190 Proof: Devil’s Cut Frontman Trey Landrum Discusses the Wonderful World of Alcohol

For a band just gaining traction with their debut album, Devil’s Cut are an ambitious bunch. They are making an immediate impact with the release of their ROADKILL album, released via MNRK Heavy. Released last month, the Louisville, Kentucky band conjoin the best of metalcore and the spirit of classic country. There is a lot that heavy metal and country music share in common, and those are worlds that Devil’s Cut became interested in intersecting. Living in Kentucky, the band members naturally grew up on artists like Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks. But they also loved classic metal acts like Metallica and Pantera, too. So, with those inspirations in mind, they strove to create a sound that would pay respect to each genre.

To fully immerse themselves in the country spirit, the members of Devil’s Cut relocated to Nashville for a month to write and record. They collaborated with experienced songwriters like Cody Quistad, Serg Sanchez, and Kile Odell. Being entrenched in this environment really helped influence the sound and the style of the music. That’s apparent throughout ROADKILL and its style of songs. There are rowdy party anthems immersed with more reflective, emotional tracks. They are songs made for live performance, something Devil’s Cut will be doing lots of the rest of this year. They feel the best way of winning over fans is to get out there and earn them. And that’s what they plan to do, the traditional way, through hard work and proving their worth.

Considering the sound and tone of ROADKILL, frontman Trey Landrum seemed like the perfect person to connect with for a 190 Proof interview. We discuss his favourite drinks and reminisce about some memorable experiences that involved some alcohol.

First things first: Beer, wine, or liquor?

“Trey Landrum: Why choose one when you can have all three? Each one has its time and place. Whether it’s blacking out on wine at a wedding, sipping beer with the bros, or ripping shots on a bender weekend. They all get the job done!”

What’s the most expensive drink you’ve ever had? Describe the experience.

“Coors Light. My mom was cooking in the kitchen and using it to cook with. I snuck in and took a swig when she wasn’t looking.”

Devil’s Cut, photo courtey of Devil’s Cut

Devil’s Cut, photo courtey of Devil’s Cut

What’s the most unique/strangest/most batshit thing you’ve ever had to drink? Describe the experience.

“I was out celebrating my buddy’s birthday, and we ate at a restaurant that served Rumple Margaritas called ‘RumpleRita’s.’ It sounds disgusting, but it was actually really good. I don’t know if it’s because I was already drunk, though.”

What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever done under the influence?

“While on vacation, I got ripped on the beach with my buddy. It was nightfall when we saw an old crab trap and thought it’d be funny to throw crabs in the pool. Let’s just say it seemed way funnier drunk.”

Devil’s Cut ‘Roadkill’ album artwork

Favourite drinking game?

“I love watching Austin Powers and taking a shot every time he says, ‘yeah baby!’ There’s more to it than that with other phrases, but it will make you black out, guaranteed.”

If the world were coming to an end, what would be your drink of choice to watch it all burn?

“I’d probably grab a Newcastle Brown Ale. It’s one of my favourite beers of all time. When my dad was dying, he wanted to drink a few with me. The hospital let me bring a sixer so he could have a last one. So it was my pop’s last, it’d be mine too.”

If a drink could define your life so far, what would it be and why?

“Probably a Long Island iced tea…it has so many layers. It can be sweet, it can be sour. And if you don’t respect it, it will fuck you up.”

What’s your worst/best puke story?

“We were at some rooftop bar in Missouri (I think), and I took a terribly made Vegas bomb. It was so bad, I immediately puked under the table, but didn’t realize people were below… yeah.”

Devil’s Cut, photo courtey of Devil’s Cut