Their second album Femme! will be released independently this summer
CARDIFF pop artist Dead Method has released a new single Cosmic Saviour from their upcoming album.
“People will be able to see how much I’ve advanced and grown. I really want to showcase my ability as a performer and an artist,” said Dead Method, whose true name is Lloyd Best.
Cosmic Saviour was released on March 18 and features Jack Rua, a Dublin-based artist. It is produced by Edward Russell, the person behind Inside The Groove.
“It was one of the first songs we wrote. It’s about reinventing yourself when you’re at your lowest. I was in the midst of an identity crisis but we were able to find the sound and words that felt right,” said Mr Best.
Mr Best, 28, grew up in Fairwater but now lives in Grangetown. He said these experiences have influenced his music.
“The songs and subject matter are reflective of my personal experiences. As someone who’s always been very gay, it’s not been a walk in the park.
“School was not a particularly fun or safe place. When I got older, I was being told to suppress myself and it just got to a point where I was so unhappy, I just said this is not who I am and decided to embrace myself instead.”
Dead Method’s second album is expected to be released independently in June featuring other Welsh artists like Maditronique. The lead single Femme! was released on February 18.
“It’s a much more cohesive project and I’m very excited to get everyone’s opinions on it. The through-line of the album is the reclamation of power. I’m reclaiming what was taken from me and finding my identity,” he said.
Mr Best pursued a music career from a young age but often struggles to gain recognition in the Welsh music industry despite Wales producing several big pop stars.
He said: “If you look at those pop stars who’ve made it big, they haven’t necessarily made it big in Wales. They have gone elsewhere. Someone like MARINA, I think if she had stayed local she might have had a bit more difficulty breaking through.
“There are some songs on the album about my experiences in the local music industry. The roadblocks I’ve faced and the intimidation I’ve felt in certain social circles.”
“I don’t really feel included in the artist roster when people are talking about Welsh music. The type of music I make isn’t taken seriously in Wales.
“It’s not just me too, there’s other artists who don’t get a look in as well but that seems to be changing.”
Dead Method featured recently on BBC Radio Wales’ Welsh A-List showcasing new music releases.
Mr Best said their long-term goal is for Dead Method to go mainstream. When asked who their dream collaboration would be, Dead Method said Lady Gaga or MARINA. “Those would be my top two and I’d love to work with either of them.”
Dead Method will perform at the Sŵn Festival at Clwb Ifor Bach on Wednesday, March 23.
