A Dirty Dozen with ANDREAS CLARK from SELF DECEPTION – April 2024

According to a recent press release: “Get ready to delve into the dark and twisted world of social media with Self Deception’s new single “Hysteria.” Following the success of their hit single “Matthew McConaughey,” Self Deception are back with a vengeance. This time, they’re shining a spotlight on society’s insatiable appetite for instant gratification and validation through social media. “Hysteria” confronts the obsession with fame and recognition in a world where authenticity often takes a backseat.” We get singer Andreas to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The inspiration for “Beautiful Disaster” came from the profound impact Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot” speech had on me. The speech highlights the minuscule nature of humanity against the vast backdrop of the cosmos, using the iconic image captured by the Voyager 1 space probe in 1990. If you listen to the speech, you will hear the song in a new way.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

When I was 14, I penned my first song about a crush from school and performed it in front of my class. That was the moment I realized that music could help me express big feelings and it made me feel truly seen for the first time.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My taste changed a lot in my teenage years, but I got two bands that really formed me as a musician early on. ’Staind’ taught me how to express my feelings through music, and InMe’s album Underdose pretty much taught me how to sing.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Jacoby Shaddix is one of my heroes. To work with him is high up on my bucket list.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Besides music, I love hanging out with my wife and kids, and occasionally, me and my tattoo artist hit the skateparks to paint graffiti.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s modern rock with a kick of pop and metal. Last month when we were out on tour some fans called our music style Happy Metal. To me that sounds like Power metal. Yeah, nope!

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Patrik’s is the party guru, Ronny’s his partner in crime, Erik’s the food maestro, and I’m the sleepy serenader.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I played in a cover band at a wedding 7-8 years ago and got super starstruck when I got to share the stage with Swedish pop artist Patrik Isaksson. It felt surreal, considering I’d been strumming some of his songs as a troubadour for years.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The creative process! I have such a love-hate relationship with songwriting. Something I’ll never be able to live without! I obsess over every song, especially lyrics and it can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. But once we’ve finished a track, it’s like saying goodbye to an old friend—I miss it instantly. I’d love to be a music producer. Besides that I don’t really know. Something where I get to use my creativity.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Maybe something about me overthinking our songs and lyrics. The answer: I still have that lonely kid in me who wants to be seen, so it has to be perfect. I often get the question: How did you gain all your listeners? My answer always is: I would like to say that it’s only because we’ve made good music, but there is so much more… And then start listing things we do and how hard we have to work for it.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Looking back, I wish I’d taken better care of my mental health earlier on. It could’ve saved a lot of people, a lot of trouble.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park. I think mostly for academic reasons. It totally changed the game in the rock scene, and I’d love to know how it all came together from start to chart-topping finish.

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Category: Interviews