Interview by Angela Croudace
Melbourne's burgeoning music scene is buzzing with the emergence of Druid, a band turning heads with their unique sound blending and captivating performances. Guitarist Daeyul Baggins discussed the band's journey, their new single Chokehold, and their distinctive musical influences.
"We started a few years back under a different name," Daeyul explains, recounting the band's evolution. "We released an EP and then realised we were heading in a different direction musically. So, we decided to rebrand ourselves as Druid." This change allowed the band to redefine their sound and connect deeper with their musical identity.
Regarding the name "Druid," Daeyul admits there isn't a profound story behind it. "We just couldn't agree on anything else! Someone suggested Druid, and we all liked it." Despite the lack of a backstory, the name resonates well with their musical ethos.
"We're inspired by bands like Thornhill, Alpha Wolf, and Bring Me The Horizon," says Daeyul. "When writing our songs, we try to channel that vibe." These influences, combined with a relentless drive to push sonic boundaries through the fusion of rap and metal, create a familiar and innovative sound.
The band members have deep roots in music. Daeyul himself started out playing guitar but found his calling on the drums before ultimately transitioning to guitar. "My parents wouldn't let me get a drum set, so I started with guitar," he shares. "But once I got behind the kit, I realised I had a natural knack for it."
Chokehold is their latest release, produced by Sam Yates, known for his work with Aussie band Dregg. Daeyul explains the creative process: "We recorded it about a year ago. Our drummer Alex wrote the demo, and we were thrilled when Sam liked it enough to work with us." The accompanying music video, directed by Martin Wood, showcases a unique blend of heavy music and pole dancing, capturing the skill and artistry involved. "We wanted to show the talent behind pole dancing, not just the suggestive aspects," he emphasises.
Druid is also making waves with their collaborations. They teamed up with the talented Misstiq, who contributed a lo-fi remix of their song DTHBLW. "She was really into the idea, and her remix turned out amazing," Daeyul notes. "It's great to see different genres blending together."
When asked about future aspirations, Daeyul shares their excitement for what lies ahead. "We have another track ready for release early next year, and we're supporting Outer Worlds in November. There's a lot coming up, and we can't wait to share it with everyone."
As a band that's managed to weave different genres into their music while staying true to their heavy roots, Druid is poised to stamp their mark on the Aussie metal scene and beyond. With their fresh approach and dedication to artistry, they are certainly a band to watch.
For fans of nu-metal and those looking for something different, Druid is a name that will soon be on everyone's lips. Be sure to check out Chokehold and keep an eye out for their upcoming releases. The future looks bright for this Melbourne band, and it's clear that Druid is just getting started.