Interview

TheNwothm: Hey there! Can you introduce the band to our readers ? Tell us who is in the band and where you are from?

Tom: What‘s up! The official lineup is vocalist Daniel Schmuck and dual lead guitarists Jayson Braffett and myself, all from the DFW area. Currently, it’s just us 3 but we have a few guys you’ll be seeing very soon. 

TheNwothm: How did you decide on the name “Myth Carver,” and what does it signify for you?

Daniel: We’re named after a sword from the DND-based show, the Legend of Vox Machina. Its powers are activated through music so we thought that would be fitting for a band name. Some of our lyrics are based on that idea but with my own storyline.

TheNwothm: When and how did Myth Carver come together as a band? Was there a specific moment that sparked your formation?

Tom: We first formed in late 2020. Jayson and I had a long history as collaborators and were into the same 80s music so the idea to start this group came naturally. It took time to find the right singer just by the nature of what we were looking for. We heard about Daniel through my buddy Jason from Grimoire. I had no idea he could sing but he sent me the craziest cover of all time and instantly became the guy in 2022. He had the voice and always wanted to do a traditional metal band so it was a perfect fit.

TheNwothm: What are your musical backgrounds? Were you involved in other projects before forming Myth Carver?

Tom: We all started out playing metalcore or hardcore in the Dallas scene. Daniel’s actually known in our area for recording some of the best music to come out of our scene. Power Trip, Frozen Soul, Creeping Death, etc. Always been a fan of his recordings. Jayson and I are both lead guitarists and songwriters for our bands, I AM and Frost Koffin. Everybody brings a lot to the table.

TheNwothm: How has the Dallas, Texas heavy metal scene influenced your music and growth as a band?

Daniel: I’ve always been a fan of heavy metal so hearing the metal elements in bands like Power Trip, Iron Age, and Bitter End drew me into the hardcore scene. Graven Rite took it a step further in the heavy metal direction. Then when I first heard Eternal Champion, I was inspired by the fact that there were people in our scene playing traditional heavy metal.

Tom: Yeah those are the most influential bands from Texas so those flavors inevitably come through in some way or another. And the scene is incredibly supportive here. Our friends are largely responsible for whatever growth we’ve had so far. 

TheNwothm: Do any of you have specific hobbies or experiences that directly influence your songwriting or style?

Daniel: I watch fantasy movies and anime. Sometimes that can spark an idea for lyrical concepts and storylines. 

Tom: Cliche answer but listening to music. Tuning in to details and digging into a song can inspire new ideas. 

Jayson: I like golf.

TheNwothm: Your debut singles, “King of the Pyre” and “Crimson Terrain”, have generated excitement. Can you walk us through the themes and creative process behind each track?

Daniel: Lyrically, the songs are two parts of the same storyline about a group of people overthrowing a corrupt oligarchy. 

Tom: 

Strangely enough, “King of the Pyre” originated when I was writing for I AM’s second LP in 2018. Brought it to Jayson years later and he took it to the next level. Then after we had a structure laid out Daniel came over for vocals and we finished it together.

“Crimson Terrain” was a similar process. An instrumental draft was written for Daniel to do his thing with melodies and lyrics. Then we modified it as a group until it was ready.

TheNwothm: What was it like to release your first singles? How have fans and listeners responded so far?

Tom: It was crazy. “King of the Pyre” was actually just a demo recording we decided to drop so we really weren’t expecting much. But thanks to our friends, word got around pretty quickly. The day of release, we got messages from fans, festivals, and we were all pretty shocked. 

TheNwothm: Where were they recorded and did you do them both together? 

Tom: Both were recorded in-house with Jayson and Daniel. Instruments at Tiny Room Recordings and vocals at Schmuck Cave Studios. Since “King of the Pyre” was a demo, it was recorded much earlier.

“Crimson Terrain” was a wild experience. We didn’t have a drummer lined up so Chris Whetzel, our then-bass player, put us in touch with Matt Thompson from King Diamond who tracked the song at Reel Time Audio in Denton. Coolest dude ever. 

TheNwothm: For fun if you could be a mythical character who or what would it be and why?

Daniel: A dark elf. I don’t need to explain myself. 

Tom: A dragon. I would be feared by many.  

Jayson: A troll because big and dumb. 

TheNwothm: And what is your fantasy weapon of choice?

Daniel: A really longsword. 

Tom: Some sort of Steel.. of the Untamed variety. Or a Yeezy chancla. 

Jayson: a butt cheek on a stick.

TheNwothm: Do any of you read fantasy books etc and has it influenced you as a person?

Daniel: Yes. The legend of Drizzt and Conan. The main characters are often outcasts who have to carve their own path in life. And I think that’s a pretty relatable theme. 

TheNwothm: Do you have any upcoming touring plans? If so, where can fans expect to see you perform?

Tom: No full tours at the moment. We’ll mainly be playing in Texas starting with the Hell’s Heroes Pre-Party in Houston. 

TheNwothm: Are you currently working on new material? Can fans expect an EP or full-length album in the near future?

Tom: Yeah we just wrapped up our first EP. It’ll be surfacing in the next couple of months.

TheNwothm: How can fans best support Myth Carver at this stage in your career? Where can they find and follow you online?

Tom: Keep jamming and spread the word if you’re into it! We’re on Instagram (@mythcarvertx), Spotify, Bandcamp, and Facebook under “Myth Carver.” 

TheNwothm: Where can fans buy your music and merch?

Tom: Music is out everywhere and available for tip on Bandcamp. We’ll be announcing our online store through our socials. For now, just enjoy the tunes!

TheNwothm: Any final words for your fans or anyone discovering your music for the first time?

Tom: Thanks to everyone who’s been with us so far. Showing your support, writing to us, we appreciate it all. We’re the New Wave of Texas Heavy Metal and we’re just getting started. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554546700647

Bandcamp: mythcarver.bandcamp.com