G: Defeat are Anthony Matthews (A) and me (Gary - G). Ant is the vocalist and I play synths and make most of the noises you hear. We write everything together so there's no distinct lyrics/music split.
2. How and why did the project start?
G: Ant and I have known each other since we were 13, and have been writing together for years. At first, we did straightforward pop songs, but we both got "bitten" by Depeche Mode and our songs took a darker turn. NIN and Nitzer Ebb then came along, and almost all of what we had written before was binned and we reinvented ourselves musically. I'd always wanted to make music in some way since I saw synth-pop maestro Howard Jones with his Juno 60 and Jupiter 8 on "Top of the Pops" in 1983.
A: For me the "darker" turn came from my time in college with my introduction to outside influences. I remember being recommended Nitzer Ebb and was hooked and in the same year discovered Trent Reznor's "Pretty Hate Machine" debut and that was it.
3. Who would be your three main musical influences?
G: What I call "classic-era" Depeche Mode (86-90); NIN and Nitzer Ebb are always lurking in the background for me, as these were the artists that for me shape what I do musically.
A: I can only agree. Though if I can add in a few more, Gary introduced me to the work of Neuroticfish and I loved his energy and vocal style. Front 242 and early Frontline Assembly.
4. Who is your main influence outside of music?
G: My wife and kids. Family. Friends. Life.
A: For me it is just simply what is around me. Be it friends, what I read (though I don't read enough), movies and my experiences good or bad.
5. What is your favourite instrument/piece of kit?
G: My old Roland W-30. It shaped our early sound that has lead us to where we are now. The old girl doesn't get much love these days, but I do hope she will make a triumphant return at some point in the future.
A: Ha ha ha - my head is my instrument!! As the "non-musician" in the band Gary will tell you it all comes from a tune, a vocal and a beat in my head and he has the un-enviable task of getting it out of there!
6. If you could do the soundtrack to any film, what would it be?
G: Silence of the Lambs, which is one of my favourite films.
A: For me it would have to be a Terminator or a Christopher Nolan movie.
7. If you could collaborate with any artist outside of the Alternative scene, who would you pick?
G: It would have to be Howard Jones, 80s synth-pop meister. Seeing him with his Juno 60 and Jupiter 8 on "Top of the Pops" years ago gave me the synth bug.
A: Again, I got to agree with Gary on that one. Though I’d argue that in his heyday he was alternative too.
8. Last track you listened to other than your own?
G: "Boy" by Viktoria Modesta.
A: "Waking up Angels" by MiXE1 - just listened to the full Module 01 EP for the first time.
9. Tell us about your next release? (Keep it short and concise)
G: Outbursts! Our first release can be summed up simply as 4 tracks of Atmosphere, Angst and Rhythm. Unsettling and dynamic, going from shade to light and back again in the blink of an eye!
A: Outbursts! Pretty much covers in 4 tracks what we are about. Emotional, song-led electronic music.
10. Why should people pay for your music?
G: As an artist I know and appreciate the effort and work that goes into making music, and if I find music I like I will always buy it to support the artists. I expect my hard work in creating music to be recognised in the same way.
A: When you buy music, if it is well-written from the heart you are buying a part of them. I buy music to connect to that artist for the same reason I want to be at their gigs to be in the same room singing their songs with them.
11. Sell yourself to potential listeners in a single sentence!
G: If you like your music personal, powerful and emotional then Defeat are for you!
A: For emotional, atmospheric, passionate, angst-ridden and powerful electronic music - choose Defeat!
12. What was the best Decade for music?
G: There is no true "best decade" in my mind. Every decade has had its good and it's bad, but if I had to pick a decade it would be the 80's
A: For me it is the 80's still. That is where the origins of all my influences come from.
13. What is your dream 5 band gig line up (Current or defunct)?
G: Depeche Mode (circa 1990), Nitzer Ebb, Sisters of Mercy, Defeat and Elvis (circa 1970 before the drugs wrecked him). Not necessarily in that order, mind :)
A: Howard Jones, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Nitzer Ebb all supporting Defeat with all of them joining us for various tracks at some point.
14. What would be your dream rider at a gig?
G: Fried egg and bacon sarnies with HP sauce in doorstep bread. That and a beer or two to share with good company.
A: Drinks and Fish and Chips supper with the above artists reminiscing until the early hours. (Well that’s the clean version!)
