INTERVIEW
Health
Alice Gee | 03/10/2025
HATC: The sonic palette is said to be similar to your previous album Rat Wars, but with distinct differences. What was the evolution in terms of writing, production and instrumentation?
Jake-Originally we had planned on the new album existing entirely in the same aesthetic universe, but inevitably we started to expand that palette as we wrote new songs
HATC: You like to connect with your audience by bridging a gap literally between yourselves and the audience. Looking back on the gesture what did you learn from the fans and about connectivity?
Jake-The most practical thing that you learn is what aspects of the music and the band they are responding to emotionally and why.
HATC: In an era when artists often maintain mystery, you’ve done the opposite — you’ve invited people in. What has that level of openness brought, and what does it give back to you? Has it had its challenging moments?
Jake- Other than writing the lyrics, I'm not very open or available. That is more John. I think it helps connect us with our audience immensely but I'm grateful that I don't have to do it.
HATC: How do you balance being emotionally open and available for fans but also keep parts of your life for you?
Jake-I keep my life pretty private. I don't have any personal social media which is undeniably more healthy. i've got enough problems as it is.
HATC: In being so vulnerable in your music you’ve mentioned your darkest creative moments have been your most human, how has that created a bridge between emotions both positive and negative and connecting to your music?
Jake- Personally, I'm not sure how I would navigate my emotional life without the cathartic process of making music.
HATC: How has what’s happening in the world informed parts of the new album?
Jake- Well, everything has gone to utter shit. It's hard to ignore.
HATC: How has your creativity bridged a gap between your own mental health?
Jake- I don't know if it has bridged the gap, but it certainly serves as an outlet for my ongoing, seemingly unsolvable neurosis.
HATC: You’ve spoken about the anxiety and the weight of the world right now, inspiring darker music, has it help you find a bit of faith and solace?
Jake- No.
HATC: With your music often siting between an intersection of aggression/high energy and empathy. Do you see those as opposite forces, or two sides of the same impulse to survive?
Jake- Life consists of a lot of duality. I think having contrasting dynamics in music reflects that and keeps it more interesting.
HATC: If you could connect with yourselves at the beginning of your musical journey, what would you say about the connection, music you’ve created and the legacy you’ve built?
Jake- I if could go back in time to communicate with my younger self I think the experience would be far too reality shattering for me to have a conversation with myself about my own band.
HATC: Your new single delves into such a human part of life, grief and loss. I’ve found over the years that this feeling intertwines with so many areas of life, why was it important to you explore something so deeply human?
HATC: Jake- Unless they die tragically young, Everyone experiences grief and loss. It's Immutable. In certain ways it's hard to write about anything else.
HATC: What inspired you to create safe spaces for those who’ve become part of the band through listening and following your music?
Jake- It's simply something that happened organically. We didn't have a plan. The credit for the fan community belongs to the fans.
HATC: When creating the video and bringing these conversations to life you’ve drawn from fan stories and interactions, how do you hope fans feel?
Jake- Hopefully they feel seen and understood.