Interview: Get To Know Kill Your Gods

Interview with Mitch Elint.

What first got you into music?

What first got me into music were local shows. Those were the first places where it felt like true liberation from your daily worries, where you could dance away the night without thought about tomorrow.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

Cult powerviolence, punk, hardcore. I used to push back against the idea of using the word cult but I learned to embrace it.

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

It was when I was neck deep in the ocean and felt the weight of the waves crashing against my body. As a performer, the only other time I feel that exact same weight is when I am creating and performing.

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

For Kill Your Gods, I find inspiration for lyrics in the injustices and hypocrisies of the world. Many musicians say something, but very few actually say anything. There are too many songs that will try to weave a story, take you on a journey, with their lyrics but their stories feel hollow like window dressing for flat and basic emotions to ensure that dozens of people can put themselves in the song and sing along with them. And while that is great for many, I would rather be honest and upfront about my lyrics, however brief they may be. Why add extraneous words or a pre-chorus to pad time?

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

I don’t. I create it for myself with honesty at the core. I create what I want to see created and know there are others out there who will also enjoy it.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

It is traveling across the world and making genuine conversations and connections with people no matter where I am.

Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?

The main milestone is to spread the word of The Palimpsest to every available ear, for each person come together and join the Cult of Heønts.

How do you prepare for a show or tour?

For a show - go out and make sure I have the set list and the transubstantiation communion corn prepared. For a tour, it is much the same but ensure that you have enough wet wipes for the spring/summer tours.

What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?

Seeing out the corner of my eye, the sound guy looking at the sound board and shrugging his shoulders. Later on, the entire PA system died at the show.

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

The latest musical release is the demo, "The First Sermon, The First Nail", a 3-song EP that is a new axiom for a desperate world that has needs it so. New music is always being crafted and refined, for the next show and recording. The other major project is The Palimpsest, a collection of writings that I have been gathering over my years of travels that deal with the truths of the universe all that it holds.

Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?

Not at the moment but there are dozens of people and musicians I have yet to meet. The future is full of possibility.

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

The message is to never be afraid to be your authentic self, especially if you, like myself, are a part of LGBTQAI+ community. Speak honest truth to power and never stop pushing for a better world. The emotion I want people to take away from the music is hope and that we can all work together towards a better world when we realize that it is, and always was, Top vs Bottom.

Who are you listening to right now?

Dangers, Sqiud Pisser, Cattle Decapitation, Spooky Visions, Punch, Mental Waste, Napalm Death.

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

I see the music evolving in untold ways by allowing itself to take control and guide myself to wherever it may lead.

How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?

Very well! As someone who has no desire to make any appeals for commercial success, I am free to create exactly what I want to create without worry of oversight.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

I am working on new recordings and the continued creation of The Palimpsest

Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.

Don’t let the fuckers tell you how to dance.

Kill Your Gods (@killyourgodsband) • Instagram photos and videos