Photo credit: Lena Rudnick
Brooklyn-based darkwave indie-pop band, Death By Piano, announce the release of their new video, “DO I?” — a deeply conceptual and conceptually deep look at exploitation and it’s impact on the self — out today, via their recent sophomore EP, HELLISH, out now. Defiant and kinetic, the brand new “DO I?” music video portrays an artist manipulated by callous spectators. It’s a party for everyone but Death By Piano front-woman KALEN; the audience uses props like hammers and a saw to experiment on her. Like Barbie gone wrong, KALEN is smeared, stripped and ripped. KALEN and collaborator Greywolf are confined behind a cloudy glass wall with no sense of escape. The strange rituals they perform evoke the question “DO I?…keep taking this abuse?”
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
It was initially a little side project with bassist Jay G (Greywolf) that we formed when driving home from Kalen & The Sky Thieves rehearsals. After KST broke up, we had more time to develop Death By Piano. We ran with it together for a few years. Now, it’s my thing and I’m collaborating with a wide cast of producers and visual artists.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
“Driftwood”, the final song on the HELLISH ep is probably my favorite. There were a lot of incredible synchronous moments for Greywolf and I writing it and the piece become so much bigger than its parts, so much more than either one of us would’ve been able to do on our own. I cried in the studio the day of final vocals when I heard the near completed piece played back. Only time that’s ever happened. I felt humbled by it, by having a hand in something that I felt communicates some truth.
I’m also really into the single “Do I?” for which the video was made.
Who are your all time musical icons?
Big range from Bowie to Kate Bush, Grace Jones to Zeppelin, Radiohead to Portishead.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Spend time in nature, go to museums, hang out with creative weirdos, spend time with my daughter, read poetry before bed, make time for creating.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Newest favorite find is Kelsey Lu.
Favorite movie or TV show?
Movie: Diva (Jean-Jacques Beineix’s 1981 film)
Favorite recent fun TV show is We Are Lady Parts about a Muslim, female, punk band.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
The HELLISH ep was brewing for a while, birthed from two people going through lots of personal changes and a world that was seeming to go to shit.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
I used to eat really spicy things before shows when on tour with my old band. I couldn’t get high and play like everyone else, so it was my way of getting to a slightly altered place. Haha. Then, weed after a show.
Day of, it’s important for me to work out and get inside my body before warming up my breathing and my vocals. Meditation is important. Picking the clothes in advance is always helpful. I like lighting incense before a show. A little whiskey. Then, weed after a show.
What’s the future looking like for you?
Bright. Collaborating with so many talented people. In the studio with Tom Marsh and No Surrender working on new Death By Piano material. Also putting a solo KALEN album out sometime in the next year.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
A blend of Siouxsie Sioux and flamenco dancers.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
I’m pretty psyched about this music video for Do I? Incredible cast, crew, song and product. I’m stoked on that.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
There’s no one way. Just make it. As much as you can. Be open. Keep iterating. Make the time and the space for it. Be open to new technology and a changing world.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
Payola, pay to play. Pay to promo in false inflationary ways. The way the already successful just circle jerk one another on social media. Journalists’ all too frequent cowardice to come up with their own opinion about an indie project if it hasn’t yet been deemed cool by the powers that be.
