Interview: Audiotopsy’s Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne) on new album ‘The Real Now’

Audiotopsy, the group featuring Greg Tribbett and Matthew McDonough of Mudvayne, Billy Keeton of Skrape and bassist Perry Stern’s upcoming sophomore album The Real Now will be released on November 2nd via Megaforce Records (pre-order now). The group started working together in 2014 as their debut album Natural Causes arrived by 2015. The band went a little deeper with their second record as The Real Now is more of an exploration on the journey of life. We were able to briefly speak to Tribbett about the record, overall challenges, and more.

I read that The Real Now is about exploring the journey of life through addiction, depression and death. Can you elaborate on these subjects for each song?

Well I can’t really elaborate on each song, but here’s an example: “Fade Away” is about addiction/depression and dealing with the outside world itself.

“A Death Benefit” is an opportunity during the loss of a loved one to experience transcendence.

Over the last few years we’ve lost so many musicians such as Warrel Dane, Lemmy, Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Dolores O’Riordan, Jill Janus etc.. does this have an impact on the new album?

It’s sad so many have been lost. I think it just brings awareness to the community about depression and how serious it can be. There’s a song called “Fade Away” on the new record that reflects addiction and depression.

Musically, how would you describe the record?

I would describe the record as a heavy, melodic, atmospheric record as a whole. Really grooving riffs and great vocal melodies.

How would you compare Audiotopsy to Mudvayne and Skrape?

I wouldn’t compare these bands. They are completely different musically, vocally and individually. Though there are similarities, we do still have our own sound.

What have been some of your biggest challenges on forming Audiotopsy thus far?

The biggest challenge is trying to get all of us together in one place. We all live in different states. It’s really hard when you try to write and record. Everyone has busy schedules and other priorities as well as families.

Do you have any upcoming touring plans?

Not this year, hopefully we will be doing some dates throughout 2019.

We have seen many bands come, go, and return again. In your opinion, what is the best way for a band to stay relevant in today’s digital age?

Continue to put out music and don’t go away too long. People have no patience these days. It’s a fast food nation so you gotta keep up or you can get lost in the mix.

Anything else you would like to say/add to your fans?

The Real Now comes out Nov. 2nd. Pick up the record and support the bands you love!