Introducing…. Heartsick

Heartsick’s journey is a powerful one—born from loss but fuelled by passion. Originally called Know Lyfe, the band took on a new name and direction after the heartbreaking passing of their drummer in 2014. In this chat, Heartsick talks about their distinct sound—Darknucore—a mashup of synthwave, industrial metal, nu-metal, and hardcore. They share how their music has evolved, the wild energy they bring to live shows, and the artists, films, and cartoons that inspire them. Plus, with huge festival slots and another tour with Nonpoint lined up, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started? 

Heartsick: The band started after the death of our drummer in 2014. Before 29014 we went under the band name Know Lyfe. That band started with all of us and a different drummer in 2000. In 2014 the drummer we had passed away and we decided to change the band name from Know Lyfe to Heartsick. 

CRB: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since you first started? 

H: We had someone describe our sound as Darknucore (a mixture of Synthwave 80s sounds, industrial metal, Nu Metal, and hardcore. I think that really does describe our sound. Through the years it evolved into that as we experimented with ideas and songs we liked and would listen to from different types of genres. I think doing all that landed our sound where it is today. 

CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences, musically and beyond? 

H: Such a hard question every time it is asked but the answers stay the same. So many great bands we love but would have to go with Deftones, Korn, Poison the Well, Every Time I Die, System of A Down, Slipknot musically. Beyond that I think we are all influenced by creative art in general. Cartoons like SpongeBob square pants, Japanese Anime, and horror movies like The Witch, Midsommer, Sinister, and more. 

CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like – is it a more individual or collaborative effort? 

H:The songwriting always changes every time we start to think about or doing new music what stays consistent is that everyone has a say in how we write and what they like and don’t like. As of late we have been writing together which we have not done in quite some time and it has worked out very well. 

CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music? 

H: We usually do demos, and we try to push the limits of what we did before. We also experiment with different tunings which always makes it fun and interesting as well as a challenge. 

CRB: What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your journey so far? 

H: OOOOF…….There have been way too many and I think choosing just one would be almost impossible. So can give you 3. One touring with Nonpoint and Crobot. That was wild, it was such a huge opportunity for us. 2. Playing 3 of the 5 Danny Wimmer Festivals in the United states (Aftershock, Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life.) Those were insane. Playing Upheaval Festival 3 years in a row here in Michigan. What an honor! 

CRB: How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you aim to bring to your performances? 

H: We approach our live shows like most hardcore bands. Chaos. We are very influenced by that type of energy. The old school Slipknot beat the piss out of the instruments and each other type energy. The energy that is contagious and make the crowd lose control with you…where it comes from the soul. 

CRB: How do you balance creative expression with staying connected to your audience? 

H: That is a great question. I don’t think we have ever thought about that because to us if you like what we do then you see our creative expression. If you do not like it then it is not for you. We don’t concern our selves with what the audience will like sound wise. We do what we do just so happens that we like a lot of what our audience likes and that is cool. If they don’t like it…well good thing they don’t have to listen to it but we are still going to do what we do. 

CRB: What do you hope listeners take away from your work? 

H: We just hope they enjoy the music. That they discover what the band is about lyrically and that it inspires them to make art as well. 

CRB: What does the future hold for you – any plans or goals you’re excited about? 

H: There is a lot happening behind the scenes. Some we can share; some still being planned. As of right now we can look forward to another tour with Nonpoint and this time with Upon a Burning Body as well. A new record announcement, our first appearance in Canada, and heading back to Puerto Rico.