The Last Martyr released a new single last month and gave it it’s first stage run at UNIFY Off The Record in Adelaide on May 26. ‘Comedy/Tragedy’ is an eclectic new track that contrasts manic highs with diving lows. The band have been gaining popularity in the heavy scene having toured across the country with Black Veil Brides, and supported bands such as Dayseeker, Paledusk, Sunk Loto, and Story Of The Year.
We caught up with vocalist, Monica Strut, to find out a bit more about their latest single.
Your new single ‘Comedy/Tragedy’ is a bit of a groove! You’ve said that the song is written from the perspective of being aware that something is wrong, but not wanting to admit it yet. Do you feel like there’s an element of playing with fire, or living on the edge that comes with that sort of headspace? And if so, how do you manage that?
Definitely! I think it's possible to be self-aware but also in a place of fear when it comes to change and ‘Comedy/Tragedy’ is about embracing that in between stage. I find, especially in relationships where you know things aren't good but aren't ready to leave, there is so much muddy ground—you can become paralysed with indecision, so it's easier to pretend those problems don't exist. That's really what the song is about, with a sarcastic and sassy tone. I don't have a good answer as to how I manage it, I think writing songs is how I deal with a lot of stuff so that's probably it!
It has a really fun, chaotic vibe, and the screams are going to be such fun to hear live. Do you write songs with the intention they translate well in a live setting? Or are you willing to experiment with a song to find its live rendition?
Our philosophy in the studio has been to do what the song needs and figure out how to play it live later! It's always been that way for me—a lot of stuff comes out in the studio when you're being pushed by someone. Whether it's singing higher than I ever have before or having a longer screaming section than I've ever done, once it's recorded people just expect that live and I wouldn't be half the vocalist I am now without pushing to be better, weirder or think outside the box in a studio setting.
You just played UNIFY’s Off The Record in Adelaide, how was it being a part of a different rendition of UNIFY Gathering?
Adelaide felt really good! It was so nice to have the opportunity to speak on the Support Act mental health panel before our set, play if course, and then do our first official signing afterwards. It was a great vibe, there was a big sense of community and I got to jump up and sing ‘Solid Rock’ with Wildheart, which was special.
You also were on the Support Act Primal Therapy panel, what did you share?
One of the things we talked about was how the heavy scene had evolved over the last few years, specifically in terms of its emotional content. What came to mind was how we have so many different voices now with more women, queer and ethnically diverse people especially. There're just so many more perspectives, which only adds to the relatability for an audience and thus the power music can provide.
I didn't have many role models growing up who looked like me or who had the same experiences as me, and it wasn't until I saw Carla and Heidi from the Butcher Babies (who are so rock n' roll and fem) screaming that it even occurred to me that screaming might be something I could do. For whatever reason I related to them more than the very few other women in metal and so just by them being themselves, they've in many ways influenced The Last Martyr's sound.
It’s been a strong start for The Last Martyr this year, how will you carry the momentum through the rest of the year?
We've been taking most of the year to focus on writing actually so haven't played a ton of shows. But we're hoping to get on the road a bit more in the second half of the year, there are a couple of things in the works! But we toured so much last year it was impossible to write or fund new music to be honest so this year you can definitely expect some more tunes we think are our best yet!
We’re looking forward to seeing more from you this year, any insider hints about what’s to come?
Thank you! One of the singles will be a very fun cover. We've been playing a version true to the original live, but the recorded version is definitely our own spin on it! It was very fun to arrange in the studio so we're pretty pumped to release it in the near future!
Interview by Ebony Story @ebonyrose.s
'Comedy/Tragedy' is out now on all platforms.
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