Silent Expressions: An Interview with Forthteller
The latest album from Florida metalcore band Forthteller, Nihilist, dives into topics related to contemporary
society, identity issues and human existence. It’s their most intense album to
date, from the topics to the composition and lyrics. By writing such an intellectually
sophisticated album, this gave them the opportunity to not only grow as
musicians but start a chain reaction by opening up these types of
conversations.
What started out as a simple track-by-track analysis grew
into so much more for drummer Thom Schultz. With the heavy content discussed in
the EP, an analysis seemed like the best opportunity to introduce the topics to
listeners. “I was trying to create avenues for people to connect and I wanted
to do it in a way that added value to them,” he said.
While working on the analyses, Schultz noticed that the comradery
between the visual art community and the music community was not what it used
to be. It inspired the band to create a concept that would bring back the
visual element to music. Their attempt to bring the communities back together
starts with their game changing merchandise project, Subverting Silence.
The project brings together the depth behind each song with
interpretations from hand-chosen artists who then have their work become
Forthteller’s merchandise line. After sharing the lyrics and analyses with the
artist, the artist then contribute a visual component that brings a whole new
meaning to each track. “The thing about visual artists is that they see the
world different… they’ll add depth and meaning and purpose to lyrics we already
had that go beyond anything that we ever thought of,” Schultz said.
Subverting Silence comes from two different viewpoints. It starts with undermining the status quo and relates back to the need of having music and art work together. The silent expression of art can be used to subvert the status quo. It comes full circle back to Nihilist and the theme of subverting society in the topics addressed on each track. By undoing the silence of these topics, it gets people talking.
By purchasing a piece from the Subverting Silence line, it’s not just a contribution to the band
and artist but it’s that chain reaction that Forthteller was looking to create.
The piece of merchandise comes with an explanation behind the design, getting
the conversation rolling on the topics at hand within the album.
Nihilist is about
looking to understand and get people talking about the lack of substance found
in human existence in today’s society. Nihilist
is about flushing out the ideas of identity issues that stem from the human
existence. Subverting Silence brings
those topics beyond the point of words and into the point of art. Subverting Silence is an ongoing effort
to keep the conversation rolling. How will you do your part in keeping up the
conversation?
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