DE3RA – ‘Billy Black’

Formed in 2017, DE3RA have become one of Nashville’s most exciting heavy psychedelic bands of the past decade. A shifting collaborative project between Rob, Kevin, Haydn and Layton, who often switch instruments and share vocal duties during their creative process, DE3RA have created a sound that is unique, distinct, and perfectly layered, combining four different personalities into one comprehensive sound.

With a new album on the way in October, DE3RA have revealed a stunning new single in the form of ‘Billy Black’, a true-to-form rock release that comes complete with its own music video. Offering a dark, atmospheric glimpse into upcoming album ‘Old Scratch’, ‘Billy Black’ brings to life timeless sound that will impress and entertain in equal measure.

Of the new single, DE3RA said that “the song is basically part two of a story arc. Part 1 is Billy Black, which is the song directly before ‘Old Scratch’ on the album and has already been released. ‘Billy Black’ is about a guy named Billy who asks the demon Asteroth for guidance, because his life is so messed up. Billy Black ends with an almost trance-like, flamenco inspired, riff. This movement of the song is supposed represent what happens when something answers Billy's request (something like dancing with the Devil, as it were). Then, Old Scratch picks up from that point and continues the conversation between Billy and whatever the thing is that has answered his macabre request. The inspiration comes from the feeling of desperation that we've all felt. The idea that we would almost do anything just to make things better.

The sound and vibe of this track is definitely heavy and dark. The intro to the song is a thick synth part that reminiscent of an 80's sci-fi movie soundscape. The intro is followed by an almost industrial noise section that leads directly into the main hook/riff. This is the heaviest song on the new album and it probably is the heaviest song the band had ever written.”


In comparison to DE3RA’s debut album ‘This Thing’, ‘Old Scratch’ promises to be a much more cohesive piece of art as a whole. Each song has to do with soul crushing struggle and suffering, and how each of us deal with it, as human beings. In some cases, people can become resolute and rise to their specific challenges, but in other cases, folks will appeal to whatever darkness that they can find.

Inspired by the idea that our minds can so frequently come to balance precipitously on the edge of the void that it is not preposterous to imagine them slipping away, into the darkness, ‘Old Scratch’ promises to be one of this year’s most impressive new albums.

Connect with DE3RA,

Lucy Lamb, the alt-electronic artist making waves in Naarm, is back with a brand new single, 'Secret Letter', and it's a wild ride.
  • 2 min read
Worm Girlz, the Meanjin garage-quintet known for their explosive live shows and empowering anthems, are back with new single, 'Thinkin' Bout'.
  • 2 min read
The Easter Parade returns with 'Sing Our Kids to Sleep', a heartfelt track marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the project.
  • 2 min read

Search