UnityTX have always been ahead of the curve. Leaders rather than followers, the Dallas-based band have been breaking the mold since their inception in 2014 with a ferocious fusion of metal and hip-hop, along with some added electronic flourishes and hints of other genres too. Yet new record Somewhere, In Between is largely inspired by the band feeling that, despite always paving the way, they’ve not been given all the props they deserve. The result of that frustration is a record that – across 14 caustic, cathartic songs – oozes with both discontent and determination. It’s a (self-)motivating rallying cry to break free from where they feel they are to somewhere else, idealistically and musically, while also staying true to themselves and their original intentions as a band. As such, it also serves as a reaction to the compromises Webster feels the band have made since they started doing it in a professional capacity. “When we got into the industry,” says frontman Jay Webster (aka SHAOLIN G), “we had to start playing by the industry rules and not so much by the rules that I had set for us. I was trying my hardest to stick to my code, but it felt like it wasn’t ever going to work. This album is what UnityTX used to be before we got picked up. It’s letting go of all the tension that made us feel like we couldn’t do anything in this space and trying to push past that and reach—not our maximum potential—but start to see where else this can go. We’re trying to evolve both as a band and as people.”
With the announcement comes a new single, “Enjoy Tha Show”, which you can listen to below this article. On the single, Jay Webster (aka SHAOLIN G) comments, “‘Enjoy Tha Show’ was crafted to provoke thought on the narratives we embrace as humans, sharing our experiences to foster connection. After much reflection, I aimed to create something that resonated with my audience and mirrored my struggles. Seeking comfort among those who don’t understand the pain of feeling ethnically out of place can be daunting”. He continues, ““At times, the words of strangers would sting so deeply that I’d share them with others. It felt like a natural reaction, yet my friends urged me to rise above it. Ignoring it was harder than I thought, as I was expected to just perform and push through the noise. So, I shifted my approach to simply enjoying the experience. Unknowingly, I built my life around catering to critics, only to realize that the audience often reacts negatively when you stray from their expectations. This goes beyond music; our society often limits opportunities for those daring to be themselves. It’s frustrating, and I accept that it’s a tragic reality. My identity is shaped by my experiences and environment, and that cannot be changed. Where do we draw the line between empathy and judgment?”.
Somewhere, In Between will be released on March 13th via Pure Noise Records. Pre-orders are now available here.
