Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views Interview With -South African Thrash Titans Truth Decayed
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
TD: Truth Decayed is a Thrash Metal band, that has also now embraced strong influences from Groove and old school Death Metal. Our sound is very guitar driven, and we draw a lot of lyrical inspiration through social situations in the world, and human psychology.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
TD: We are from Durban, South Africa. I personally have been playing music for over 20 years, and fell in love with guitar straight away. It felt so natural to me, and easy to express myself. Truth Decayed started essentially as a lockdown band, but after seeing momentum pick up rather quickly, it’s become so much more than that for us.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
TD: For me personally, I have always had a love for fine arts, and music to me is the sonic equivalent to that. And as with fine art, I’ve always enjoyed tackling social commentary, and human nature. What makes us tick? Why do we repeat so many mistakes? Why are we so flawed, yet so creative and have so much potential for more? Musically we enjoy an array of different band too which inspire us, from Slayer, Sepultura, Lamb Of God, Soundgarden and so many more.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
TD: To make music we are proud of, and continue to build a following of like minded individuals who appreciate the music we make, and what we have to say. To make amazing experiences with bands and people in as many parts of the world as possible.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
TD: There have certainly been a few. Getting featured in Metal Hammer with a positive review for our first EP is definitely right up there.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
TD: The advantages of technology have definitely opened the doors in so many ways, but has also flooded the industry for sure. I think the best move we made was to team up with David Oosthuizen of Devographic Music Agency. I feel our music could have remained largely invisible if it wasn’t for his passion and faith in us as a band, and his amazing expertise.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
TD: A large portion of our live shows and tours are handled by Devographic Music Agency. I have taken on some of those duties myself, and we have worked closely with some incredible new, and long running promoters here in South Africa. We have a big one coming up in April which I can’t talk about in detail yet, and we are planning tours around South Africa in support of our upcoming EP at present.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
TD: Streaming sites again have opened more doors, but brought a huge surge again which has flooded the industry. Also, people aren’t always prepared to pay what is needed to support a band if it’s not a physical product. There are obviously pros and cons to these services and sites. But we all know the controversy surrounding Spotify’s payment rates alone. I feel the best way to support an artist or band today is through Bandcamp. We have been very fortunate to get support on that platform through some very loyal fans.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
TD: Tough question haha. I love the artists who have done these songs so much. But if I had to choose it would be Passionflower by Jon Gomm.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
TD: Unfortunately there are numerous things that I could answer for this question. I think the main thing would be 
clique culture in all parts of the industry. Because although the Spotify issue for example is a big one, it’s very complex and difficult to fix. But clique culture is divisive, and often results in many amazing bands eventually calling it a day out of frustration. And it is something everyone can work on to change.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
TD: We have completed our upcoming EP Faded Visions Part 2, and are looking forward to releasing it for all to hear soon.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
All Links https://linktr.ee/truthdecayed
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/truthdecayed
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/truth_decayed/
Bandcamp https://truthdecayed.bandcamp.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCocMenenTZl80V8crsPxW1A
Truth Decayed links:
Band/Artist location – Durban South Africa
Website – Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp –
Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer – LinkTree –
Check our page for Truth Decayed
