Energy Whores On the Making Of “Bunker Man”
Credit: Carrie Schoenfeld © 2025
What was the creative process like for this particular single?
This song is an electronic danceable track about billionaires who build bunkers to escape armageddon so that they and their families will survive to inherit the world. We most often write about social injustice, greed, authoritarianism and the dystopian nightmares looming over us. So this song is right in line with our previously “fun” story lines.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for "Bunker Man?”
I usually write in the genre that fits the lyrics which like poetry has its own innervation. Sometimes the music is very electronic and progressive and sometimes it’s more analog with a unique electronic twist.
Is there a particular message or theme you hope listeners take away from "Bunker Man?”
The story is about a man who is parsimonious and self-obsessed. He locks out his co-workers he has promised a place in his bunker as they rush to get inside before the nuclear blast. They die outside the bunker in the nuclear holocaust and the entire world is destroyed. Bunker Man has no family or friends that he cares about because his whole life has been focused on his success and power. He also loathes people and doesn’t want to share any of his resources. Deep inside his luxurious bunker he lives alone for a year until he goes insane and starts to butcher his AI servant robots. His thoughts are about the kind of world he will inherit. In the wake of total nuclear destruction, he could be the lone survivor or survive with few others like him scattered around the globe. When his supply of food and water runs out he will surly die anyway. In the end he only has his robot servants who are clearly tired of taking care of him so they taunt him until he kills himself.
The message is; with all the power and money you have you will still end up like everyone else. Why not use your billions of dollars to help others live healthy and peaceful lives making the world a safer place? Then you wouldn’t need to build your bunker at all.
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
We all live in New York City. We are “EDM from 2080”. Conceived by singer/songwriter Carrie Schoenfeld, Energy Whores purpose is to shine a light on the alarming realities of modern civilization. Energy Whores push boundaries with their lyricism, their experimental sound is entirely unique. Described by Indie Rock as "avant-garde art rock," our genre is difficult to pin down. Elements of EDM, electro-indie, pop, disco, rock, and 80s synth pepper our tracks. I describe our music as, "designed to be meaningful while also pushing [the listener] to dance.” The juxtaposition between a dance-worthy melody and brutally honest storytelling not only forces the listener to think, but may just make them question what they can do to add their own voice to this movement.
What’s the most meaningful fan interaction or feedback you’ve received, and why did it resonate with you?
We have gotten a lot of feedback. When we first started putting our songs out there, many listeners were “confused” and didn’t know what to make of our music, but then realized it was something very different and were “drawn to it” even though they could not put into any category or playlist. This has been a problem because what genre is it? A fan commented, “There must be a new genre!” We now call our genre Avant Electro. Most listeners comment saying they “ love the danceable beats” “The production and mixing are awesome” but really “love the dreamy vocals which have a story to tell,” “Love the powerful lyrics” and overall, love what we are saying in these devastating, confusing, dangerous and interesting times. We are very thankful for their feedback and welcome more.
