Sean Martin from The Quarantined took some time out recently to catch up with HEAVY Mag's Ali Williams to chat about their new release Nemesis (Friend of Mine), overcoming toxic relationships and algorithms and what the next chapter for the band entails. 
Discussing the creative process of songwriting and their musical influences and intentions, Sean explains the origin of their song Nemesis (Friend of Mine), which started as a poem inspired by a sudden burst of creativity. The transformation from poem to song presented challenges, especially in conveying the depth of the lyrics in a musical format. 
He goes on to talk about blending different musical genres, such as rock and pop rhythms, saying their goal was to capture the emotional energy of the lyrics while drawing inspiration from various music styles, including Aaliyah’s Tell Me You're That Somebody. Martin details the meaning and influences behind the lyrics of their new track, noting the song addresses themes of paranoia, confrontation, and understanding narcissistic behaviours. It reflects on overcoming manipulation and the personal growth that comes from understanding difficult personalities. 
These guys had the incredible opportunity to be recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, which contributed a warm sonic quality to the music due to the use of historic equipment. Martin recalls the recording sessions were a calm experience, leading to a sound that improved upon previous versions. The production process involved collaboration with studio musicians who were given creative freedom within the framework of Sean’s original composition. 
This approach ultimately led to a more refined and satisfying final product. The Quarantined’s music often addresses political and social issues, aiming to promote free thinking and cautioning against fascism. He touches on the current state of societal discourse in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives, acknowledging that he feels that artists and musicians, particularly from the US are in a position where the ability to express political and social commentary through music has been reduced to virtually impossible unless you want to be cancelled. 
Drawing heavily on a blend of punk, metal, and hip-hop influences, Martin describes it as a watering down of the essence of what those genres stand for, highlighting the similarities between these genres in terms of their energy and message. The goal is to create music that resonates across different audience segments. Ideally, without enraging the public or facing adversary reaction. The Quarantined’s new release Nemesis (Friend of Mine) is out now and available on all platforms.


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