Backstage Pass - Despot - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

DESPOT

I'm Marcelo Murrer, founder and sole member of Despot.

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

DESPOT

The band's called Despot. I like short and catchy names and this one has a negative vibe to it that fits the horrific aesthetics of Black Metal finely.

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

DESPOT

I'm the only one in the band. I play all the instruments, except the drums, which I program.

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

DESPOT

Despot plays Black Metal. It's unique because I try to make Black Metal that isn't based on other Black Metal. I pick up where the so-called "proto-black metal" bands left off in the mid to late 1980's and build up from there. I don't play retro music though - Despot is not a Venom/Hellhammer/Bathory/Celtic Frost/[insert cult band here] clone at all. I guess you have to listen to the music for yourself to really understand what I mean.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

DESPOT

I've been influenced by pretty much every music that's stuck in my head, good or bad, ever since I started caring about music. I like all sorts of Metal but I'm also a huge prog rock fan and a casual jazz fusion fan.

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

DESPOT

Despot does not play live. I would love to play with Gorguts one day just so I can see how they pull off that super complex music of theirs.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

DESPOT

When I'm feeling gregarious I go to concerts and distribute Despot paraphernalia.

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

DESPOT

No, I don't. My last album was distributed by a Brazilian label (Cianeto Discos) but they had nothing to do with the production process. I would definitely like to hear from labels interested in releasing my upcoming material in physical format, but I'm skeptical of any them showing interest.

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

DESPOT

2014 will see the release of the first of a trilogy of EP's called the War Poems. This is a long term project and should last about 6 years. In between these releases I will release full length albums.

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

DESPOT

I have to be honest with you: I hadn't heard of your initiative before this interview. But I did my homework and read the manifesto on your website and I like what you do. Helping connect audiences and artists, especially small, underground bands is an awesome thing to do and I wish you the best of luck.