I spoke to Devan, frontman and vocalist, of Birmingham based hardcore band, ‘Stitched’, all about the band’s latest single ‘Happy To Inflict’ and their next EP.
‘Stitched’ currently have their first EP, ‘Beneath The Surface’, released, alongside a collection of singles. The band take on a hardcore approach with attributes from deathcore to nu-metal. For fans of Knocked Loose, Gideon, and Kublai Khan TX, ‘Stitched’ is one to look out for...
‘Stitched’ has been in its full form since October 2019, with their debut EP released shortly after in February 2020. Asking Devan the story behind the band’s formation, he detailed that the band existed in a sort of fragmented state beforehand, with guitarist, Mike, and himself already creating music together in a metalcore outfit, ‘Tornends’, during their college years. Deciding to separate and reform as ‘Stitched’, Devan then met bassist, Aidan, through a friend, and drummer, Kieran whilst chatting at a show.
Main influences for the band include: ‘Slipknot, Kublai Khan TX, Acacia Strain and Pantera’. Stitched take huge musical influence from hardcore but wouldn’t say they are ‘tied’ to the genre. Devan reflected on the group’s connection with the hardcore scene, ‘I would say our connection is more through the bands we like to play with and the people we are friends with as well as the energetic/violent shows that we play and attend’.
We discussed the rising bands/artists in Birmingham’s metal scene, alongside local venues to head over to. Here’s what Devan had to say about the scene that ‘Stitched’ is increasingly becoming a part of: ‘the scene we've mainly been adopted into is so humble, especially after lockdown as most bands and people attending shows just seem happy to be back doing what they love, without much drama, which is great to see’. As for venues, here are some of the band’s favourites: ‘The Flapper in Birmingham, The Carved Dive in Bromley, and The Hairy Dog in Derby’, and as for the bands that they love playing with: ‘Loose Ends, Skin Of The Snake and Gassed Up’.
‘Happy To Inflict’, released on the 12th of February, is the latest ‘Stitched’ track to treat fans. Devan gave us an insight into the inspiration behind the track, ‘” Happy To Inflict” draws inspiration from personal experiences with toxic past relationships, especially focusing on overcoming issues that they have caused, and becoming a stronger person’. This lyrical content teamed with intense, anger fuelled screams and growling vocal work makes for an immense experience. Speaking on behalf of the band, Devan said that ‘by far our favourite part of the track is Hayden Shemilt's feature from ‘Old Wharf’. The feature comes towards the end of the song, and Devan outlined that due to being big fans of his vocals in ‘Old Wharf’, ‘Stitched’ were ultimately ‘really excited’ to have him on the track.
Following on from the latest single release, I was anxious to know whether a new ‘Stitched’ EP or album was in the pipeline. And lucky for fans, it is. ‘Stitched’ are hesitant to set a solid release date as of yet, but a 6 track EP is in the works. In fact, Devan expressed that the EP is actually ‘fully mixed and mastered’, the band is now in the process of creating a series of music videos for the EP and they are aiming to have a video for each track before the initial release. Music videos for the upcoming EP will be all be created entirely by ‘Stitched’, and the band will also be testing out some new merch designs- all created by the band using Screenprinting. ‘Stitched’ are also aiming to bring out a ‘couple more singles beforehand’ and highlighted that their main goal is to reach as many people as possible, increasing the band’s fanbase. For upcoming releases from ‘Stitched’ you can certainly expect their authentic, heavy approach, they are ‘definitely not planning on toning the aggression’. Devan reflected that it’s likely that the band will always have a similar writing style to their first EP, ‘Beneath The Surface’, whilst also taking influence/inspiration from their individual, current favourite bands.
Regarding seeing ‘Stitched’ live, the band ‘have a pretty big show coming up in Birmingham’ with more details to be confirmed soon, as well as a show in Luton on the 14th of May supporting ‘Warmaster’. You can also expect to see ‘Stitched’ at a couple of weekender festivals scattered throughout the Summer. The band is also currently competing in ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ and have actually made it through to the quarter finals, so you can hopefully catch ‘Stitched’ at ‘Bloodstock’ festival this year. Devan expressed that this would be a ‘dream come true’ for the band.
Finally, ‘Stitched’ wanted to ‘thank everyone that has supported us whether it's listening to a new release, chatting to us, buying merch or coming down to a show because it helps us carry on doing what we love!’
Head out to see ‘Stitched’ at The Asylum in Birmingham for ‘Metal 2 The Masses’ on the 24th of April, and listen to the latest track ‘Happy To Inflict’ below.
You can also find all the photographers featured below:
Comments