downcast - Sound In The Signals Interview

I recently had the opportunity to interview Liam and Ben of downcast. We discussed the writing and recording process for new album, ‘I Saw Hell When I Was With You’, favorite musical moments from the album, creating the album’s artwork, and more. Check it out below.

First, thanks for the interview.

No problem!

You recently released your new album, ‘I Saw Hell When I Was With You’. How have you felt about the response to the album so far?

Ben: I think the response has been pretty good so far. We’re really happy to have finally put the album out and are glad that everyone seems to like it.

Can you tell me more about the writing and recording process for the album?

Ben: We've always stuck to the same process when it comes to writing. I'll write the music, send the demo to Liam to write lyrics, and after a bit of back and forth and adding parts, we take it to Ian Sadler to record.

“sylvan view” is one of my favorite songs from the album. Can you tell me about writing that song specifically?

Ben: ‘sylvan view’ was the first song we wrote for the album after releasing ‘catharsis’. I wrote the verse guitar, and the rest of the song just fell into place.

Do you have a favorite musical or lyrical moment from it?

Ben: I think it's between the ridiculous three part guitar harmonies in the ‘britannia mills’ outro or the ‘someplace safer’ verses where it cuts to one guitar and the harmonised vocals.

I really like the artwork. It’s really interesting. Who came up with the concept for it and designed it? What is the meaning behind it?

Liam: Thank you. We came up with the concept as a band, and it was designed by Ed at Heeey! Design Studio. We wanted it to tie in with the theme of hell, as well as include visual references to our music videos.