Loathe’s Connor Sweeney Discusses their Writing Process, Future Direction and the Perfect Surroundings to Listen to their New Album

Hailing from Liverpool, England, as well as producing one of the most exciting records of 2020 in the form of I Let It In And It Took Everything, now seemed like a good opportunity to chat to Loathe. Here’s what guitarist Connor Sweeney told us when we spoke to him recently.

So, the new album is finally out, it’s been a two-year wait, how does it feel now fans are able to hear it ?

Connor: “It feels pretty weird to be honest, but good for sure. We were working on it for a very very long time refining everything to be the best version of itself that it could be. Some songs ended up just being great first or even second time around, which helped aid the process nearing completion. If anything we are just very glad that people care about our music and that they’re willing to wait for it, until it is as good as it can be.”

From your own perspective, how do you feel you’ve changed as a band since the first record ?

Connor: “We have all matured a lot and we have really learned how to understand one another more and more. It’s been a journey for us to become better and healthier people. We also continue to learn what we want from the band musically, and the things we haven’t incorporated yet that we want to incorporate. The thing that changes the most is the discovery and it’s always unwaveringly different, which is the most exciting thing.”

Given the depth of the material it would be fair to say the writing process doesn’t involve just churning out riffs until a song appears. Could you talk us through what you go through when writing material ?

Connor: “It’s very different for everyone. We all definitely have strengths in different areas when it comes to writing. For me, it’s always different. Sometimes I’ll have an idea that will pop into my head that I’ll mouth into a voice note if I like the rhythm, and then work in notes/vibes that I think sound cool. It always differs depending on if it’s going to be a more heavy or light song or whatever the creation may be. It also depends on what I‘ve been listening to at the time I guess too – but sometimes that doesn’t come into it. The process can be somewhat alien sometimes in a sense that it’s going to take control of you, and the song will make you write it rather than the other way around.”

The whole album from the title through to the music feels very emotional. How cathartic is it for you writing and performing those songs ?

Connor: “Very much so. I remember the first time I heard some of the songs in their first drafts and getting goosebumps – and even getting quite emotional at another because of how it made me feel, and what it made me remember and attribute to our current time compared to the past. Every time new music is written it’s like a clean slate playing it live and it’s super refreshing.”

Even though the album has just released, where do you see the sound evolving in the future ?

Connor: “Above and beyond what it is right now, I hope, which is what we want every time. New things, new avenues, new sounds, new emotions. As long as we like it and we live it, then that’s all that matters.”

Loathe are one of those bands that will offer every listener something different, what kind of feedback have you had from fans about what they get out of the band and your music ?

Connor: “I guess somewhat of everything, since introducing more of a softer side, which is something we wanted to do for a while. It’s obviously expanded our horizons in terms of music people may like etc. It offers more interesting kinds of emotion to fulfill people’s emotional needs when listening to songs. For example, “Is It Really You?” is somewhat of a love song which we have never done before. So that’s a huge change from what we have done in the past.”

In general, what do you think of the heavy music scene in 2020 ?

Connor: “It’s the best it’s ever been in my opinion. Bands are working harder and putting more into what they do as a whole, which is really amazing to see. People are understanding now more than ever that being in a band isn’t just people playing music to people. You have to make it way, way more than that. Visually especially.”

Do you think the more experimental bands like Loathe will influence a change in the extreme music scene towards more diversity again ?

Connor: “I would like to hope so. I would just suggest listening to loads of different music and then incorporating what you like about it, into what you do. It allows way more of a unique approach.”

I Let It In and It Took Everything Artwork

Okay, just moving on to your home city of Liverpool, what’s the heavy music scene like there these days in terms of bands, venues, promoters?

Connor: “It’s good. People care about each other, bands care about each other. In my experience, it’s a very loving community in regards to music and people knowing each other/attending shows, etc. It’s never a dull or hostile moment. It’s always very chill.”

Going back to the depth of the album again, what would you say are the perfect surroundings and mood to be in to fully appreciate the album ?

Connor: “When you’re heavily involved in a creative/relaxing or even evaluation process, be it reading a book, overlooking a view, travelling to work. Wherever you are it will cause your emotion to become invested in it, in my opinion.”

Obviously, you’ll be hitting the road to promote the album and there has been talk of dates in America. Are there any plans you can tell us about ?

Connor: “We are supposed to be touring Europe in the summer but due to Coronavirus there may be a lot of complications with it. We will have to wait and see.”

Finally, thanks for your time and good luck with this incredible record. Just to finish, can you tell us what you think Loathe offer to the heavy music scene in 2020 ?

Connor: “Thank you for taking the time to write about us. Visually and musically we offer things that most bands do not. To find that out, you must come to a show. Thank you for reading and thank you all for your time. I hope you have a great day.”

Loathe’s new album ‘I Let It In And It Took Everything’ is out now available via SharpTone Records. You can also support the band by buying merchandise from the official Loathe website