Interview: While She Sleeps' lead vocalist Loz Taylor on tour, new album, struggles, longevity, highlights, fanbase

Written By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Sheffield, England metalcore quintet While She Sleeps return to the states this week to kick off their 23-date tour supporting their 6th full-length album SELF HELL (Sleeps Brothers, Spinefarm), which just released during the weekend.

The tour opener is this Wednesday, April 2 in Lakewood, Ohio at The Roxy and they will also stop in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, April 9 at Newport Music Hall. Supporting artists are Bury Tomorrow and Vended.

Lead vocalist Loz Taylor took time out for an in-depth OOTB Interview to discuss all things touring, the brand new album, While She Sleeps’ longevity, personal struggles, highlights, having a supportive fanbase and much more.

With such an expansive catalogue of tunes dating all the way back to 18 years, how do you decide on a setlist and what are some songs fans can expect to hear this tour?

It’s always a tricky one.

The way that we approach it is that we try and pick a setlist with songs for every era of Sleeps’ fan, from our early material to the latest record.

We feel the best way is to put a setlist together that feels good in rehearsals, that way we know it will be great on tour—expect the same approach for our upcoming tour, with songs old and new.

With this being your first tour stateside since Covid and since the release of SELF HELL, in four adjectives, how would you describe the live show experience that fans will hear and see?

Anthemic, Energetic, Unifying, Powerful

Having a solid consistent original lineup since 2006 and 2009, what’s the secret to holding it all together with such longevity?

I would say the main attribute we’ve learned is compromise; this can be the hardest thing when spending so much time together in the studio and on the road.

We’ve also always had commitment, which can sometimes be hard to find in band members, but since the beginning, Sleeps have never lacked the DIY mentality with grit determination to get to where we wanted to be—DIY TIL WE DIE.

While She Sleeps release music from our own record label and we are a self-managed band. It’s hard work, but, as I say, we never lacked this and no one can represent us better than we can.

Regarding the new album, how would say SELF HELL compares to your previous releases?

SELF HELL definitely took us out of our comfort zone; with this record we explored new styles, sounds. We tried new things and stepped away from traditional metalcore more than we ever have… we are lucky that whatever we produce in the studio always sounds like us—the way we use our voices and play our instruments just sounds like no one else, which we are proud of.

In my opinion too many bands of late just want to sound like Deftones meets Korn. I love these bands, but we already have them, we will never try to emulate another band or follow current trends in metal.

SELF HELL has drum and bass elements and Brit pop sounds mixed in with the true Sleeps’ sound, listening to it feels fresh and different.

What’s been the biggest struggle you’ve encountered either personally or in the music industry and how have you overcome that?

Personally, I’ve had three throat surgeries that had taken me out of action for months at a time with recovery.

The party lifestyle and bad technique, I’ve had to overcome and make the necessary changes and not let the hard times bring me down.

I’ve had a rollercoaster journey being in a touring band, but I can say that I’ve learned a lot about myself and my body, and I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, both physically and mentally.

My opinion was always that if I’m not passionate and giving my performance everything I have, then why am I screaming…. That’s definitely not changed, but now I’m in control.

What’s been the biggest highlight you’ve experienced personally in life or as a band?

The biggest highlight for me being in this band is not really one moment.

We played Alexandra Palace in the UK, which is a huge venue and amazing milestone for us; but, for me, the biggest thing to celebrate is that we are still a band, still touring, still the same line up, and that we have an incredibly unified fanbase.

The community of metal has always been somthing I love and the fact we’ve created a strong community surrounding our band with like-minded people that understand our message always blows my mind. Love it!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Our tour hits the US & Canada on the 2nd of April. We’re bringing along metalcore monsters Bury Tomorrow and special guests Vended.

Don't sleep on this tour, the live shows are going to be incredible.

For any fans out there: Thanks for the love and support. If you’re new to our band, make sure you come check out our live show… it will blow your mind. Fact.

Tour Dates

https://whileshesleeps.com/pages/shows

Purchase Album

https://whileshesleeps.com/

https://while-she-sleeps.tmstor.es

https://whileshesleepsband.bandcamp.com

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