Cindered Heart On the Making Of “Queen of Decay”
What was the creative process like for this particular song?
"Queen of Decay" started as a poem I wrote when I was a teenager—a way to process the chaos and instability I was living through at the time. Translating those raw emotions into a track years later was an intense process. The song is layered with dark, haunting textures that reflect the inner turmoil behind the lyrics. Recording at home by myself was both liberating and challenging. I had to learn how to use new tools, instruments, and techniques to fully realize my vision. Synthesizing a female vocal for the chorus, for example, was a creative hurdle, but I wanted it to feel ethereal and otherworldly. Every layer of the song, from the synths to the guitars, was painstakingly crafted to bring this vision to life. It’s a cathartic piece, balancing raw emotion with sonic intricacy.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Queen of Decay?"
There were so many moments during the process that stood out, but one in particular was when I finally nailed the eerie vocal layer for the chorus. I was experimenting with different synthesizers and vocal effects late one night, and after hours of trial and error, I hit the sound I’d been chasing. It was a moment of clarity where everything just clicked, and I knew it was right. Another standout was how the guitars came together. I wanted them to sound both distorted and melodic, like they were clawing their way through the track. It was a balance of chaos and harmony that perfectly captured the song’s essence.
What impact do you hope "Queen of Decay" has on your audience?
I hope "Queen of Decay" becomes a moment of reflection for anyone who feels like they’ve been broken by their circumstances. The song is about realizing how the things we go through can shape us into something monstrous, but also recognizing the strength it takes to confront that truth. It’s about transformation and the power to rebuild after everything falls apart. My goal is for the track to resonate with listeners who are fighting their own battles, to let them know they’re not alone. Cindered Heart isn’t just music—it’s a connection. If this song helps even one person feel less isolated in their struggles, then it’s done its job.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I grew up playing the viola, which gave me my first taste of the structure and emotion that music can bring. I always had a love for rock and metal, but growing up in chaos didn’t leave a lot of room to pursue those passions seriously. I started teaching myself piano and guitar in my twenties and later fell in love with synthesizers. Composition has always felt natural to me, almost like a hidden talent I didn’t know I had. After years away from music, I came back with a vengeance, diving headfirst into production and experimenting with ways to blend genres. I’m no master, but I pour my heart into every track I create, and that’s where Cindered Heart truly comes alive.
Are there any specific themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
Absolutely. Cindered Heart is about raw emotion, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity. I want my music to connect with those who feel silenced, overlooked, or trapped by the weight of their past. At the same time, it’s also about questioning the narratives we’ve been handed—pushing back against societal norms, hidden agendas, and the lies we’re often told to accept. My music explores struggle, transformation, and finding power in vulnerability, but it also invites listeners to think critically about their world. Whether it’s confronting personal pain or systemic corruption, Cindered Heart aims to spark both reflection and rebellion. It’s not about perfection—it’s about truth, in all its raw and messy beauty.
