We first heard from The Killing Tapes in April upon the release of their debut single “Real Thing.” That song introduced us to the songwriting duo of Marcus Crede and Peter Svensson. In 2020 the two Swedish musicians came together to build on a Dark Pop project Marcus had begun. The Killing Tapes was born, and the forthcoming “Black” album was underway.
The concept album will tell the story of a serial killer. Though based on true events, the story is told with intentionally cryptic lyrics and overlaps with elements from a difficult time in Crede’s life. It is a dark picture painted with poetic imagery and complex, disturbed emotions. During the making of the album, its difficult subject matter was almost too much to handle for all involved. Mental health issues and substance abuse nearly derailed the project. However, with the addition of mixing engineer Niels Nielsen (Ghost, In Flames, Dead Soul, MCC) the band was able to persevere.
“The Witch” is the third single from the Killing Tapes, released worldwide to all major streaming services on July 9, 2021. The track opens with a percussive rhythm, electronic bass tones and dramatic vocals to give it a Depeche Mode vibe. As the song progresses the band introduces guitars, background vocals and lush ambient synths to expand the sound into a deep Dark Wave vibe. Meanwhile Marcus delivers the protagonist’s complex internal narrative.
As with all songs on Black, the words are open for interpretation, but The Witch is about giving yourself the ego of doing whatever you want to do and simply blame every consequence on someone else.
Marcus Crede (The Killing Tapes)
Check out “The Witch” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. We had the chance to chat with Peter and Marcus about the record. Read their answers to our 8 questions. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with The Killing Tapes. Get on their socials and follow the progress of their ambitious concept album “Black.”
8 Questions with The Killing Tapes
Where are you from?
We are from Sweden. The dark north. The cold and sometimes beautiful dark North.
How long have you been making music?
Since we were kids. Me, Marcus, was given a guitar from my dad when I was 6 yo and was subjected to Zappa and other stuff that I learned to play from. Peter was a drummer in a lot of bands in his teens. We met in the early 2000’s and have played together off and on in different projects since then.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
We are (Marcus & Peter). But we are recording Black right now and have Berlinda Lundberg singing on Real Thing, and a couple of other musicians are interested in being part of this project.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Peter: I am always searching for new music and have a lot of influences, like: John Grant, Ghostpoet, Yussef Dayes, Efterklang, Thymeshift, Adrian Younge, Linkwood, Bobby Gillespie & Jenny Beth, Lucy Dacus, Andrew Hung, End of fun, Chet Faker, Joana Serrat, San Holo, Brodka, Dictaphone, Apparat, David Sylvian, Richard Barbieri, Steve Jansen, Mick Karn, Holger Czukay, Jaki Liebezeit, Prince, The Cure.
Marcus finds a lot more influences from movies and books.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Marcus: Life.
Peter: Music is everything!
What inspired you to create this project?
Marcus: All songs are written from a perspective of using music as an outlet of anger and vengeance. A pretty difficult period in life made me write this album.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
Marcus: Oh, that’s easy. Since a year ago I have been living and breathing The Killing Tapes.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Marcus: I hope that other people can find relief in knowing that they are not alone, having a mind that is far from normal.