After a decade of defining, redefining, and perfecting their art, FISSION finds Dead Poet Society poised to be rock’s next breakout act. Despite the whirlwind of prepping for their extensive tour, guitarist Jack Collins took time to chat with Montreal Rocks about the album’s creation, the band’s growth, and the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience of sharing new music with the world.
As Collins explained, the lead-up to an album release is anything but downtime. It’s crammed with meticulous rehearsals to nail the live versions of the new songs. “Just as much work as writing and recording the tunes is learning how to play ’em right,” he said, highlighting the band’s dedication to their craft. The tour schedule is relentless, with only quick pit stops at home, but for Collins and his bandmates, the road feels like their true north. “We’ve dreamt about it our whole lives,” he says.
The anticipation surrounding “Fission’s” release is a cocktail of excitement and nerves for Collins. The band’s commitment to unanimity in their music-making process means each song is a distillation of their collective spirit, making the prospect of public reception all the more personal. “I’m more stoked than nervous, but I am nervous because we pour so much of ourselves into these songs,” he admits.
Drawing from the lessons learned from their previous works, including their debut album and the EPs that came before it, Dead Poet Society has aimed to push the envelope in every aspect of their music. Collins pointed to the band’s intention to ramp up the production quality, dig deeper into the lyrics, and supercharge the melodies and songwriting. Influenced by arena rock titans like Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters, they craved a sound that’s expansive yet nuanced, capable of filling arenas without losing its edge in smaller settings.
“Fission” delivers a rich tapestry of musical styles, a deliberate choice that reflects the band’s eclectic tastes and commitment to pushing their creative boundaries. “We just lean into anything that makes us feel something different and something powerful,” Collins says, revealing the band’s ethos of embracing diverse influences to forge their unique sound.
The cohesion of “Fission” isn’t just in its sonic diversity but also in its thoughtful tracklisting, a collaborative effort that involved the entire band and even led to passionate debates (in the best way possible!). It’s a testament to their collective decision-making process, ensuring the album’s narrative flow aligns with their artistic vision.
With several singles already unleashed into the wild, the strategy behind their selection was a blend of the band’s gut feelings and collaborative discussions with their label and management. Despite differing opinions, the ultimate goal was to present a body of work that remained true to their artistic integrity. “At the end of the day, they’re all coming out,” Collins stated, expressing trust in their fans to connect with the music on a deeper level.
Among the unreleased tracks, Collins is especially fired up for fans to hear “KOET,” a song that showcases the fretless guitar and represents a significant evolution in their sound. It’s a track that stands out for its uniqueness and the personal connection Collins feels to the instrument.
The album cover is a reflection of the band’s vibe-oriented approach. The chosen image, a photograph of a statue taken by a friend, resonated with the band as a visual representation of the album’s essence. This thoughtful selection process underscores their belief in the symbiotic relationship between music and visual art.
As Dead Poet Society gears up for a year jam-packed with touring and festival appearances, Collins’s dream of sharing the stage with the Foo Fighters reflects the band’s ambitious aspirations. With “Fission,” they are poised to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their place in the pantheon of rock bands capable of crafting music that resonates both in the intimacy of headphones and the expanse of arenas. As they embark on this new chapter, the blend of anticipation and determination is a testament to their passion for music and the deeply rooted connection they share as a band and with their fans.
Watch the full interview below:
