INTERVIEW WITH
40 OCTAVES BELOW
Drake: Greetings. This is Drake from 40 Octaves Below.
Drake: 40 Octaves Below began around 2017 with the introduction of Elektron gear which began to shape the sound of what was to come. The first release “Digital Fracture” came in 2019 and we’ve been steadily producing new material since.
The frequency of sound is 40 octaves below the frequency of light. The name describes the core of what we are up to: the creation of vibrational frequencies that invoke a response in the listener.
Drake: We have a lot of diverse influences that may or may not reflect in the style of what we produce. Early punk, new wave, rock, metal, hip hop, classical, ambient, early techno and roots industrial from the late 80’s/early 90’s all have played a part. The rawness and accessibility of industrial in general drew us into this as a serious expressive outlet. The inclusiveness and general camaraderie you find at live industrial shows and dance events are unparalleled. The community is just amazing, and you find the best of humanity there.
Drake: Generally speaking, things that make us angry. This is a healthy outlet to let out that anger in a productive manner. Live shows are testimony to this fact and there is a wonderful energy about it. Having said that, we often will keep the lyrical messages somewhat ambiguous so that the listener can draw their own interpretations and connection.
Drake: We were producing music independently and moving in this direction for a long time before things began to come together in 2017. There was always a need to express, refine and re-express until we felt there was output of some quality to share. It’s hard to put pin down exactly, but it feels like something there was little choice in. It was bound to happen.
Drake: The next full-length album entitled “MetaVersUs” is in the final mixing stages and planned for release on December 16 of this year. We also just released “Dead To Rights”, the fourth single from “MetaVersUs”. This single features some amazing remixes from ESA (Electronic Substance Abuse), Anthony (H), Branntshatz and Hxnging Rxven. If you have not heard of these artists, you should check them out immediately.
Drake: One track on the new album is a collaboration with DI Auger from Toronto. Outside of remixing and being remixed, this is our first true collaboration. We’re excited about this one. The track will be released later as a single with remixes. Collaborating with Ken ‘Hiwatt’ Marshall ranks pretty high.
Drake: Yeah, some shit is happening here. Trick Casket, Phantom High, Scrape, Garbageface, The LSD, Anthony (H), and Live Evil Productions, to name just a few. Another side project of ours is Mesmer’s Ghost with James Ghost.. Great music has come out of Canada for decades. Sometimes it just doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. We are passionate people, and we’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years. We’re not a unique country in that, obviously, but it’s driving us harder than ever.
Drake: Our intention from the beginning was to create something in the vein of true industrial with a bit of a modern edge. There is always the temptation to follow the direction of other artists in what is a more evolved industrial dance type thing. That’s great and it’s an exciting sound that is gaining more ground, it seems. We intend to keep it closer to the roots and raw while at the same time improving the quality of the productions. You may notice more guitar presence in what is to come. More experimental organic sound… More WTF…
Drake: Not at present. We may be focused more on the livestream opportunities in the next while. A lot is happening globally that is of great concern. How to filter the truth is perhaps of greater concern. We just don’t know what the future holds. Anything is possible.
Drake: Post “MetaVersUs”, we are releasing the DI Auger collaboration mentioned earlier and are planning a “MetaVersUs” remix album mid-2023.
Before the end of this year, we will be working with James Ghost on the next Mesmer’s Ghost project while rehearsing in hopefully a new space for Livestream and other potential opportunities to perform in BC. Another ambient industrial aberration is possible. Certainly more raw noise.
Drake: We wish to express our gratitude and thanks to all the DJs, publications, individuals and fellow artists who have supported us. We have t-shirts and CDs available through 40octavesbelow.bandcamp.com and itsalive.net. If you enjoy and already have copies of our music, spread it around. In other words, “pirate” and “steal” are not in our vocabulary. Permission granted, and turn that shit up.
