Joe Nash of Blue Bendy to release debut EP “Perish Songs” for solo project Dying 4
Perish Songs, the kickoff to Dying 4, showcases Nash drawing inspiration from his formative years in Scunthorpe. He reminisces about being part of a group of friends who identified as skaters, but were often ridiculed as “greebo,” “mosher,” or “emo” by other kids who preferred hardstyle and UKG music at Church Square in town. Nash reflects on the tribalism within the counterculture scene in Scunthorpe, describing it as intense yet thrilling. He notes that despite the challenges, it was an exhilarating experience to be part of various misfit groups growing up in such a unique place.
Blue Bendy, known for their complex experimental sound as a six-member band, takes a simpler approach with Dying 4. Nash opts to create compositions using only electric guitar, drums, and vocals crafted entirely on his laptop. “Strafe,” the lead single from this project, fuses elements of UK garage, midwest emo, and art-rock into a captivating blend.
When discussing “Strafe,” Nash reveals that the track embodies nostalgia for regrettable haircuts, performative reading, and the desire for attention. He shares the origins of the song, which started as a complex guitar riff he used to warm up for live performances with the band. By taking a departure from traditional rock music and venturing into electronic territory using Ableton, Nash was able to breathe new life into the track. Despite his proficiency in electronic music production as a hobby, Nash admits that he isn’t skilled in playing keyboards. Transitioning from the realms of synthesizers to guitar-based production allowed him to find his groove and bring a fresh perspective to his music.
Dying 4 marks a departure from Nash’s usual collaborative efforts with Blue Bendy, as he takes the reins to explore a more personal and introspective approach to music-making. By condensing his sound to a trio of instruments and focusing on electronic experimentation, Nash delves into uncharted territory, blending genres and musical influences to craft a unique sonic experience. “Strafe” serves as a teaser for what’s to come from this exciting new project, offering a glimpse into Nash’s creative evolution and innovative production techniques. With Dying 4, Nash showcases his versatility as an artist, pushing boundaries and reinventing his musical identity with each track.