SharpTone Records' standouts Loathe have the unique distinction of being a band that not only released a new album in 2020, but they actually got to perform some live shows in support of it, albeit a very brief run.
The band's Erik Bikerstaffe joined Beez for a chat on Mosh Talks to look back at a calendar year that was abysmal by most standards, but for Loathe, 2020 has served as a breakout year. Discussing the impact and universal acclaim of their LP, I Let It In And It Took Everything, shared a unique appreciation for having the ability to look back at the last 12 months with a sense of optimism.
In taking stock of the overall experience of the release of their sophomore LP, Bickerstaffe shared how previous personnel changes and the learning experience of their first album played a factor in what resulted for their 2020 iteration. On the more practical side of things, Bickerstaffe shared that the reality of meeting deadlines and adhering to the business of being in a band was far what they expected prior to being signed.
On the creative end, Bickerstaffe shared that the kind of confidence that comes with having a supportive team surround you and believe in what you do as much as you do reaffirms the artistic drive and results in a much better version of the band.
Bickerstaffe also addressed what it was like to receive a consign in the form of a few tweets from Deftones' frontman Chino Moreno. Taking into account that Loathe, like so many others, are very much influenced by the Sacramento groundbreakers, Bickerstaffe shared that it was surreal to see someone the band holds in such high regard reciprocate that support and actually be a fan of theirs. So much in fact that he twitted a couple of times.
The conversation would also tackle where Loathe see themselves in the current landscape of rock music. Crafting a sound that is layered and intricate, the band does well in disregarding the stereotype of the genre in adding an element of sophistication to their stylized aggression. Bickerstaffe confides that the aim for the band is focus solely on being the best artists they can be with little regard for how they are explained or who they are akin to.
For Bickerstaffe, Loathe is paving their own lane and that reality means they either fail or succeed on their own terms.
Watch the complete interview with Erik Bickerstaffe of Loathe on a special Album of the Year installment of Mosh talks.
