What We’ve Been Listening To: The Last Martyr

Melbourne’s chaotic alternative metal band The Last Martyr have shared an “angry” new single titled ‘Burn It Down’. It’s a song about targeting the tyrannical systems that control society!

“Burn It Down is about wishing we could press reset on the world and start again,” vocalist Monica says. “It touches upon the control of women’s bodies and the governing of other marginalised groups – wishing we could burn down all the oppressive systems humans have created over the years.”

Have a listen to The Last Martyr’s single below, before getting to know about what Ricky from the band has been listening to!

ETM: Who is The Last Martyr and how did your namesake come about?

TLM: Hello, Ricky here! The Last Martyr are an Electronic Metalcore band from Melbourne, Australia. The band consists of Monica on vocals, Ben on Guitar, myself on bass and synths /electronic production and Vin on Drums. We liked the word Martyr and we’d seen so many people give up on music we felt we were the last ones = The Last Martyr

Which artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

I listen to a wide range of music and am interested in a variety of genres. Lately I have been listening to alot of FETISH, Wargasm, Filth, NIN and a lot of Reggaeton and general Tech House / Techno electronic unce unce music. I’m all about that nasty bass!

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

A good coffee! My bass, my hard drive with all the stems that I need, water because you need to keep hydrated and an open mind to different musical possibilities. Recently I’ve been obsessing over crispy pork Banh Mi so If they are around the studio, it is definitely a must have!

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

Our earlier tracks for a more conventional “band” sound: ‘Hindsight’, ‘Like A Ghost’. ‘Sugar’ because this song started to push forward a lot of the electronic elements and of course our latest single, ‘Burn It Down’. This track starts to deviate into a more electronic / industrial space and sets the tone for future releases to come.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

Personally, anything Bad Bunny! I think he is so cool and I love his take on Reggaeton / Latin Urban music. I think MONACO is a great track!

What has led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

I have been playing and writing music since I was a child. Growing up in a Colombian family, I have always had music as a central focal point in my life. It was in the background at home, at gatherings, I was also playing in my family band with my cousins and my grandfather or performing it in front of an audience both musically and dance. Like many cultures, Latin American culture is very integrated in music- rhythm, melodies, song and dance have always been part of my upbringing and our way of life. Music for me is more than just a creative pursuit, it’s meditation and a constant flow of energy. If I’m not writing for the band, I am writing for myself and will always be until my hands become so frail I can’t anymore. Even then I’ll find a way!