JDN and Groovie Mann of Trash Deity

by Anabel DFlux
– Sr. Photojournalist —

Hardrock Haven’s Anabel DFlux had the opportunity to catch up with JDN and Groovie Mann of Trash Deity about their brand new project, the upcoming release, the brand new music video, and their collaboration together! Be sure to check out the new video below.

Anabel: Hey! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today! How are you? How has your week been?

JDN: I’ve been great! Promoting our single, working on new music for various artists. Groovie Mann is painting and prepping for the upcoming 30 year anniversary Thrill Kill Kult tour. In between, we are meeting up to finish our Trash Deity full-length! We were just in the studio today.

Anabel: Tell me about the newest video release, “Run 4 your Lies!” How was the video conceptualized? Who was involved with this project?! Another video through the eyes of Neil Kull (also did the 1st) Any cool facts you’d like to share about the new video?

JDN: Neil is a top Vegas Lighting designer and did our first video, “Finger on a Trigger.” That one was all Groovie Mann’s art morphed to the song. The reality is, many people go to youtube to hear our music. I think it’s really boring when it’s just a still of the cover or a montage of promo pics. Neil always comes up with unique and interesting concepts, like the Blue Eyed Christ lyric video for “Do You Wanna Touch.” He physically projected the lyrics on a sexy dancer, that was no CGI. For this one, he took pieces of the music and vocals, having them triggering different visuals. Then Groovie Mann and I provided interesting images to lay on top to add to the visual chaos. Groovie Mann says it’s very Cabaret Voltaire!

Anabel: Tell me about the upcoming album, sharing the same title as the newest video. What was the writing and recording process like? How did this project come to fruition? How did you meet everyone who was a part of Trash Deity?

GM: The first one was spontaneous, writing from a world of chaos.

JDN: We aren’t sure the title of the album yet. The original plan was to put out a 4 song EP called Run 4 Your Lies!, then we shifted gears and decided to do a full-length album. The music is pretty much done, we’re just finishing the lyrics and vocals and then I’ll add some more sprinkles on top after that. Our paths crossed over the years causally, both being involved in the Chicago music community. In the studio, it’s just us. When we get together I usually play Groovie Mann a bunch of tracks and see what he reacts too. Whatever tracks inspire his unique creative visions morph and merge into Trash Deity songs. This project is a creative experimentation into our minds, a direct reaction to much of the pop I work on.

Anabel: Release date?

JDN: We plan on having the album done before the TKK tour in October. We are talking to a few labels so their timetable for release depends on who we go with. Our first 2 singles have been self-released, and although we are both established artists, this is essentially a “new” project so it may benefit from the promotional machine of a label to spread the Trash Deity virus.

Anabel: How do you describe your music to people?

GM: Since it’s fresh, clear to the point, abstract emotion, running from Industrial music to find its own identity.

JDN: GM hates the term Industrial, I don’t mind so much since it’s kind of become an all-encompassing term that describes a lot of styles instead of a limiting term (like EBM) that has strict rules. Rules aren’t fun in music. We break the rules!!

Anabel: How have you merged your two sounds, Blue Eyed Christ and Thrill Kill Kult?

GM: I have applied my lyrics and vocals and my work outside TKK will not be compared to TKK though I have been writing for my band of 30 years with Buzz McCoy. TKK has no set sound & doesn’t consider itself “iNdustrial.”

JDN: I think we’re both interested in challenging ourselves outside the conventions of our other projects.

Anabel: What image do you think your music conveys?

GM: Chaos so far, many inputs with directions that can sail anywhere. Unless it’s a concept LP, as I work each tracK is a mood.

JDN: I think his lyrics paint a lot of images. That’s one of his gifts, creating a very unique and visual take on lyrics and vocals.

Anabel: Do you think that online presence is important for fans to find you and critics to find your music to write about?

GM: Well there isn’t much of a choice is there? Your phone is everyone’s personal radio they can be the DJ they can control the world, They control what they hear. There is less inspiration. constantly picking and choosing what “I want.” Everyone will be DJs and the world will end music because is bored.

JDN: It’s very important and it all changes so fast. Even promoting now on social media is different than it was 5 years ago.

Anabel: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

GM: We’ll though I don’t partake in any of it? I thought we were giving music away since Napster? It’s like grinder it seems (no I don’t)! Like you just get what you want & it’s done then, no hang on. Instant gratification? That’s all it seems youth what a lot of people want. When grinder came out half the bars were empty because people didn’t have to spend money on someone to have a fling? Could they just look for it, get it, use it and move on to the next person or Track? (Laughs) really instant action world.

JDN: I don’t really have any issues with our music being shared online. The concept of people paying for music is pretty much over. You can stream any artists music free. It’s just promotion really these days. For most independent bands the monetization really comes from shows and touring, some merch. That said, I do hope they straighten out the monetization end of the streaming so artists and writers are paid appropriately off of the revenue.

Anabel: What’s your outlook on the record industry today?

GM: Zero. I respect only a few. The other few remaining ones that will buy your hard earned catalog just to show you off on their sleazy label with a quick deal. I think it ruins your history showing up on a label like that. I like stable ones that care about the artist, and there is one. I don’t make High demands on anyone or anything.

JDN: I work with a lot of top Pop artists for a living, so definitely realize there is still a large monetization at the level. I think the music industry has become a metaphor for America and much of the rest of the world. There is still an elite top sharing most of the wealth, while the erosion of the middle class of the music Industry continues to spiral downward. It’s sad that creating art and music is becoming a less sustainable living for many.

Anabel: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

GM: Lousy promoters and club owners who book in a band knowing zero history and treating them like it’s a hassle that they are doing a show? And lazy booking agents who just want your name on the roster? People not caring, helping the event of a show. Not promoting and complaining no ones at the show? duh wah?

Anabel: How does music affect you and the world around you?

GM: Beautifully… It’s where I live with my art till I am gone.

Anabel: Any words for your fans before we conclude this interview?

GM: Welcome all new to this project with John D. Norten & I, it’s an exciting time for all when something branches off to create more fun and chaos in the musical, mad world we live in!

Trash Deity – “Run 4 Your Lies!: (Official Video):