This multi-instrumentalist has been making waves with his loop pedal wizardry and genre-bending sound. Blending alternative indie and soul, Dread Fury has already scored chart success and built a reputation as a must-see live act. His vibrant performances have earned him praise from fans and fellow musicians alike.
In his newest album, Devil's Advocate or Heaven's Prophet, Dread Fury offers listeners a journey from fiery rock to ethereal soul. With 26 tracks split across two distinct sides, this album is a conceptual force to be reckoned with.
The first half of the album, presumably the "Devil's Advocate" side, kicks off with a bang. Tracks like "I Get It Done" and "She Wants The Ride" are infectious, high-energy numbers that showcase Dread Fury's knack for crafting irresistible grooves.
The alternative rock influences are prominent, but a psychedelic twist keeps things interesting. "Underneath Your Mask" is a standout, blending gritty guitar work with soulful vocals that'll have you hitting repeat.
As we transition to the "Heaven's Prophet" side, the mood shifts dramatically. Dread Fury takes us on a cosmic journey with tracks that feel both introspective and expansive. "Sinner's Banquet" is a highlight, marrying gritty soul with a beat that demands movement. It's the kind of track that bridges the gap between the album's two halves perfectly.
The latter part of the album shines with tracks like "Exception To The Rule" and "Joy Within My Soul," showcasing Dread Fury's softer side without losing his edge. The album closes with "Live On," a 7-minute experience bound to leave listeners in a state of serene contemplation.
Despite its length and range, what's impressive about Devil's Advocate or Heaven's Prophet is how cohesive it feels. Dread Fury manages to take us on a journey from the dance floor to the cosmos while maintaining his unique sonic identity. It's an ambitious project, but one that's sure to pay off.
Whether you prefer to ride with the devil and soar with the angels, Dread Fury is helping you do both. Stream his new album, Devil's Advocate or Heaven's Prophet, on all digital platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, Dread Fury! We’re blown away by the scope of Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet. What inspired you to create such an ambitious double album?
Thanks for having me on Buzz again. For years, I’ve been toying with the idea of the inner conflict we all face as humans and wanted to create an album that told that story. As I love creative writing, I also enjoyed the idea of writing a narrative to help drive the album. I had been listening to double albums like “Sign ‘O’ The Times” by Prince and “Songs In The Key Of Life” by Stevie Wonder for inspiration. I also listened to “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye, “There’s A Riot Goin’ On” by Sly & The Family Stone, and “Curtis” by Curtis Mayfield. They were all albums that allowed their creators to create without being restricted, and that was what I was going for with Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet.
Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet feels like two distinct journeys. How did you balance the “Devil’s Advocate” and “Heaven’s Prophet” sides?
It felt quite natural. In designing the narrative, I had to ensure that each disc had a cohesive narrative so that the listener’s attention stayed gauged. With the journey starting as the protagonist being lured into this party and then meeting the girl of his dreams to going to absolute hell, I needed to balance that with him learning his lessons and then achieving redemption. So it’s actually one whole journey. From darkness to light would be the perfect analogy. Adding the interludes gives the album more context, too, so the listener knows what has taken place up to that point.
As a one-man band, what was your process for creating such a diverse range of sounds across 26 tracks for Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet?
It was rather different this time around. I would devise and record ideas for the music, laying down the basic tracking – Drums, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, etc. I did start this around 2020. But then I would struggle with getting lyrics, so some songs would be left until later on. Songs such as “Could Be Me,” “At This Moment In Time,” “Devil’s Advocate,” and “Codeine Cocktail” would be sitting there for a long time without lyrics. I would then record some new tracks, and then the lyrics and melodies would come to me out of the blue, and I would add them to these tracks. So it was about making it sound right. My good friend, Nanette Lee, plays cello on “30 Pieces”, “Soon, We Can All Go Home Again,” and “Live On.” I would record her parts after I had done the basic tracks, and it was really fun. I loved how her cello adds a different dynamic to those tracks. My favorite artists have always been eclectic, and having that allows for making such an album as it then keeps the listener guessing as to what will come next. When I finally sent the track off for mastering, I was glad because I could’ve easily made a triple album the way I was going.
“Sinner’s Banquet” really stands out as a bridge between the two halves. Can you tell us more about how this track came together?
I remember rehearsing in the Engine Rooms in Bow back in 2022 sometime – I think it might’ve been August – and I had this groove and chorus in my head that I laid down on my loop pedal at that very moment. I saved it and then recorded it on a portable mini-recorder. I was singing nonsense lyrics not to lose the melody. As I went home, I listened to it, and then I recorded the basic track really quickly. It was all quick for drums, guitars, bass guitars, and synths. The lyrics were really quick, too. I imagined God speaking to the protagonist and telling him everything wrong with this party he went to at the start of the album and wrote it all down. I did the lyrics in one take, and once I listened to the recording, I thought, “I think I got something here.” At the start of 2023, I started playing it live to test it, and it took off with the audience. Now, it’s the song that they want me to play live, and it is now my most streamed track. Totally mind-blowing, haha.
What do you hope listeners take away from the experience of Devil’s Advocate or Heaven’s Prophet as a whole?
I hope listeners take away that we all have that duality within us, that all tough times end at some point, and that we all have our redemption moment. But most importantly, I hope they take away that albums are a huge part of music and they take you on a journey and tell you a story. Stick with the process, and you will be rewarded.
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