Phoenix, Arizona, multi-genre band Arsenic Kitchen debuts their brand new, clever, stratified single, G.S.S.
Arsenic Kitchen was established as an ambitious side project aimed at crafting a musical landscape devoid of conventional boundaries. The band's creative vision embraces randomness and experimentation, perfectly embodied in their distinctive name. As an aggressive post-hardcore ensemble, they infuse their sound with an infectious 80s vibe, layered with emo dramatism and the theatrical elements of musical performance.
Their latest endeavor, the stand-alone single "GSS," intricately weaves together these diverse influences. The new track delivers a powerful message about liberating oneself from the fears and apprehensions surrounding external judgment, encouraging listeners to boldly pursue their passions and love without reservation.
While "G.S.S." serves as a noteworthy introduction to Arsenic Kitchen's artistic journey, it is merely a glimpse into what lies ahead. The band has exciting plans for the year, aiming to unveil two additional projects that promise to further showcase their innovative approach to music and storytelling. With each release, Arsenic Kitchen seeks to challenge listeners, inviting them into a world where creativity knows no bounds.
What started Arsenic Kitchen? What is the story behind the name?
Arsenic Kitchen: The band started as a side project to be able to write freely from our main project which was pretty restrictive genre-wise. AK has always been about avoiding genre labels and just writing whatever we’ve got. The name has no deep meaning and there's no crazy story. It's easy enough to remember but weird enough to stick! It was as random as it sounds and that's one of the things we love about it.
You guys have this 80s-tinged aesthetic mixed with these aggressive post-hardcore textures that have really made your sound stand out. What were your influences going into your new single? What was the creative process going into that?
Arsenic Kitchen: We always love hearing how others see us because the 80’s vibe isn't what we go for but we love that’s what other people see! We’re influenced a bit by old-school hair metal with their crazy outfits and big stage presence but it’s definitely a mix of emo and musical theater, performance-wise. We want to be big, theatrical, emotional, and unforgettable. Our recorded songs are well produced and thought out but we want our performances to be special and something you take with you forever.
Lyrically, GSS talks about giving up on goals or dreams that you have trouble achieving in life because of the roadblocks that stop you from fully realizing them, but eventually being genuine when it comes to the decisions you make and the kind of person you want to be and going after those dreams, and putting aside those insecurities that were in your way in the first place. What inspired this single?
Arsenic Kitchen: G.S.S. is actually about giving up on your fears or worries about what others will think of you to pursue your goals and love. Being happy without the boundaries of others' judgment. Living the truest version of yourself no matter what.
While this track more or less evokes these very somber emotions, there is still this small bit of hope that lingers within this track that makes one feel that despite what stands in your way, you have the ability to change your destiny and the things you want to achieve, as long the decisions you are making stay true to yourself and the things you want to accomplish in your life. What have you felt you learned from this process?
Arsenic Kitchen: This was the first song that was ever written for the band and just put on the back burner for a long time. It’s gone through so many changes stylistically just to mostly come back to how it was originally written for the release. It was also one of the first music videos we shot. We learned a lot about filming and that sometimes no matter how much you try to change something due to your own criticism, sometimes your first instinct was the right one.
What is next for you guys? Is this single a part of something bigger like an EP or album in the works? If you can share with your fans, haha.
Arsenic Kitchen: This single is a stand-alone. It is definitely out of our style a bit but we love it. Coming later this year will be a Tim Burton-inspired EP with some really cool music videos. We’re headed to Nashville in a couple of months to begin tracking on a full-length album with a full cinematic Music Video series that we are unbelievably stoked to share more info on when we can! We also have a few amazing tours and events planned and it's only February. There are so many more plans and announcements in the works for 2025 and we can't wait to share it!
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