The loss of a friend strikes at the heart of our being, stirring a profound sense of grief and reflection. As we traverse the middle years of life, such a loss can catalyze a midlife crisis, forcing us to confront our own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. In this profound moment, we realize that our time is finite, and the relationships we hold dear are precious and irreplaceable. This period of life is not just about reckoning with the end – but also about rediscovering the essence of living.
The latest single from Vancouver’s post-punk outfit ACTORS, spearheaded by Jason Corbett on vocals, Shannon Hemmett on synth, Kendall Wooding on bass, and Adam Fink on drums, is a powerful punch to the gut. Dead Inside, released through Artoffact Records, is a raw concoction of distortion, perfectly placed bass lines, electric guitars, and crashing cymbals. The track reverberates with the raw emotion of feeling numb and disconnected. It dives deep into quintessential human emotions, showcasing the band’s knack for translating personal pain into a visceral listening experience. Their ability to channel human affliction into music is evident, creating a track that hits hard both sonically and emotionally,
Dead Inside paints a picture of an impending and unavoidable downfall, marked by malicious intent and inevitable ruin. Isolation and inner emptiness are palpable, with no escape from harsh reality. A faded photograph and a pixelated screen symbolize a loss of connection and control. The repeated refrain “dead on the inside” underscores the depth of emotional numbness and despair, emphasizing a bleak and desolate state of being.
“The recent loss of several friends and the realization of how finite our time is really had an effect on me over the past few months,
says Jason Corbett. “That dark and sometimes anxious emotion permeates my music with ACTORS. The new single just comes right out and says it.”
Death, while painful for the bereaved, can serve as a stark reminder to live authentically, embrace vulnerability, and cherish each moment. It’s a call to deepen our connections, to live fully in the present, and to honor the memories of those we have lost by living our lives with greater intention and compassion.
The video showcases the band in a scene that pays homage to Bauhaus’s iconic appearance in the intro of the 1983 Tony Scott Vampire film, The Hunger.
Watch “Dead Inside” below:
Listen to Dead Inside below or order here.
ACTORS hit the scene with a series of singles, starting with Post Traumatic Love in 2012, steadily building a loyal fanbase while delaying their debut album. In 2018, the quartet signed with Artoffact Records and dropped their debut, It Will Come to You. The album quickly cemented them as a marquee act, followed by their sophomore release, Acts of Worship, in 2021.
Corbett, the mastermind behind the music, writes, produces, mixes, and masters all their tracks at his Vancouver studio, Jacknife Sound. Drawing heavily from David Bowie’s confidence and creativity, ACTORS deliver music that’s both nostalgic and fresh, fitting right alongside bands like The Soft Moon and Cold Cave.
ACTORS have spent the last several years pounding the pavement, touring across the USA, Canada, and Europe. They’ve made their mark at some of the most beloved festivals, including Amphifest, Wave-Gotik-Treffen, Cold Waves, Substance, Death Disco, Verboden, and countless others.
ACTORS will be embarking on a massive tour this autumn. Dates are below!
ACTORS TOUR DATES:
- 09.08.24 Edmonton, AB @ Purple City Music
- 11.15.24 New York City, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
- 11.16.24 Boston, MA @ Sonia
- 11.18.24 Chicago, IL @ Chop Shop
- 11.20.24 Denver, CO @ HQ
- 11.22.24 San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
- 11.23.24 Los Angeles, CA @ The Lodge
- 02.08.25 London, UK @ The Garage
- 02.09.25 Liege, BE @ Le Garage
- 02.11.25 Bochum, DE @ Die Trompete
- 02.12.25 Hamburg, DE @ Hafenklang
- 02.13.25 Berlin, GER @ Frannz Club
- 02.14.25 Dresden, DE @ Barenzwinger
- 02.15.25 Winterthur, CH @ Gaswerk
- 02.19.25 Turin, IT @ Ziggy Club
- 02.20.25 Marseille, FR @ Le Molotov
- 02.21.25 Barcelona, SP @ Upload
- 02.22.25 Madrid, SP @ Moby Dick
- 02.23.25 Valencia, SP @ Toneldas
- 02.26.25 Bordeaux, FR @ IBoat
- 02.27.25 Paris, FR @ L’International
- 02.28.25 Lille, FR @ La Bulle Cafe
- 03.01.25 Brussels, BE @ Canal10
- 03.25.25 Dallas, TX @ Dada Club
- 03.26.25 Austin, TX @ Elysium
- 03.27.25 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
- 03.29.25 Mexico City, MX @ Foro Indie Rocks (w/LEATHERS)
- 04.04.25 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile
- 04.05.25 Portland, OR @ Star Theater
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