Kill The Lights: ‘The Label Was like, “Have you guys thought of signing up to TikTok?”

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With Kill The Lights set to embark on their biggest headline tour to date, We caught up with drummer Moose to chat about the new album, the upcoming tour and so much more! Here’s what was said!

How are you doing today?

Moose: I’m good, thank you very much. Thanks for having me.

 So, your new album just came out, and it’s a tremendous album. How has it been for you guys to finally release it to the public?

Moose: It’s been a while, but we were just eager, you know, drip-feeding singles and stuff. And that’s the most apprehensive time for the band, seeing if everyone likes them as much as we do. But now the album is out, and everyone’s just like, “Wow, it’s been a while.”

The album has been released with Fearless Records. How have they been in the process of getting the album out?

Moose: Oh, yeah. You know, I used to be with Sony for basically my entire career. I thought they were good at what they did, but being with Fearless, it’s just a different game. They’re pushing new ideas, which I never would have even thought about. They understand the industry and how it’s changed, and they’re really helping a clunky, old guy like me stay updated.

It’s funny you mention about things changing, especially within alternative music, which seems to have had a big resurgence due to platforms like TikTok and social media. How have you guys tried to adapt to this new wave of younger alternative fans?

Moose: Um, yeah, the label was like, “Have you guys thought of signing up to TikTok?” We were like, “TikTok? What do you mean… no?” So, you know, we’re trying our best, but like, social media is not our strength, you know what I mean? I’ve deleted Facebook, and I’m trying to come off Instagram more than add to it. But yeah, you know, we still focus a lot on the band work.

That’s fair enough. Obviously, you’ve been partnered with Pearl Drums for probably as long as I can remember. How has the partnership with them been for you, personally?

Moose: They’ve been great to me, honestly. It’s been incredible to be able to play their drums, and they have been so accommodating to me throughout the years. I could be touring non-stop, and they would always make sure I have everything I need and are just an email away.

You mentioned tours. You’re about to embark on a tour starting next month, starting in Cardiff. What are your thoughts going into this tour with Kill the Lights?

Moose: Just full of energy and like a celebration of being able to tour, really. We’re all mega excited. And, you know, I just cannot wait to get back on the road!

I feel like touring is obviously such a big part of a band’s life, their livelihood, and how they make their money. There’s a lot of talk at the moment of industries, like certain venues, taking very large cuts of merchandise. What are your thoughts on that sort of issue?

Moose: I think that’s quite disgusting, to be honest. Bands don’t ask for a percentage of the bar cut, so why should they ask for a cut of our merch sales! You have to pay for the hire of the venue to start with. The promoter pays for all that, which comes out of your cut with the ticket sales and stuff, and then for them to jump on, taking a cut of your biggest breadwinner, merch, that’s absolutely disgusting, you know, because bands are struggling enough as it is with all these streaming rates that pinch you for money as well. It’s not good!

Another big cost that has been brought up quite a lot is touring Europe, especially for UK bands. Has that been quite a drastic change over the past few years for yourself, personally?

Moose: Yeah, I mean, looking at the costs for this tour. And yeah, it’s just like, what? How much for that? It’s crazy, you know. So many bands are really struggling, and then that’s why ticket prices have to go up and merchandise prices have to increase because otherwise there would be no touring. It’s not the artist’s fault for the rising prices, you know, it’s just, touring costs are rising every tour it seems.

When it comes to your newer releases, how do you find your fan base in particular? Like reciprocating with new music, new merch, pre-orders, stuff like that? Are they quite a dedicated lot?

Moose: Yeah, really good. I mean, they’re awesome. You know they’ve been with us since the beginning and probably even before that. It’s actually been relentless on the merchandise side, just constantly shipping.

You yourself have had quite a prolific past in the metal scene. And one of the albums, you’ve obviously worked with, coming up to the 20-year anniversary of ‘The Poison’ album. How does that feel looking back on that now?

Moose: Yeah, it’s crazy. Like, you know, fifteen years ago, I was young, and we recorded that album. So when you look back, you know, it just feels like yesterday. It has just flown by. It’s been a crazy, crazy journey since then.

Obviously, you’ve seen all this come through and you’ve experienced that longevity within the music industry. What kind of advice would you give to bands just starting out, knowing what you know now?

Moose: Just keep going, you know. Stay true to yourself and your band and just keep plugging away at it, because it’s a tough industry, but if you’ve got the determination and the drive to just keep going, then eventually it will pay off.

That’s some really strong advice! That’s all I have for you today, so thank you so much for your time!

Moose: Thank you for having me!