A Dirty Dozen with CHRIS MACKERTICH from DREGG – August 2025

According to a recent press release: “FEARLESS RECORDS is thrilled to welcome DREGG, a a fiercely individualistic four-piece from Melbourne, Australia known for their high-energy fusion of metal, hardcore, and rap, delivered with theatrical flair and absurdist humor, to the label’s worldwide roster. DREGG’s music, visuals, and over-the-top personas serve as a satirical lens on modern culture — part South Park, part Rage Against The Machine, with a splash of Eminem chaos. Blending shock value with deeper commentary, DREGG don’t take sides politically but instead critique from the outside, encouraging fans to embrace their inner weirdos and challenge societal norms through unapologetic self-expression.” We get singer Chris 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 Art Of Everything, that’s our first child, our debut. Fun little fact, the album loops perfectly with track 12 transitioning back into track 1. Themes pop back up like trauma throughout the whole record. You wont catch it all on the first listen but it’s got layers (like ogres and onions). Everything means something and nothing means everything.

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

I don’t even know if there was a ‘moment.’ Instruments were around me since I had ears to hear them. The first time I wrote something from me though, like the real me. I didn’t even feel proud. I felt relieved. Like I finally cracked the door open to the only path that doesn’t end in silence.

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

I started where every pissed off kid starts – rap. Eminem, 50, Snoop etc. Then at 13, my uncle threw me in the deep end with System of a Down and it was like a switch flipped. Being Armenian, it was like the music got me.

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

Mike Patton for sure. That man’s a whole different breed. I feel like he’d ‘get’ it too. He’s on that same level of insanity we’re tryna tap into.

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’m a nerd at heart so video games, anime, or TCG are great for giving the creative mind rest.

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 all experimental, straight up mental, no chains. We don’t box ourselves in. One minute we’re banging death metal, next we’re floating with some calm serenade, then we smack you in the face with some EDM madness all in one track, no apology. People can compare us all they want. It doesn’t really offend us. Everyone sees the world through a cracked lens, right? We make weird ass music, so it‘s not about fitting into any mold. Take it or leave it.

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’m the yapper, I’ll roast everyone one second, then dive deep into some conspiracy bullshit the next. Zov’s the one bringing the party, he’s the energy and the vibes for sure. Caleb’s very chill, but don’t get him going about anime or he’ll drag you into a rabbit hole you’re not coming out of. Zak’s the wild card. One minute he’s belting opera like he’s possessed, next minute he’s buried in a book trying to read his way out of this dimension haha.

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

I met Tim Dillon leaving the lounge at an airport in Brisbane once, he gave me all the time in the world and we took a pic. Very cool dude.

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?

Definitely creating, I just love that feeling of something new coming out of my head. If I wasn’t a musician I’d need some other form of creative outlet though. Maybe comedy? Who knows, let’s hope I never have to haha.

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?

Nothing hasn’t been asked so far that needs an answer in my opinion hey. People are still catching up, for most of them it’s their first time hearing us so I’m not really tired of any questions. I get 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?

For sure. There’s a lot I wouldn’t have done or done different but I think we’re all guilty of that in every part of our lives. The hunt for perfection.

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?

Toxicity by System of a Down. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall watching Rick Rubin shape those guys into what they became. It’s not my favourite record by them but it’s definitely when they found themselves and that’s always such a cool part of any bands journey.

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Category: Interviews