For the previous eight years, STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS have been carving their path by way of the crowded musical panorama, led by the charismatic and enigmatic frontman, Jeff Karr, affectionately often known as Stem. Their sonic journey started with a thunderous explosion after they unleashed their five-song prolonged play (EP) titled “The Hardest Instances” onto the world. This audacious debut served as an electrifying introduction, immediately charming audiences with its infectious hooks, blistering riffs, and searing lyrics. Stem’s poignant songwriting minimize by way of the noise and resonated deep throughout the hearts of followers, immediately establishing STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS as a musical drive to be reckoned with. Sizzling on the heels of their EP’s success, the band catapulted into the stratosphere with their single “Winners Or Losers (Makes No Distinction To Me).” UHS Data, the heralded indie report label of Southern California, acknowledged the fiery expertise burning inside STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS and wasted no time in welcoming them into their prestigious roster. All through the previous yr, Stem, the relentless sonic visionary, locked himself away within the hallowed halls of the recording studio. Immersed in a artistic frenzy, he poured his coronary heart and soul into the creation of their extremely anticipated full-length album, aptly titled “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP.” Launched on Could thirty first, this magnum opus encapsulates the band’s unruly fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, different rock, and blues, delivering a sonic expertise that resonates with the disenchanted and invigorates the rebellious spirit inside us all.

1. How lengthy have you ever been performing and recording as STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS, and what’s your main mission as a gaggle?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS:[Stem]Effectively I Was doing a Solo act from 2001-2016 That’s in regards to the time I began to consider doing a brand new undertaking.I understand That flipping from One Style to the following might be Odd and are available off as “unreal” however that doesn’t imply that it is best to keep & hate no matter you’re doing.I began The Useless People who smoke Band in Could of 2016 I began to jot down some new stuff that was fairly Good it was stable sufficient to enter the Studio & begin work on the similar time I had simply completed and launched what was to be my Last “Stoner Rap” album with “The Antagonistic Have an effect on(s)” [2017]To not lengthy after We launched the track  “The Hardest Instances” as a Single and it  began to do rather well it turned the Title observe the Ep that might change into Stem & the Useless People who smoke Debut Launch & Uhs Data urged that we put it below a distinct title then simply my Personal Solo and So”The Useless People who smoke” got here into existence the title got here kind 2007Uhs Data launch”The Useless Smoke Lp” Stem & the Useless People who smoke Mission is to convey out one of the best Songs we are able to characterize  what a Traditional Rock band can do within the twenty first Century.

2. Who’ve been your main influences in your writing and enjoying model?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: I cherished the music of the Fifties and Sixties and after I was rising up I dug it I nonetheless do. I’m additionally an enormous fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers! I must say they have been a significant affect on how I wished to do music by enjoying Dwell On stage or within the studio guitars in tune and from prime to backside each single half is performed dwell. The Beatles I believe are nice as properly. I really acquired to see 2  Beatles dwell! I additionally acquired quite a lot of respect for Social Distortion they’re additionally an ideal inspiration. I’m from Whittier CA and they’re from Fullerton it’s too removed from The place Mike Ness & Social D. However I believe every of those bands and their music has touched one thing that’s distinctive and useful to my music. Influenced by one of the best and I believe having that distinctive love of the 50s and early 60s music offers my music a distinct perspective and edge.

3. What do you’re feeling are the important thing parts in your music that ought to resonate with listeners?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: The music we’ve may be very  Attention-grabbing would describe our  sound as very Pressing very emotional it may be darkish it’s positively filled with angle it’s acquired quite a lot of spine. I that’s what resonates with our listeners.

4. How has the band developed and grown because the launch of your debut EP, “The Hardest Instances”?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: The songs are actually that significantly better the preparations and the manufacturing high quality I gave quite a lot of consideration to the manufacturing worth going into this album about oh 100%. I went into pre-production in October of 2021, and began out with 20 songs/Demos after which acquired it all the way down to 10 and I considered various things than on the Ep. It’s a bit it’s extra concerned. The Single “Winners or Losers (Makes no Distinction to me)”, was the band’s observe up launch to the Ep. You see the expansion from the Ep into the Winners or Losers single into the two singles that got here earlier than the Album launch, all of them present a gradual rise and the following album after this will probably be that significantly better I nonetheless acquired some good concepts coming.

5. How has the reception been for the brand new “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP” up to now, and the way do you’re feeling in regards to the suggestions from followers and critics?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: The followers are very a lot comfortable and enthusiastic about this. I’m pleased with the work all of us did into this undertaking. I’m actually simply excited to have the ability to present one thing that’s actually actual for me and straight from the guts and everybody appears to find it irresistible. The crucial final result has been actually nice as properly. The interviews in addition to the Highlight evaluations we gotten are simply nice. I really feel that it’s actually justified and it’s properly earned on the a part of myself because the songwriter and producer and far deserved for the band. They’re some actually cool cats and fantastic personalities and proficient musicians. I’m actually honored to be a member of this workforce.

6. The place did you do most of your recording and manufacturing work for the album “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP”, and who was primarily concerned in these processes?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: [Stem]We did all the work resembling the principle Recording at “The Backside of my the Bag” Recording Studio it’s Uhs Data personal little recording studio. Pre-Manufacturing was performed at our small rehearsal room house I additionally took my very own time at my home and did some work demoing songs and stuff like that. Chainsaw Blues he’s the lead guitar participant within the band and he’s the one doing all of the lead guitar cuts. I’d begin by laying down a guitar half a – riff I’d be there  working to perfection after which beginning with that after which the drums would start. We attempt to get that snare/kick sample an actual stable package deal going then I’d lay down one other guitar overdub. I’d name up bassist Matt Miller and the bass would’ve been laid down at this level. I’d even be understanding the bass elements on some songs, some songs would have Matt Miller on it, others myself it’s gotta be performed to perfection meaning quite a lot of work generally. Both means it’s gonna be definitely worth the effort and time on the finish of the day it’s all in regards to the songs we are able to stand by.

7. Is there a specific track on the album “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP”, by which you’re feeling the band delivered its most good efficiency, on all ranges? And is there perhaps one track that you just preserve considering it is best to have performed a little bit in another way not directly?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: All of the songs which are featured on this report are actually wonderful and performed prime to backside with all we had. I really feel that perhaps I ought to of modified the strings on the acoustic guitar earlier than recording that track and the bass guitar stings as properly, it will of sounded that significantly better. Oh properly. I gave all of it I had and so did the remainder of us.

8. Which might you point out because the highlights for followers to be careful for on the album “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP”, and is there an overarching theme or backstory to the undertaking as a complete?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: Effectively it’s an ideal alternative to essentially discover an actual rock/different rock sound and band and the theme is nearly a Man/Lady…anybody who’s making an attempt to make one of the best out of a state of affairs that has change into rocky at finest, misplaced friendships, love gone astray, alternatives vanished. It’s acquired that actual life anybody and everybody can relate to it common expertise theme it’s acquired that American Hero kind of factor Beginning out dangerously with some very darkish themes at occasions, however you then acquired the regret kicking in and it turns into an actual I’ve performed my filth however now I’m cleaned up. It’s acquired some actually stable musical expertise.

9. What led the band to decide on “So Lengthy & Goodbye” because the third single and movie a music video for it?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: It’s an ideal track and it’s robust sufficient to make right into a video/third Single it was one of the best contender for positive. I’m planning on making the first single “I’m By no means Gonna (Allow you to Go)”, that too is a track that’s needing a brand new video. However I’m additionally one other track and doubtless “It’s simply how it’s” is probably gonna be subsequent.

10. What was the expertise like filming the music video for “So Lengthy & Goodbye,” and what can followers anticipate from it?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: It’s was chill, all performed on a small kinda set/soundstage. Actual rawness kinda stuff. Straight as much as the purpose. Edits and results are minimal in comparison with different movies. However Rock’N’Roll is that kinda factor to the purpose, no must make it appear extra then it’s. It’s an entertaining music video and the track is catchy sufficient to get caught in a single’s head and I can see this jam turning into a success for lots of people. That track that claims all of it to that particular particular person, “So Lengthy Child” “goodbye”(Laughs)

11. How did the partnership with UHS Data affect STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS’ musical course and development?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: Effectively It didn’t affect the band or development in any respect. So long as it really works out; Possibly is sensible a little bit on the enterprise aspect, then I  assume the label is cool with it and even backs it up. Uhs Data has at all times been a good deal for me. Making it occur, however you because the artist have gotten to additionally do your half delivering the standard work and making one thing that the label can really make one thing out of; If that’s the purpose in any all the pieces enterprise or leisure or sports activities the purpose is to achieve success. If the artist can do one thing that’s wonderful and it’s much more wonderful and Spectacular if the artwork can get out and make one thing for all concerned. In the event you give them crap, I’m positive they are going to be like cool however I don’t know if we are able to do something with these items however we assist you. (Laughs)

12. Might you are taking us behind the scenes within the recording studio the place you’re employed on the songs and the way the Session for “OVERWORKED & UNDERPAID LP” went down like? What have been the challenges and breakthrough moments through the recording course of?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: Effectively the Recording Studio is our house and I and the others after we get into the studio it’s like one of the best factor, it’s the place all the pieces this band has labored at. I’ve been working there because it was put into use again in 2007. Earlier than “The Backside of the Bag” Recording Studio was constructed by Uhs Data, Manufacturing was performed at one other studio and naturally the music was recorded another way. Like everybody else who has performed recording on one other’s time and or a finances you could possibly solely do no matter you felt was finest songs totally accomplished, something that wasn’t performed wasn’t recorded and as quickly as we acquired our palms on a studio it was a luxurious. We our conscious of how fortunate we’re.

The breakthrough moments the place after I can be engaged on a track and after it not understanding for nevertheless lengthy and when it lastly did work that was finest… Looks as if a not so huge deal but it surely was. You’ll be able to by no means understand how huge a track will probably be if you find yourself engaged on, what will probably be like, you will have an concept and all. However while you see the foresight to doc it filming it after which when its an enormous success it’s like wow how cool is that. I consider in doing “no matter it takes to get it down on tape” I don’t wanna perhaps know the small print generally however no matter it takes!(laughing)

13. Are you able to share any anecdotes or fascinating tales from the making of the album or the band’s journey up to now?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: One night in the midst of engaged on a brand new album a couple of years in the past myself and bassist Matt Miller we have been within the studio and I used to be in search of inspiration and so I urged that we exit to the Nightclub to the Bar and have a drink; Take within the surroundings, I bear in mind telling him “Come on I want to gather some concepts” afterward whereas we watched a daring little dancer climb up that Pole; she went as much as the Rafters sliding all the way down to the Stage. The Inspiring second had moved me a lot that when returning to the recordings studio I had all the pieces the Title story & the track “Rafters To the Stage” performed.

14. How necessary are the lyrics in your music? Is it one thing you pay explicit consideration to, or are you extra targeted on the musical and technical parts displayed in your compositions?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: [Stem] The Lyrics are a very powerful a part of the track and are generally typically the toughest to give you, particularly in case your expectations are excessive or you aren’t unsure the way to method, I do know others that play the instrument like wow, however they couldn’t write lyrics to save lots of their life, a lot much less high quality lyrics, some folks simply do one or the opposite, I consider that the phrases and music want to enrich one another and I consider that idea yeah.

[BASS PLAYER Matt Miller]Coming from a lyricist standpoint I take the writing course of as the principle asset to the track. It drives it what course your aiming for resembling darkish and dreary or one thing that each particular person can relate to. The technicality of everybody from the group as a complete is what makes us distinctive as a result of everybody has such a various background and has put within the work to be the place we’re right now.

15. Placing apart the accolades or criticisms that followers or the media might afford STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS, is there something in regards to the band, or the music, you assume folks might overlook, misunderstand or underestimate in any means?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: I believe criticism good or unhealthy while you consider it to the purpose that it’s unhealthy on the artistic aspect it’s an issue. It’s a must to watch out you realize good or unhealthy they each could make one go loopy. Good criticism could make one boastful and in the event that they consider their very own hype to the purpose your not making high quality stuff anymore and also you don’t see or consider you dulled the sting. Similar factor with unhealthy criticism solely on a extra tragic stage as a result of it’s unhealthy, you naked your soul together with your artwork solely to be let down. Early on beginning out while you nonetheless have a methods to go up the ladder it may damage to listen to that you just want some work. I do know while you begin asking questions you higher be prepared the reply. I’m utterly comfy with my place within the band and in the entire complete factor. I’m making an attempt to be one of the best I will be and I work exhausting at it.

16. Artistic work in studio surroundings, or interplay with a dwell viewers? Which of those two do you in the end favor and why?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS:I believe they’re each nice, they’re completely totally different from the opposite, not lots of people know that they assume that studio or Stage simply plug in and play and that’s that. I’m like no not even, you solely have your self to cope with whereas the stage has the viewers and I believe the viewers brings out one thing that’s extra exhausting to succeed in at if you find yourself alone. Greatest excessive on this planet is acting on stage and the group is with you each step and the love they provide is value each second. It’s one of the best I’ve had some wonderful performances, moments which are actually particular. The performing dwell half retains a band tight makes you higher musician. I respect either side. I’d like to have the ability to play dwell extra then we’ve been nevertheless we’re advantageous tuning the lineup and in search of the suitable drummer.

17. What’s the finest piece of recommendation relating to the music enterprise that you just really adopted up to now, and what’s the piece of recommendation you didn’t observe, however now know for positive that it is best to have?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: must be  cool and sort to the folks you meet while you’re in your means up; since you’re gonna see them in your means down once more. That’s one I used to be informed early on and it’s value figuring out. I additionally know that individuals who do not know about what songwriting and enjoying music are additionally within the music enterprise, and it is best to know your self and your music and in case your intestine feeling is correct and quite a lot of occasions it’s, it is best to observe your instincts. I inform my pal who’s doing his personal factor and he tells me he desires to “Clear Up his music” and I inform him properly don’t boring your music edge making an attempt to make others glad, for individuals who you’ll by no means even know. In case your music’s not from an actual place the folks will spot your pretend and the music will suck. You must also not signal a contract due to your desperation to make it like an immortal rock star. Get a professional skilled to check out it, save your time and money. And in addition preserve enjoying the music it doesn’t matter what. And watch your cash and hope you land in your toes.

18. What would you think about probably the most profitable, proud or important second for STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS up to now?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: The brand new Album did 41K streams the primary week of launch on Spotify and It’s at present over 53K. That’s been an ideal shock for us. The truth that individuals are listening and having fun with the music is wonderful and it’s nonetheless early in our profession as a band and all however this enterprise has been actually unimaginable. Greater than my profession as a solo artist. I used to be actually enthusiastic about what I did earlier on and it was me at a distinct time and stage in my profession and in my life. There’s no ego and or something I really feel I must show. I really feel like that is what I need to be doing and I’m fortunate to have the ability to do it. They are saying while you discover one thing you’re keen on doing you’ll by no means work a day in your life. Effectively I’m nonetheless working but it surely’s an ideal feeling.

19. Quite the opposite, what do you’re feeling has been probably the most tough, and making an attempt second for STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS up to now?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: Discovering the suitable folks for this undertaking, not simply anybody. My buddy Matt simply picked up the bass not way back it’s been some time now nevertheless I’m nonetheless working with him and he’s within the band doing it. He may not be the man who’s been enjoying so long as myself or Chainsaw our lead guitar participant, nevertheless Matt’s persona and his model matches in completely. I’m actually appreciative for the way in which some folks in different bass have crammed in and performed with us, and the one purpose why I haven’t requested them to drop that and are available on with my outfit is as a result of I now they’re doing what they do finest and I can’t pay them as a lot anyway(Laughs).  Yeah man, funding the entire undertaking and all that and discovering the suitable folks to come back on board and do that. We’re nearly there, so it’s all good.

20. How do you see the way forward for STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS unfolding? Are there any ambitions or targets that you’ve set for the band’s musical journey?

STEM & the DEAD SMOKERS: I’d wish to get on the Billboard Charts, we aimed to actually strive with this and the actual fact the Album has performed this properly is one thing enormously appreciated. And I believe if I can get a couple of issues so as, like rising our fan base as much as a loyal viewers and having the ability to get referred to as for exhibits and in any given metropolis we’ve at the very least a 100 or so there for now that be nice a Loyal fan base, a report within the Charts on the prime! And a stable band would be the finest and sky’s the restrict. I do know a number of the issues I’ve listed on this interview should not as glamorous or thrilling perhaps to some folks, however to others who’ve the identical type of curiosity they’ll see the worth in all the pieces I’ve touched on. I thanks for the chance right here and might’t wait until subsequent time. Take a look at our music, movies, examine all of it out and observe together with us it’s gonna be wonderful and enjoyable. It’s all about to go off.

OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://UhsRecords.com
official web site for the Band And File label
Official Instagram account for Stem & the Useless People who smoke
https://instagram.com/stemandthedeadsmokers?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Official Artist Twitter Account
https://Twitter.com/@StemDeadSmoker1

ARTIST LINK FOR APPLE MUSIC
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stem-the-dead-smokers/1584182402

Apple Music Direct Hyperlink
https://music.apple.com/us/album/overworked-underpaid-lp/1686564710

SPOTIFY DIRECT ALBUM LINK
https://spotify.hyperlink/Yw88nKmb7Ab

DIRECT SPOTIFY BAND LINK:
https://spotify.hyperlink/bV7zR3td7Ab