Turnin’ it up with 156/Silence’s Jack Murray

by Lo-Fi Lauren

A Small Switch-Up

So, seeing that my last 2 interviews were more on the DJ and rap side of things, I decided to switch it up quite a bit and dive into my personal favorite genre: metal. A girl can’t be lo-fi all the time, ya know?

One Hardcore Workout

About two years ago, I was working out at the gym and listening to my music when Apple did their thing and decided to shuffle some recommended tracks for me. Now normally when they do this, I really could care less about what plays. It’s either always stuff that’s very mid, or stuff that I already know (not trying to flex I swear!) However, Apple definitely had something magical up their sleeve that day when they decided to play “High Dive in a Low Well” by 156/Silence. I couldn’t get it out of my head the first time I heard it, and for what it’s worth, I don’t think that I’ve ever had a better workout since that day (ha-ha). Even outside of the gym, I quickly became a huge fan of 156/Silence’s distinctly sad, painful, yet beautiful vocals and sound. One minute you’re grooving to their bass-lines, ready to hit your best 2-step, the next you’re on the verge of tears, courtesy of how intricately woven-together lead singer Jack Murray’s lyrics are. I recently had the pleasure of seeing them live a little over a month ago in Fort Lauderdale, where I moshed for the first time in at least two years. That’s right, this 5 foot kewpie doll can get down in the pit too.

Thank you very much to lead singer Jack, my first alternative guest! It was more than refreshing to be able to rummage through your brain and pull out the most witty, yet in-depth answers I’ve had in quite some time! I decided to focus more on music based questions for this interview; I had way more than a few this time around.

When you’re just trying to relax and be lazy on a day off from work, what are you doing and what music are you listening to?

You can find me listening to pretty much anything on a day off. I try not to overdo too much of one sound, so it’s usually something different every time. I’m a big fan of vaporwave and 80’s synthwave kind of stuff, as well as 90’s/early 00’s rap, or even some good ole butt-rock. I do listen to a lot of heavy stuff, but I also try not to let it take up too much play-time…unless it’s Hopeless Portrait by Chamber. That song whoops ass!

Although your music is clearly considered hardcore, it’s also groovy at times with your heavy use of bass-lines and dream-like backing vocals. Are there any specific influences that inspired 156/Silence’s groove?

Every and all grooves were invented by the great bands Deftones and Korn.

In “the Wrong Sense”, you say “there’s a handful of songs about death stuck in my head”; what songs are they?

I Feel like Dying by Lil Wayne.

Is it true that pain can sometimes hurt in a good way? (Emotionally and artistically speaking).

No. Pain sucks and I’m tired of it. It’s necessary for growth and balance, but overall? 0/10 stars. My back hurts. I want to feel good.

What was your inspiration behind “No Angel” and “High Dive in a Low Well”? (My favorite tracks).

Both songs were written during a pretty self destructive phase I was going through at one point. They’re more-so a note to self. As much as I love these songs, I also hate them both for different reasons. We’ve played High Dive probably more than any other song, and we’ve never once played No Angel, so we’ll see if that changes.

Do you think you need closure in order to move on from something?

I think that closure helps, but isn’t always promised. Some pills just need swallowing.

Your vocals are very distinct, combining metal with a heavy rap flair. Do you have any hip-hop/rap influences and if so, who are they?

I grew up listening to Three 6 Mafia, G-Unit, and Wu-Tang. I think that word flow is one of, if not THE, most important part of writing lyrics; and I definitely prioritize this in the music I write for 156.

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be and why?

I would have kept the snack wraps on the dollar menu. I would have also kept the dollar menu to begin with.

You dropped your last LP “Narrative” a year ago in September. You also just wrapped up your latest tour. What’s next on the horizon for 156/Silence?

Right now, our eyes are strictly focused on our next album that we are recording this coming January. I’m as excited as I am nervous for everyone to hear the new material. It’s a lot different, but it’s still us. I think we have something really special, and I’m extremely pumped to share it.

Your music resonates with some friends of mine, bringing them back to some pretty dark places in their lives such as addiction and suicide. Was it your intention to write music and lyrics that target this audience?

Not necessarily. When I write a song, of course I want people to like it; but I’m mostly just trying to get through it myself. Addiction and suicide are touchy subjects for me. I think that I’m more willing to talk about my problems in my songs rather than face to face with someone or myself. I don’t write songs hoping that someone will relate to the lyrics because there’s a lot of negativity that comes with that, but I am glad if my words are able to help someone feel not-so-alone.