Major congratulations on the upcoming October 13 release of your new gem of a single Benighted and its accompanying music video! Molly, did KARMEN FIELD have as much fun making the video for Benighted as we did in watching it?

 A- it was a real adventure. The filming site was somewhere we explore regularly, so we felt very connected to the landscape and history of the place. We chose a site that was way off the beaten track in an old silo from WW2, one of many along the South Wales coast. Local stompers were very intrigued at what we were doing, and the sound of the drums could be heard all the way from the Beach path. Wills guitar solo scene gives me goosebumps, and working with Drew of Unit 15 Productions was really chilled. 

Benighted hails from KARMEN FIELD’s rockin’ debut album Black Star Emperor. Will, can you talk about what inspired this absolutely mesmerizing tune?

A – Benighted musically is most heavily influenced by the likes of stone temple pilots, Alice in chains and to some degree limp bizkit among other artists. Lyrically it’s about the frustration you can have when those you care about and/or work with take us for granted and put their selfish impulses first (myself being the particularly guilty party in the case of inspiring this song). One of the main reasons we’ve come as far as we are as a band and have the bond that we share now is through this brutal but fair honesty with each other. For me this song represents the love and patience the others have had and continue to have with me when I’m not my best and pushes me to make them proud.

Lewis, what makes Benighted the perfect choice of all of the amazing songs off of the Black Star Emperor album to see release as a single? Do you feel that it’s representative of the LP as a whole?

A – Benighted has been one of our most requested songs from our fans and we believe in giving the people what they want! It also fits quite well alongside our other music video for oceans in terms of sound and feel of the track, and the video will be a good chance for fans who have never seen us live to see what we look like……

Joe, how involved behind the scenes was KARMEN FIELD in the production of the Benighted music video? Was this a real team effort?

A – The entire band took part and made an effort in what we should do for the music video. I helped decide the location but we all chipped in. From Lewis wanting nature shots of the wildlife, Will suggesting wide angle drone shots of him and Lewis doing solo shots, to molly coming up with the colour scheme for everything, the woodland shots and lots more. It was truly a joint effort.

Molly, who was the producer on Benighted and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio while recording the tune?

A – Jayce Lewis of Northstone Studios really elevated the vocals, especially with the chorus. By adding harmonies we wrote in the studio, we managed to create a super impactful musical lift which gives the track another big boost of energy. The guitar solo was laid down in one take, I know Will is super proud of that fact! 

Will, on the heels of the release of all of this amazing new music, can fans look forward to catching KARMEN FIELD on the touring/performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?

A – We have a few shows coming up towards the end of this year locally but our main focus right now is taking bookings for 2024. We have a run of shows in the works for the spring and are currently in talks for tours/festivals over the summer, watch this space!! I also impress any promoters/festival organisers that would like to book us to contact us asap before our calendar is full.

A question for all of you: Who inspires you musically?

A – We are all heavily influenced by Tool, Alice in Chains, Rage against the Machine, and Deftones. 

Lewis, KARMEN FIELD hails from Cardiff, Wales. How do these roots inform the sound and the energy of the band?

A- I want to say that music is in our very veins as celts, we hail from the land of poets and bards. Our creativity may be due to our tremendously bad weather, as we aren’t the only band to hail from South Wales!

Joe, what’s in store for KARMEN FIELD in 2024?

A- There’s so much in store for Karmen Field in 2024 and beyond. We are currently putting the last finishing touches on our next release which will be a 3 song EP recorded live in the studio. We’ve also been busy writing more material which we’re very pleased about and excited for. We’re arranging for another jaunt in England (and hopefully Scotland and Ireland!) where i’m sure we’ll blow more than a few roofs off! We’re also going to be looking at playing some festivals in the summer so 2024, we’re coming for you!

Molly, at the end of the day what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin and view to the new single and music video for Benighted?

A – That people, especially socially oppressed people, know that anger is natural and normal. You can’t always resolve differences, some people just aren’t worth your energy. Ending bad friendships and difficult relationships is something a lot of us can relate to. But it’s not always celebrated. Making those hard decisions for yourself can make or break you.