RISUR INTERVIEW WITH TRAGEDIES OF ARMOR

RISUR INTERVIEW WITH TRAGEDIES OF ARMOR

Artist Name/Band: Tragedies of Armor

Music Genre: Rock

Other Genre: Nu-Metal

Websites or Social Media Pages 

David Camacho, 

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

“I’d say my music is rooted in Nu-Metal, but it’s also heavily inspired by the cinematic world. Bands like Korn, Fear Factory, Five Finger Death Punch, and Bad Omens have shaped my sound, giving it a raw, intense energy. At the same time, I draw from cinematic soundscapes to create a dark, immersive atmosphere that pulls listeners in. The result is a blend of heavy bass lines, detuned guitars, and layered drum patterns, with atmospheric textures that add depth and a haunting vibe. I aim for a sound that’s both powerful and deeply evocative, capturing the grit of metal with the sweep of a soundtrack.”

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

The name Tragedies of Armor came from my journey through mental illness before 2018. My music has always been a reflection of who I am, what I’ve been through, and where I’m headed. I didn’t have to think long about the name because I realized that, throughout my life, I’ve worn all my traumas—losses, failures, shortcomings—like a suit of armor. This ‘armor’ has protected me, but it has also shaped my choices and contributed to my struggles. Over the past six years, as my music has evolved, I’ve also felt a part of myself resurface—a light, a soul, or maybe a driving force. Tragedies of Armor is my way of expressing that journey, both the weight of the armor and the light that pushes me forward.

What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?

My musical influences come from a mix of genres, but the heavy, impactful bands and cinematic soundscapes helped push me to my sound. Growing up I was into hip hop but leaned more towards bands/groups like Run DMC, NWA, Beastie Boys, and Cypress Hill and it was not till college that I was introduced to Korn. Korn blew my mind but they rocked my soul and they still do. Then after getting a job as a bouncer at a Rock Bar, I got into Fear Factory, Seven Dust, Prong, Kitty, God Smack, Linkin Park later Five Finger Death Punch, Bad Omens, Bring Me the Horizon, which I shaped my approach to heavy music—whether it was the raw emotion of Korn’s basslines or the aggressive, machine-like precision of Fear Factory’s sound. But it’s not just about metal for me; I’ve always been drawn to cinematic music as well, like the atmospheric and immersive qualities found in the Blade Runner soundtrack by Vangelis, Hans Zimmer, and the Inception soundtrack just to name a few. These influences have led me to create a sound that blends hard-hitting metal with atmospheric, almost movie-like moments that give my music a deeper emotional weight.

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

Right now, I’m working on new material for the next chapter of Tragedies of Armor. I’m continuing to explore the balance between heavy, aggressive riffs and atmospheric soundscapes, diving deeper into themes of personal growth and overcoming struggles. There’s a lot of evolution happening in my sound, and I’m really excited to see where it leads. As for collaborations, I’m always open to the right opportunities, especially with artists who share a similar vision of blending intensity with emotion. While I can’t reveal specifics yet, I’m definitely looking forward to working with like-minded musicians who can push the boundaries of what Tragedies of Armor can become

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

That is a tough question and honestly I never gave it much thought really… Given my age, 50 the ultimate goal in the music industry is to create music or record in a real studio and get me in front of folks that genuinely want to help or share their creativeness with the music. However, the dream or what I hope my music does is that it resonates deeply with people—something that not only reflects my own journey but also connects with listeners on an emotional level. I want my music to be a source of strength and reflection, much like it’s been for me throughout my own battles. As for my plan of action, it’s about continually evolving my sound, building a stronger connection with my audience, and collaborating with artists who share similar passions, who want to push boundaries and create something that lasts, not just in terms of music but in terms of meaning and impact. I’m focused on authenticity, growth, and reaching a wider audience while staying true to the core of what Tragedies of Armor represents.

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

To be honest, I haven’t had the opportunity to perform live yet due to some personal and medical challenges, so I don’t have a favorite track to perform just yet. However, I do imagine that the tracks I create would take on a new life in front of an audience. My focus has always been on crafting music that is emotionally charged and deeply personal, so I think any song I perform would reflect that intensity and connection. While performing live hasn’t been a part of my journey so far, it’s something I could see myself exploring in the future if the right opportunities and circumstances align

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?

The biggest challenge in my career has been balancing my passion for music with the realities of life. Turning 50 has made me reflect on where I am and where I want to go, but the truth is, my current financial situation, responsibilities as a father to a 15-year-old, and my career have made it difficult to fully focus on music in the way I would like. I can’t predict the future, but I stick to my values: being a good father, maintaining integrity as a person, and staying committed to my role at work. Music will always be a part of me, and I continue to create and push forward, even if the path isn’t always clear. It’s about finding balance and staying true to what matters most in life.

What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a ‘process’—I don’t follow any strict routine. My creativity shows up when it decides to, and I just go with it. I play around with ideas, even if they’re half-baked or fleeting. I usually dedicate several hours a week to experimenting—strumming, creating sounds, recording little bits here and there. A song might come together in a week, or it might take months or even years to develop. Honestly, I tend to abandon most of my music because I’m never fully satisfied with it. There’s always something I feel could be better—whether it’s a bass tone, a guitar riff, a drum sound, or even the lyrics. I could listen to one of my tracks 100 times and find 100 different ways I could have done it differently.

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

Since the start of 2024, I’ve completely pulled away from social media. When it first emerged, I used it as a tool to push my music and connect with others, but over time, I’ve noticed how it has evolved into something far beyond that. The word ‘epidemic’ comes to mind—it’s contributed to addiction, anxiety, political polarization, and unrealistic body image standards, just to name a few. It’s also led to a normalization of risky behaviors and has even made people more vulnerable to bullying and exclusion. As I personally felt the impact of these issues, I made the decision to step back and reclaim my peace. While social media can be a great platform for many, for me, it became a place that detracted from my well-being, so I’ve decided to focus on what truly matters to me: my music and personal growth.

What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?

I have three play lists that correspond with the parts of my life. I have a playlist for work, the gym, and when I am meditating/chilling at home. Korn is on all three lists, but some of my favorite songs- and there is a lot Worst Is On It’s Way, Start The Healing, Fagot, Hollow Life, Here to Stay, Thoughtless, Black is the Soul just to name a few.

What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?

Before I started making music I was and still am a man searching for a life that means something. I have always had music but doing something with it is now the focus. I want it to affect folks, I want it to help them, does it help them? If someone, just one person came to me and said “Your song spoke to me, it helped me see my place in the world, I am not alone, etc” then it meant something! For it to just exist, anything can exist but does it make an impact? And like I mentioned if it is only one person that it helps then It did what it was supposed to!

Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

Music has many forms and it can inspire, it can make one cry, it can electrify you, increase intensity, it can make you reflect, and even revisit memories. It is in my view, a form of expression that goes beyond what we feel, it has so many aspects that we have only scratched the surface of. And if there was advice it would be to practice, try, and never give it up!

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

That is such a loaded question… and honestly, I don’t have a clear understanding of the industry to formulate an answer. I mean I am not in touch with any aspect of the industry other than knowing that back in the day people had to do Bar Gigs and events to get exposure. But nowadays musicians can have a small home recording studio and then have the internet to market themselves and their music sort of what I do. Bu,t when I think about it I would have a website that would allow musicians to submit their material and then I would have a radio show or podcast to show off the artist. Sounds similar to what you guys do but if money was not a thing then imagine what it would look like.

How Do You Feel About Originality?

That is a great question! Being original has its Pros and Cons like many things do. I think originality can either make you or break you, just depends on timing and the masses being open to your ideas.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

Musicians are a breed far from the everyday Joe just like athletes are. Not everyone will be successful, not everyone will make it. Some are average, some are good, and some are the best. Their abilities or combination of abilities gives them the requirements to do great things but work ethic and discipline are what differentiates good from average, and the best from good. Never give up, Strive to make your sound, Be willing to fail, Practic,e and play as much as you can or make time for it.

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