EMQs With Chain Code

EMQ’s With CHAIN CODE
26/04/2024

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Sci-Fi inspired Progressive Rock project Chain Code. Huge thanks to MuRphry for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

I (MuRphry) started Chain Code in 2022 as a way of expressing my enjoyment of the progressive rock and science fiction genres.  I am the only member of the band, although I am open to that changing in the future if some other weirdos want to come aboard. Synthetic Outcomes, out October 1st of this year(links below), is the debut album.  I worked on it, along with the second full length that will see the light of day in 2025, for about a year and a half before I started to concern myself with the art.  I didn’t even have a name for the project, but I knew it had to work with the lyrical themes of technology overcoming humanity.   

How did you come up with your band name?

While I feel there is much to dislike about Star Wars, I took the name from one of the more reputable ventures in the canon, The Clone Wars/Bad Batch/Mandalorian, because it represents a way of using technology to control and monitor citizens and a great deal of the lyrics on Synthetic Outcomes concern the disastrous conclusions reached through subjugation to technology.  

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

I wish I had some cool sci-fi to give you, like I was from post-apocalyptic Detroit and my music was part of the resistance against OCP, but I am just a nerdy dude who likes progressive rock and sci-fi.   I am of the belief that anywhere human beings congregate quality art will emerge. I don’t get too involved in scenes, just try to understand that music means something to everyone and there isn’t a singular reason for that. 

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Synthetic Outcomes releases on October 1st, 2024.  There is currently a single, A New Face, released for it(on our band camp) and a second single will be released in September.  I encourage all weirdos on the outskirts of several genres, like myself, to put on some headphones and jam it!  If it pleases you, please show some support and purchase. Five bucks is five bucks!

Who have been your greatest influences?

When I started Chain Code, I started writing with the intention of crossing the career of incredibly underrated Adrian Belew(King Crimson, Solo, Talking Heads, Zappa, etc) with the odd metal stylings of Voivod(Nothingface onward in particular). However, during the writing process, I noticed there were other long-held influences of mine coming through.  I’ve always thought East Bay Ray of Dead Kennedys was a unique guitarist, and I definitely see moments of trying to emulate his style.  I’ve also always been a big Primus fan and noticed some of that influence creeping in, as well.  That being said, I’m a pretty big fan of music in general, so it’s always hard to say what exactly is rolling around in my brain.  I’m a big fan of both picking up an instrument and recording the first thing that comes out and meticulously planning songs.  I don’t argue with whatever process is working through me during any creative moment. 

What first got you into music?

My family.  I was born into a diverse musical household, with my father’s side exposing me to rock and roll at an early age and my mother’s side exposing me to country/western.   I was immediately into how music could be taken seriously and emotionally, but could also be fun and funny. I took lessons at a very young age and just kind of developed into my own weird thing. 

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Adrian Belew!

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Something outside, so I could stick around and drink under the sky and watch bands.  I’m a big fan of attending shows.  Just within the past 10 days, I saw the most recent Zappa Plays Zappa tour and the awesome King Buzzo/Dunn show.   

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I have yet to receive a gift from a fan of Chain Code.  However, this summer I did have some luck at concerts tagging my own gifts.  I caught a Will Calhoun(Living Colour) drumstick and a Nuno Bettencourt(Extreme) guitar pick on the same day!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Think for yourself.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Frank Zappa.  The world desperately needs his commentary. 

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy freedom.  I am not bound by any organization or person in order to create.  I can create what I want when I want, and how I want.  I also enjoy the friendships I have made throughout the years with other music maniacs. No matter what bullshit is going on in this insane world, if two people can find a band to agree on they can talk for hours.   Honestly, I kind of hate the rest! 

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

It is what it is. There is no point in complaining about something that naturally changes with each zeitgeist.  I’m not sure my music is appropriate for the ‘industry’ at large, but I think there are some oddballs out there who might enjoy it. 

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Pick a King Crimson” album. 

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I partake in the purchasing of all four. Vinyl is the best sound-wise, but most of my listening is done on the move using streaming these days.  So, whatever.   As long as I have ears to hear with, I’ll find a way to listen to music. 

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

The one in my mind where I play to a full house and not a single person is holding up a cell phone, taking horrible-sounding video of a once sacred environment. 

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Music is not my career, it is my creative outlet from my career. I don’t think I am particularly interested in music as a career, honestly. 

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Frank Zappa, Robert Fripp, George Carlin, David Byrne, Devin Townsend. 

What’s next for the band?

The release of both albums.  “Synthetic Outcomes” comes out October 1st!

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? 

https://chaincode.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChainCodeBand

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?

One man’s carb intake and the knowledge of names concerning said carb intake are his business, ok????

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

RIP to both Psycho Sid Vicious and my favorite bird friend, Sulley.  Both passed on this week. 

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.