2023 is off to an amazing start for Metal Southern Belles Media. We are keeping the ball rockin’ and rollin’ with weekly interviews and we are happy to have you here with us. For our second badass discussion of the new year, we have a chat with Dave Frost of THE RED MOUNTAIN. This Mississippi based band is powered by a Heavy Metal heart and a fearless drive to experiment with the genre. Their vocalist, Dave, tells us all about this Metal fusion along with their freely interpreted lyrics and killer live performances. He also discusses the band’s latest release, ‘Alpha’, and teases us on what is to come. Let’s get to climbing up THE RED MOUNTAIN to explore the mysterious, but exciting, peak…

MSBM: Hey, Dave! Can you tell me about how you got started with music and THE RED MOUNTAIN in particular?

DF: I began being in bands back around 2005 with some friends from my hometown. THE RED MOUNTAIN came together in 2015 in a friend’s damp basement. Cody (bass) and Goph (guitar) had been in bands together in the past, and Adam (drums) and I were also in a band together at one point previously. In 2015, Cody, Goph, and I formed the band and went through a plethora of different drummers before (Adam) Smith was able to join up and really solidify the lineup.

MSBM: Now, that we’ve established how the band formed and who the members are, let’s really dive in. What combination of influences molded THE RED MOUNTAIN’s music and lyrical content?

DF: As far as the instrumentation part goes, we’re all avid fans of Heavy Metal. So, I’d wager that’s where our hearts are. We each love all different genres of music though, and we’re never afraid to experiment with anything. When it comes to lyrics, I like the listener to make their own interpretations.

MSBM: Heavy Metal has my heart as well, but like you guys, I enjoy other stuff too. So, I think it’s cool to fuse genres together. With the lyrics being left up to individual interpretation, what about your band name? Every band name has an origin! Who came up with your band’s name and what significance does it have?

DF: Some say no one knows. I read a story once about a man who jumped from the pinnacle.

MSBM: I guess we can leave that up to interpretation as well, huh? Don’t we all enjoy a good mystery! So, TRM recorded a 3 song demo in 2019. What was the writing and studio process like during this period?

DF: Most of those songs had been written a couple years prior and performed multiple times live, so we really knew exactly what we wanted when we entered the studio. We love to let our songs audibly develop and mature live a lot of the time before recording. Also, in our home studio, we did a great deal of pre-production for the songs. At American Recording Studio in Memphis, we were able to lay down the tracks for that demo fairly quick. Shout out to Jason Gillespie for being such an awesome engineer for us.

MSBM: The debut, full-length album, ‘ALPHA’, was then released in May of 2022. How did the creation of this album differ from that previous demo?

DF: We had a pretty decent amount of songs built up after the demo and we really wanted to go all in and do a full record. During the covid-19 horseshit debacle, we spent a great deal of time tightening up songs and writing new things, but it was also a perfect time to record. We had worked with Michael Babb at Babbylon Sound in Memphis prior when we recorded and released “Blood Poison,” and we really felt that he understood our sound, so that’s who we went to for the album.

MSBM: With ‘ALPHA’ unleashed on the world, what has the band been doing off the heels of that release?

DF: Several shows. Lots of promoting the album around. We still have a few tricks up our sleeves with ‘ALPHA’. We’re already writing new material for the next one too.

MSBM: Before we get into detail about the new material and such, can you describe what shows are like for TRM?

DF: They’re our lifeblood. We feed off of energy, and we emit pure energy as well. It’s meant to be “experienced,” not just seen and heard.

MSBM: I agree that a concert just has to be experienced. It’s not easily put into words, but there’s truly nothing like it. It’s the “lifeblood” for many and that’s so profound! Now, what details can you give us about your band’s 2023 plans?

DF: As in the aforementioned, we’re planning to put out more music for sure. Maybe some visual treats… Also, to play as many shows as possible.

MSBM: That sounds absolutely exciting! So no one misses out, where is the best place to go to stay updated with TRM? And where can your music be found?

DF: We’re on all the social b.s., but our Linktree is a good way to pick your own favorite distractive destiny. The music can be found on all major streaming services, ‘ALPHA’ can be purchased and shipped via our Facebook store, but most importantly, our music can be EXPERIENCED live!!! We implore you, come to a show.

All of THE RED MOUNTAIN’s links: https://linktr.ee/theredmountain

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