Review Fix Exclusive: Bleed the Sky’s Noah Robinson Talks ‘Serpent’ And More

Review Fix chats with Bleed the Sky’s Noah Robinson, who discusses the band’s single, “Serpent,” as well as their influences and goals for 2020.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Noah Robinson: I originally got into music playing trumpet in band as a kid.  I loved every aspect of learning and performing that instrument and it just sort of evolved into listening to and learning how to play metal.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Robinson: With this album it was quite different than previous songwriting.  In the past it seemed easy to tap into the emotions that spur good lyrical content, but as I’m slightly older now and somewhat established as an adult it seemed more difficult to tap into those emotions.  I eventually ended up finding things that had been lingering throughout my entire life that I had somehow learned to accept but were actually deeply rooted issues I’ve had.  I think the complexity and depth of the lyrical content on this album is much more mature than anything I’ve written before.

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Robinson: I’ve always been inspired by really dark music and movies.  Nine Inch Nails and Portishead have always kind of been my “go-to’s” to try to turn on the switch to writer’s mode.  I love movies with deep and dark messages, I become so immersed that sometimes it takes a few days for the emotions to wear off.  I love it!

Review Fix: What does this band mean to you?

Robinson: This band is all about fellowship and brotherhood.  We are first a group of friends that enjoy writing and performing music together, not a group of musicians who just happen to get along.  We’ve supported each other through addiction, family loss, career turmoil, financial distress and depression.  The band is just the cherry on top for a group of best friends.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Robinson: Aggressive, groovy, dark ambient metal.  Kinda like watching a tornado up close and thinking how beautiful it is instead of running for cover haha!

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

Robinson: Well the main thing is the amount of time you have to perform the music to your liking.  In the studio, usually you have unlimited time to get a satisfying performance, but live performance is one take!  We love the challenge of live performance, because that really resonates with fans.  They can listen to the album every day, but they’ll remember your live show much more prominently.  We try to give fans something on the record that they’ll enjoy listening to, but a live experience they’ll never forget!

Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?

Robinson: The song is about breaking the cycle of toxic role models.  All of us had certain aspects of our lives that were controlled by something or someone other than ourselves.  The lyrics in the chorus of “Serpent” say, “I’d rather be the serpent than you.” Referencing biblical terms, it means I’d rather be the most evil thing imaginable than end up like you, leading a life of deceit and lies.

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?

Robinson: We definitely want to tour as much as time allows.  But this is going to also be a very creative year for us as we are already working on new material, so we’ll see!

Review Fix: What’s next?

Robinson: Hopefully keeping the momentum rolling.  It’s taken us a lot of work to get back to where we left off, but we hope to continue working to climb higher than before!