The Subtheory
The Subtheory returns with “Things That Caught My Attention,” a powerful spoken-word protest piece blending urgency, frustration, and hope. In this interview, they discuss modern manipulation, information overload, artistic authenticity, and resistance through music.
1. Things That Caught My Attention” is described as a spoken word protest piece born from frustration with modern life. What specific events, observations, or experiences sparked the creation of this track?
It’s not one specific event but rather a sense that we’ve been sleepwalking into this for some time. I feel like we aren’t in control of our lives anymore and they are being shaped, manipulated from the sidelines by powerful people with agendas. We have the illusion of choice and freedom but it’s just that an illusion. The same way that ants in an ant farm feel like they are in control of their world, yet they are trapped and observed.
2. The song tackles themes such as media overload, inequality, distraction, and manipulation. How did you decide which issues to focus on, and was there a central message you wanted listeners to take away?
It was really important for me to not only list the things that concern or disturb me but to also offer some sort of light at the end of the tunnel. We only live this way because we are in the dark about what’s happening to us. We ultimately have the power and strength if we unite and put away our false differences. I remain hopeful that we can do this. It just starts with a conscious choice from all of us.
3. Musically, the single blends punk urgency, hip hop rhythms, and trip hop atmospheres. What drew you to this combination of styles, and how does it help convey the song’s emotional intensity?
It’s a bit of a departure as normally our music is much more downtempo, haunting even. This track was the product of frustration and anger at what is happening so it sort of spilled out naturally. The intensity was born from that frustration and the words and music just flowed out of me. It felt like I needed to say something whilst I still had a voice to use so the urgency is absolutely genuine and from the heart. The sentiments had been bubbling around in my head for a while, so it was actually a bit of a release to get them out.
4. The spoken word delivery feels raw, direct, and deeply personal. How important was it for you to prioritize authenticity over a more traditional vocal approach on this release?
As I said it was something that had been swirling inside for a while, it’s literally me just opening myself up and venting. It was recorded fairly quickly in more or less one take as I wanted it to not be too polished or performative. In a world of post truth, it felt like it had to be absolutely one hundred percent authentic. It’s all we have that’s ours now, our voices and thoughts.
5. Andy described the track as sounding like “the inside of someone’s head after scrolling through the world for too long.” How do you personally navigate the constant flow of information while maintaining your own perspective and creativity?
It’s so hard, we are literally bombarded on all sides by propaganda of one sort or another and we’ve become so conditioned to it that we don’t even notice anymore. Our opinions are shaped by powerful and seductive forces so it can feel like us vs the world, when actually we should know that it’s the world vs them instead. We just need to collectively get to that point. I feel like I’m preaching but at this point I don’t really care, it’s about making a change, doing what I can, in the only way I know how.
6. “Things That Caught My Attention” feels both like a protest and a call for awareness. As The Subtheory moves forward, do you see this single as the beginning of a broader artistic statement or a snapshot of the current moment?
I think it represents both really, our first album dealt with much more personal issues, it was as authentic and from the heart but on a much more intimate level. I think we’re progressing to address the wider picture now and we will continue to speak on things that concern or affect us. At least I hope so, and hopefully we’ll also make records to make people dance too.