Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with Speak for the Dead

Speak for the Dead - Speak for the Dead

From the gutters of Santa Rosa, CA, Speak for the Dead is filthy, fast, and loud enough to make Lemmy himself go stone deaf forever.

Their sound blends the raw intensity of Discharge and Tragedy with the charged rock and roll of Inepsy, Zeke, and the almighty Motörhead, topped off with a tasteful dash of hardcore/thrash in the vein of Power Trip, to create a sound that’s as familiar as it is fresh, timeless and volatile.

Interview with Speak for the Dead

(º)> Your debut is described as filthy, fast, and loud enough to make Lemmy go deaf. Was that raw intensity the goal from the start, or did it evolve naturally?

A: We've always naturally gravitated towards that energy, but this album undeniably shows a huge leap forward in our songwriting compared to our earlier demos. I think good bands do and should evolve over time.

(º)> You blend motorcharge, d-beat, thrash, and punk influences. How do you ensure the different styles feel cohesive rather than chaotic?

A: It really comes down to two things, keeping an open mind, and not rushing the process. Some our favorite songs we've written have parts that have sat with us for months before we found the perfect fit. It's all about what serves the song best, and when the right pieces fall together you can just feel it.

(º)> The band tackles socio-political and existential themes. How do you balance these heavier topics with the raw energy of your music?

A: There's really not all that much to balance. Nothing in this world exists in a vacuum. The common topics of punk rock music; war, poverty, injustice, they intersect with every facet of our daily lives. We're just shining a light on that fact.

(º)> Influences range from Discharge and Tragedy to Motörhead and Power Trip. How do you pay homage while keeping the sound distinctly your own?

A: We don't shy away from our influences at all, we embrace them, and that actually seems to make originality something that doesn't require much effort. Every member of this band brings something different to the table, and we're lucky that our influences and individual personalities gel so well.

(º)> The album is said to make listeners feel both afraid for the future and ready to fight. How do you translate that duality into riffs and lyrics?

A: More often than not, we're writing and arranging entire songs before any lyrics are written. The music sets the mood, the lyrics expand on those more primal feelings.

(º)> With veteran members from bands like Thought Vomit, X-Method, and Hatchet, how does previous experience shape the creative dynamic of Speak for the Dead?

A: It's almost impossible to overstate how much those experiences have influenced us as not just musicians, but as people overall. Most of us have been performing for almost 20 years, we've all seen our share of highs and lows on and off the stage. Speak for the Dead is the culmination of those experiences.

(º)> You’ve shared stages with iconic punk and hardcore acts. How does performing with such bands influence your live approach and songwriting?

A: The same way they influenced us when we were listening to their albums and seeing them play as kids, that feeling never goes away. We're truly grateful to be able to share the stage with the people we have.

(º)> Innovation and boundary-pushing are key to your identity. Can you give an example of a choice on this album that reflects that philosophy?

A: The refusal to take the safe route and write 15 songs that all sound the same. Every song on our album has a unique vibe to it and pulls from different parts of the punk rock soundscape.

(º)> Motorcharge punk can sometimes feel niche. How do you ensure your music resonates with both hardcore fans and newcomers?

A: Honestly, that's not something we really think about, we just lean into what we like. If the music we write resonates with US, then we're confident that the audience will enjoy it too.

(º)> Finally, with your self-titled debut, what statement are you making about Speak for the Dead’s mission and identity in 2025 and beyond?

A: We're here to show the world what real punk rock and roll is all about, and we're just getting started. We are the thorn in the side of the system, and the fire that burns inside of everyone who has suffered at the hands of the elite. We are a voice for the voiceless, we are empowerment for the powerless, we are Speak for the Dead.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Speak for the Dead on the Pigeon Spins Playlist