The ever-evolving British metalcore band, Bury Tomorrow, have created a legacy for bringing to life brain-rattling records that lay the groundwork for madness and tear deep into your wounds. The band is gearin’ up to tear up the stage over their highly-anticipated return to their homeland with their energetic and passionate stage presence that posses the very essence of metal. I caught up with lead vocalist, Daniel Winter-Bates, to discuss the creative process behind their fourth studio album, ‘Earthbound’, the music scene in England, tattoos and more.
You are gearing up to head out on your biggest UK headliner yet. What do fans have to look forward to this time around?
It’s certainly been a considerable amount of time since we gave our home country a dedicated headline set, the prospect alone is exciting. Since the release of “Earthbound”, we’ve pretty much starved the UK of our presence so fans can be excited to hear songs we’ve never played from the record, as well as some golden oldies for good measure. We’re going big on these shows. To play those venues as a headliner is a huge accomplishment and humbling privilege.
How did you push your creative boundaries to bring your fourth studio album, ‘Earthbound’, to life?
It was our first endeavor writing on tours and in different countries around the world. It was a very natural and at times spontaneous writing experience. It was productive to be together as opposed to sat alone at a computer, we could constantly change and reflect upon what we were creating. Being on tour with huge influences of ours and in inspiring places whilst playing shows definitely captured the essence and energy of where were and what we were doing, which I feel reflects in the songs.
Let’s talk tattoos. Tell us about some of your favorite personal pieces and the artists that brought them to life.
When it comes to tattoos, the majority of my pieces were made by Gre Hale at Rain City Tattoo Collective in Manchester, UK. His work ethic and creative process is incredible and I love carrying his art and creativity on various parts of my body. My favourite pieces would have to be my chest (roses and traditional eagle), as agonizing as those 7+ hours were, and my right forearm (evil looking woman). I can go to Gre with a vague idea of something I’ve been thinking of and he just takes that to new heights and excels beyond my initial specification. Other than Gre, I have a Red Ranger helmet on my leg with “It’s Morphin’ Time” above by a then apprentice of Beau at Blue Cardinal Tattoo in Manchester.
Your band has been incorporating crazy pyrotechnics into your live shows. What’s the inspiration behind that?
Honestly, it’s become a rarity we have the luxury of such a display at a show. But when we do have the rare headliner in which we can incorporate it it’s an exhilarating feeling not only for us but the fans.
Going strong for over a decade, what is the secret to keeping your energy and creative chemistry alive and well?
With every new record comes rejuvenation, it forever keeps you in the loop and ensures the touring schedule and everything that comes with being in a band. We’ve been lucky in the sense that every record has bettered its former and so the shows get bigger, the tours become more extensive and open up new territories to venture which enables more fans to become aware of your existence. We’re very fortunate to have had the longevity we’ve had so far, I can only hope it continues!
What do you perceive makes the music scene in England stick out amongst the masses?
I can’t speak on behalf of the whole UK music scene, but in regards to Metal, I feel we have a thriving community of bands that are paving the way for the future of Metal in general. I can only hope we do stick out, as the Metal community worldwide would be missing out! Bands such as Architects, While She Sleeps, Malevolence are all creating memorable, powerful music that simply can’t be ignored.
If you could play at any venue throughout the world that you have yet to play at, which venue would you choose and why?
Personally, I would love to experience the UK arena circuit. Either my hometown Sheffield Arena or Manchester MEN where I went to my first real show. Mainly for the sentimental value and the chance to play such a grand indoor venue.
What do Bury Tomorrow fans have to look forward to over the next six months?
We’ll be taking some time off to start the writing process and get inspired creatively again. The headliner will be a spectacle for the die hard BT fans and of course many things we can’t let out of the bag as of yet. Regardless, it’s a very exciting time in our camp so our fans should be excited for what’s to come!
If you could only been three albums with you on a road trip across the country, which three albums would you choose and why?
Bruce Hornsby – ‘Greatest Hits’. I can’t possibly choose between any of his records so this has a pretty staple selection of his finest hours. Have one listen to The Way It Is and tell me you don’t want to listen to hours worth of that mans music.
Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill. An absolute timeless piece of music that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. I first found this in my mother’s’ record collection at the age of 4 and was hooked throughout my childhood.
As I Lay Dying – ‘Shadows Are Security’. If I was on a road trip and road rage took hold, this would be appropriate listening. And the fact that in my opinion it is the best Metal(core) record in existence. If I never heard this record, I would not be writing this interview right now. It has inspired every musical move I’ve had the pleasure of making.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?
Thank you for your continued support and enabling us to do this. As cliche as it might sound but rings 100% true, this would not be possible and the music we make would fall on deaf ears, if it was to be created at all. All the love!
