Interview with DEATHROLL

Jarod Smith
December 16, 2024

1. Why did you start making music? If you weren’t doing music, what would you be doing?

Listening to heavy metal inspired me to start. Without music, I honestly don’t know what I’d be doing.

2. What do you do when you’re not making music? How does that influence your creativity?

I enjoy exploring nature, which often helps inspire my songwriting process.

3. How long has your band been active, and what inspired its creation?

Deathroll has been active since 2012 as a solo project. It began as an outlet to share the music I created.

4. Where are you based, and how does that influence your music?

I’m based in Fukushima, Japan. The solitude and scenery often influence the dark themes in my music.

5. How did you come up with your band name, and what does it mean?

Deathroll represents a struggle between life and death. It’s a name that reflects my music’s intensity.

6. What’s your most memorable live performance?

Every performance is special, but I have vivid memories of our 2015 show where the song The Raptor Flying Away was first played live.

7. What’s your favorite venue, and where would you like to perform in the future?

I’d love to perform at major metal festivals like Wacken Open Air.

8. If you could create your dream lineup, who would you include?

Bands like Dissection, Morbid Angel, and Obscura would be amazing.

9. What advice would you give to someone starting a band? What advice would you give to your younger self?

To newcomers: Be consistent and true to your sound. To my younger self: Don’t be afraid to aim high.

10. What’s your most important song, and why?

The Raptor Flying Away.

It was one of the first songs I completed in 2015, and I’ve performed it at nearly every live show since.

11. Which songs do you enjoy playing live, and which are most requested?

The Raptor Flying Away and Why Is Your Name on the Deathroll? are fan favorites.

12. What’s your songwriting process, and what inspires your music?

I start by setting the BPM, creating riffs, and arranging the structure. Inspiration often comes from nature or personal struggles.

13. What message do you want to convey through your music?

Live strong and persevere.

14. Do you have any recent releases to share?

On September 1, 2024, I released a digital album titled A Corrupted Angel under STF Records.

15. What are your upcoming plans or announcements?

I don’t have any confirmed shows yet, but I’ll be announcing new updates soon. Please check my social media.

16. Where can fans get the latest updates? Any recommended accounts?

or to participate.