A Dirty Dozen with TYLER SHELTON from TRAITORS – February 2025

According to a recent press release: “Formed in 2013 in South Florida, TRAITORS emerged as a pioneering force in the deathcore scene, known for their signature blend of slow, sludgy downtempo riffs. The band will drop the new album — and fifth overall — titled PHOBIAS. The album is due out on February 21. TRAITORS debut single “Arrogance” quickly gained traction, propelling the band into the spotlight just four months after its release. This momentum led to their first nationwide tour, establishing Traitors as a formidable presence in the metal community. The release of their critically acclaimed EP Night Terrors in 2015 further solidified their reputation, showcasing the band’s ability to infuse raw aggression with hauntingly atmospheric elements. Traitors have continued to evolve their sound over the years, releasing four full-length albums, which have become cornerstones of their discography.” We got singer Tyler 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?

There are a lot of background hip-hop elements in this album, as it’s what I was raised on. From lyrics to scratching. There are a lot of nods to prior releases whether it be lyrically or range-wise. I even had a nod to one of the first people to hit me up for guest vocals. I used the lyrics from it (with their permission).

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

My family got me into music, whether it was singing in the kitchen or playing guitar. They always allowed me to follow my dreams and gave me a safe space to do so. I was very blessed to have them in my corner from the very beginning.

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

System Of A Down was probably my first (Favorite Band) And they’re definitely still right there. After seeing them at Ozzfest in 2006 in West Palm Beach, it drove me to play drums and eventually get into the scene and start doing vocals. I watched SOAD ‘break up’ that day and what a painful experience it was.

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

If it were metal, it would be Gojira definitely.

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

I like laying low at home and playing video games. Spending time with my loved ones, cooking food and camping.

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?

I usually say “It’s really heavy I don’t know if you like that kinda thing but if you do boy do I have a treat for you” haha. I have never really disagreed with any of my fans on what we sound like. But there is a comment that I am not much a fan of. When we got robbed 10 years ago, someone told me we deserved it. We, in fact, did not.

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?

I cook all the food, whether it be outside the venue or at a chill spot. We don’t really break out guitars, we’re tired. We want to go to bed.

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

I met Tenacious D at Blue Ridge in artist catering. It was difficult to not get really stoked when I was Kyle Gass making a bagel and dancing.

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 best part of being a musician is I get to reap the rewards of choosing freedom over security. I am blessed to have travelled in my 20’s and have seen many things being on the road for 13 years. My dream job would probably be an entertainer in any department, especially wrestling.

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?

I am not particular in the questions in an interview. I prefer to just chat more than get read off a list of questions, though I don’t mind if they’re the same question consistently.

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?

I can’t really get into that, but I would say I am happy with how things are and mentally am at my peak.

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?

Repent. I don’t like it. It was stressed, and rushed, and had no direction. Anger Issues, Night Terrors, and The Hate Campaign are the 3 that I believe represent this band best.

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Category: Interviews