Interview with Heiress; Frontman John Pettibone (ex-Himsa & Undertow) Discusses the Band’s New Record ‘Made Wrong’

Former Himsa and Undertow frontman, John Pettibone, has been having great success with his most recent band, Heiress. The group has been releasing music very consistently over the last few years and have returned with their latest offering, Made Wrong (purchase your copy here). The release was recorded with iconic producer Matt Bayles (Mastodon, ISIS, Botch, Pearl Jam) and showcase a progression into darker, more experimental sounds while still managing to sound heavier than anything Heiress has previously done. We recently spoke to lead singer John Pettibone to learn a little more about Made Wrong and it’s follow-up which apparently is over halfway finished!

Made Wrong is your latest release, consisting of seven brand new intense tracks. How would you best describe these new songs?
Pettibone: Matured, intensified, conjuring, exploration, structured and calming.

There are a lot of different influences on Made Wrong, including hardcore, traditional metal, post-metal and doom. What made you want to veer your sound into these different directions?
Pettibone: I don’t think it was wanting to veer away, but more of an extension coming out of the Of Great Sorrows session. Made Wrong was almost completely written during the recording of OGS. We are a band that consists of all those elements you described.

Made Wrong was recorded with Matt Bayles (Mastodon, Pearl Jam, Botch). How did Matt become involved in working with you on this record?
Pettibone: Matt has been a friend of mine for over 20 years and we had never really worked together before except for some backing vocals I did on a Botch recording. A mutual respect for each other’s craft. He was the choice as we are expanding into deeper territories and exposures.

What do you feel is the best thing that Matt brought to the table in the writing and recording process?
Pettibone: His extensive knowledge and background in “heavy” music. His resume speaks for itself. He’s familiar with all the bands we’ve been in before so it made for a very easy atmosphere and approach.

You’ve done a lot of recording over the last few years, with 2013’s Early Frost, 2015’s Of Great Sorrow and now 2016’s Made Wrong. How has the band managed to write and record at such a prolific pace while still touring and taking on other projects?
Pettibone: We actually haven’t toured so that’s why the pace of writing and recording has been in such a timely manner. Things will change a bit after this release with hitting the road.

It’s Heiress’ ten year anniversary as a band this year. Any big plans to celebrate or commemorate this event sometime this year?
Pettibone: Wow! I had no idea… Thank you. Maybe I’ll take the boys out for steaks….

What’s next for Heiress? Can we expect another record in 2017?
Pettibone: Next is a 7″ split series. A possible tape release of some early material that we would re-record. We are 60% into writing the next full-length.

Check out the song “Clearing” here.