In a world dictated by the pace of the algorithm, UK metalcore stalwarts While She Sleeps are opting out. Or at the very least, operating with the sense of self-preservation.
Releasing a new mini-documentary, The Paradox of Progress, the band frame the peaks and valleys of their two decade tenure and call into question the need to adhere to conventional release cycles to continue to feed the algorithm. Taking into consideration personal longevity, artistic fulfillment and the toll of their own mental health, the doc aims to reevaluate what is truly most important - quality or quantity.
“The industry wants more music, more often if we want to keep up with the rat race of streaming algorithms, which begs the question of what falls first, the sanity of the artist or the quality of their work?” explained guitarist/vocalist Mat Welsh.
“The documentary takes you on a lightspeed journey through the past 20 years, which is often how our career has felt. There have been so many moments where we probably could’ve thrown the towel in, but we always chose to push through, support each other and take the road less travelled to get to where we are. This next step is one of the toughest decisions we’ve ever made. Sacrificing our financial lifeline of live performance, for the wager of what is possible when we press pause on the outside world and ‘rat race’ of the music industry. It’s so easy to spend all your time watching everyone else and think you need to adhere to the same pace, at the sacrifice of your own mental health. We’ve got where we are by doing things ‘our way’ and this is us doubling down on that approach.”
Along with the arrival of The Paradox of Progress, While She Sleeps have confirmed the band is pausing all touring plans with the intention of shifting their focus entirely on their craft. It's a move that functions as a professional statement of integrity - one that asserts the band is less concerned about perceived success but rather, their own creative integrity.
While She Sleeps guitarist Sean Long emphasized, “The music is what brought us all together in the first place and will be the one thing that lasts forever. This is the paradox of progress; in order to move forward we must first take a step back.”
Drummer Adam Savage punctuated the statement by clarifying where the band is at this particular moment in their career. “This isn’t about us being a bigger band, it’s about us being a band forever.”
While She Sleeps continue to remain connected with fans via their own Sleeps Society community the band began back during the darkest days of the pandemic. Fans can subscribe and remain tapped in with the band via their Patreon - HERE
