Interview: The Veer Union release new single, prepare for upcoming themed album release

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Forming in 2004, Canadian three-piece heavy rock band The Veer Union have continuously cranked out new music; they have released eight albums total with their last being released in 2022, titled Manifestations (Deluxe Edition), which featured four acoustic song versions.

Now on the verge of releasing their ninth album, Welcome To Dystopia (Rock Shop Records), due out later this year, The Veer Union lead vocalist Crispin Earl took time out for this OOTB interview to discuss their new single “Empirical” and to preview the new album’s theme, approach and inspirations.

Watch Lyric Video For “Empirical”

With the new single “Empirical” reflecting on technological advancements as a threat to humanity, what specific types of technology do you think we should be most wary of and why?

We shouldn't be overly fearful of technological advancements in AI, provided that they are developed with a focus on benefiting humanity. However, the rise of robotics does raise significant concerns.

The prospect of a fully automated industrial sector could profoundly impact the working class worldwide, potentially leaving many without jobs and a sense of purpose. It's crucial that we proactively plan for these changes to mitigate such consequences. While some job loss to machines is inevitable, we must approach this transition with caution to avoid serious social issues.

Additionally, the development of military-grade robots and the idea of linking a social credit score to bank accounts are particularly alarming. Therefore, it is vital to establish effective oversight measures promptly.

Given the title of the new album, Welcome To Dystopia, do the songs have a theme or tell a story? If so, what theme?

Yes. The theme of this record is based on technological advancements and the effect it's having on society. We certainly pull from what we've already empirically experienced, but also from the information that has been released from both the private sector: Think tank publications and declassified government documents.

Classic literature like Brave New World, 1984 and motion picture classics like Terminator and Minority Report also inspired us, we definitely have our own imaginations too, after all, we're artists.

When will the new album be released?

Late 4th Quarter. We’re putting the finishing touches on it now, and will let everyone know about the official release date when it’s ready.

How was writing and recording approached differently with this album compared to past releases?

Traditionally, The Veer Union approach to lyrical content comes from self-reflection, it's about hope and very much how we are feeling internally. On this record, we've changed it up and lyrically, we pulled from the exterior world. We've dabbled in this on previous tracks like "Slaves To The System" and "Man Into Machine,” but Welcome To Dystopia will be different. That being said, “hope” has always been the underlying message of the band and there will still be “hope.”

With a tour in the works for 2025, what would you say is your favorite part of touring and your least favorite part of touring?

Getting out and performing for the people that make our lives possible. It's so great to connect with our fans and to make new fans, we love it! The hardest part is the grind of tour, but that comes with the territory.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

If you'd like to connect with us we are active on all social media but we are the most active on Instagram.

Thanks so much for taking the time with us, appreciate you all at Out Of The Blue Zine, all the very best!

The Veer Union are:

Crispin Earl (Lead Vocals, Producer)

Ryan Ramsdell (Guitar)

Ricardo Viana (Drums)

Follow The Veer Union

https://theveerunion.net

https://m.facebook.com/theveerunion

https://www.instagram.com/theveerunion/

https://m.youtube.com/user/theveerunion