some find that weird. Those bands kick ass!
I’m a big 70s fan myself. I grew up with those bands because of my parents. How did the formation of K.A.R.L. come about? And where did the name come from?
TJ: K.A.R.L. was initially formed in 2007 by me and my friend Josh [Johnson, drums/synth] as a very short-lived experimental black metal project. It soon after evolved into an industrial band.
Josh is very talented, and I truly am lucky to have him as both a friend and fellow musician. He taught me a lot of what I know on the keys, and we both created the monster that is K.A.R.L.
The band has other members come and go. At one point, in 2011, the band split apart due to disagreements and other personal reasons. Then, in 2018, Josh and I rebooted the project and released our EP Rapture.
The name was given to me when a friend from our school named Ivy came up to me and introduced herself. She said “Hi, my name is Ivy. Who are you?” I responded “TJ” and she said “Hmmmmm. No, no, don’t like that. I’m gonna call you Karl, with a K.” It was one of the strangest conversations I’ve ever had, but the name stuck with me. Josh and I later turned it into “K.A.R.L. ( Kill All Remaining Life)”. Some have often referenced it meaning “all who sin pay with death” or something biblical along those lines.
Wow, you guys have been around for a while! How do you stay motivated to keep writing, and how do you feel your approach has changed over the years?
TJ: Lyrically, we have always been inspired by world events and the overall mood it puts us all in. For example, “God Is Watching” was written about various things that made us angry at the world and what we see on TV (school shootings, war, mass casualty events, and other things of that nature), things that even though they’re always addressed, never seem to have a solution to them. Unfortunately, the world we live in keeps churning up more horrors for us (and other artists) to keep writing about.
Songs like “S/M Goddess” and “Shameless,” both from previous releases, dive into sexual desire and pursuing things outside the norm, while songs like “Shutting Down” and “Severed” dive into depression and the seemingly endless cycles of battling memories we can’t let go of.
In 2007-2010, we were also transitioning from those angry teenage years into our twenties, which had moments of chaos. That definitely fueled a lot when it came to writing. Now, when it comes to our songs, a lot of the same themes remain, but we approach them at a different, more mature angle. We’ve always used music
as a way to help us vent and truly express certain views. But all songs written are not negative or violent; some are written about forgiveness and that not all our mistakes are a life sentence.
Well, there’s definitely no shortage of world happenings to fuel y’all. And on that subject, what are the plans for 2023? More new music, or maybe some shows promoting Tractus?
TJ: I am currently writing another EP that I’m aiming to release in late 2023 or early to mid 2024. I’m actually more than halfway done. I do plan on doing some shows in the near future. I just have to tighten up a few things first.
Speaking of shows, what would be your dream lineup? K.A.R.L. with special guests…?
TJ: I’d love the opportunity to open up for Project Pitchfork, Leæther Strip, and Decoded Feedback. I’ve also found some other bands on FB, like SinThya, who I’d like to do a show with as well.
Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans, new and old?
TJ: I want to say thank you to all our fans, new and old, who have supported us throughout the years. You are truly the best part of all this.
And last but not least, where can my readers get their hands on K.A.R.L.’s music?
TJ: Our main page for merch is our Bandcamp page. We are also on all major streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, and many more.
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K.A.R.L. has a lot in the works, and I think 2023 and 2024 are going to be big for them! You can check them out on your favorite streaming service and follow their various socials to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the world of K.A.R.L.
K.A.R.L. Discography
Song of the Day — K.A.R.L. (Kill All Remaining Life): “Beg Me”
From the latest K.A.R.L. album Tractus, available on all streaming platforms!
Song of the Day — Grymehead: “Not Alone”
Song of the Day — Casting Shadowz: “Trust”
DRVID Shares Debut Single, “Shadow Mind”
Song of the Day — Clockwork Echo: “Embrace the Silence So Cold”
Song of the Day — GoonLord: “Pariah”
New Music Alert! Anoxia: “Earthbound” (ft. Corey James of Carbonstone)
Interview: Vinny Verzino of Blue Light Effect
Blue Light Effect is a band from Long Island that incorporates many elements of the rock genre in their music. Formed during the struggles of COVID-19 by people on the front line, Blue Light Effect is highly aware of the outlet offered by music and seeks to grant this solace to their listeners.
Check out this interview I recently did with front man Vinny Verzino, in which we discuss the band’s beginnings, the debut album, and what’s in store for Blue Light Effect in 2023.
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How did Blue Light Effect get its start, and where did the band’s name come from?
VV: Our name incorporates a few things, such as the deleterious effects on one’s health from blue light exposure. Also, Blue Light Effect comes from connecting that health motif to first responders, their trials and tribulations, and our support of them. The name also reflects our commitment to mental health awareness and preservation, as blue lights, particularly in train tracks, have to do with suicide prevention.
Blue Light Effect was forged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Realizing the therapeutic impact and mental reprieve music had on us, we began writing songs and recording our debut album. The band consists of first responders, frontline workers, and a registered nurse, so this much needed hobby became an outlet and vehicle for venting during such terrifying and unpredictable times.
What do you feel is the band’s goal?
VV: We hope to inspire people with our music to conquer all frontlines that they may battle on and never give up fighting the good fight.
In your own words, how would you classify Blue Light Effect? I mean, “rock” and “alternative” as far as overall, but I didn’t think y’all really fit into an easily definable box.
VV: We don’t really put a label on our music. It’s hard for us to really allocate the music to a genre because some of the songs are pop, then rock, then heavy or hard rock. When writing the album, we kind of just let it flow and didn’t really stick to any genre parameters.
Who are the band’s biggest influences?
VV: The list among us 4 is pretty long, but here goes… Linkin Park, Incubus, Disturbed, Iron Maiden, Misfits, King Diamond, Creed, U2, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, The Offspring, Sevendust, KISS, Alter Bridge, and of course, some 80s hair metal!
That’s a good list! I’m a huge fan of Alter Bridge myself. And the variety certainly explains the lack of genre parameters. So what is the songwriting process for the band?
VV: Usually, the foundation of the music is written, then the lyrics and vocal melodies are experimented with to see what fits the song the best. And finally, the production comes in once the music, musical changes, and finalized vocals are solidified.
You’ve mentioned the debut album a couple of times. Tell me a little about it.
VV: It’s called Songs From the Frontline and incorporates songs that reflect different battle fronts. Those fronts range from imminent mental health crises, loss of loved ones, depression, addiction, and other internal struggles. However, the album also evokes a positive and motivational tone towards conquering such frontlines – addiction, mental health issues, etc. – and rebuilding oneself after an internal cataclysm. That’s what is depicted in the song “Wreckage.”
What are the band’s plans for 2023?
VV: Our plans for 2023 are to play as many shows as possible, finish some more music videos, perform and video another acoustic performance, and network with music lovers to try to get our music out there as much as possible and promote the new album.
In the name of promoting the album, where can my readers find Songs From the Frontline?
VV: They can find us on every digital music platform. iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc.
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It has always been a belief of mine that music heals, and Blue Light Effect is working hard to let the world know “you are not alone, and you can get through this” – a message I think we all need. Follow Blue Light Effect on their journey to spread a sense of connection and positivity, and if you happen to be in the vicinity of Lindenhurst, New York, the band has a show at The Village Pub on March 25th.
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