The Bellwether Syndicate

Former member of influential goth acts Christian Death, Mephisto Waltz, Shadow Project and most recently co-founder of Faith and the Muse, William Faith and Sarah Rose Faith, known also as DJ Scary Lady Sarah, DJ and club promoter, are the primary members of the Dark Alternative, Post Punk, Glam Noir band The Bellwether Syndicate. 

William and Sarah were both attracted to music at an early age.  William explains “Like many people my age, I first encountered the band KISS at the age of nine, and that was “my” music obsession.” After attending a KISS concert at the age of ten William decided that music would be his life endeavour. Sarah’s journey began at home where she says “Music has been a constant in my life since my earliest memories.  There were always records playing in our home.” Sarah cites lots of sixties Rock and Folk music, including performers such as Donovan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Peter Paul and Mary.  Sarah describes herself as never having stopped being an “avid listener and fan, especially to guitar driven rock-based music.”

Following the demise of William’s former band Faith and the Muse he was keen to get back to playing Rock and Roll.  Sarah was interested in the same idea as well as learning the guitar with William and so The Bellwether Syndicate was formed.  Although studio recordings are completed by the duo the band’s live line up includes some extra members, namely Corey Gorey on bass, Philly Peroxide on keyboard and percussion and Stevyn Grey on drums.

 When approaching songwriter William explains that for him “Inspiration comes from so many different directions that there is no set formula or pattern” to the way that the duo write.  He says that “Life hands you all manner of bizarre and unique situations and circumstances, and they come to bear in our expression.” William believes that the themes and messages of the songs created by The Bellwether Syndicate are “vast and varied”.  Sarah illustrates that she initially thought that their music would be politically charged and although much of their music is she also clarifies that “there are some very personal and introspective songs which have emerged.”

 With a broad palette of influences ranging  from The Stooges, The New York Dolls, The Damned, Generation X. Killing Joe and The Chameleons, William also mentions that their music is influenced by “the lingering flavours of the bands I’ve been in.  Its all woven into what we do.” For Sarah, Cocteau Twins , New Model Army and Love and Rockets also add to sources of inspiration.  Sarah goes on to say “These are bands whose innovations have inspired me most, but there are so many more.”

 When explaining the aesthetic of the band Sarah conveys  that “William and I both appreciate when a band whose music we love also have a “look”.  I think that can enhance the experience of seeing a band perform live.” She acknowledges that The Bellwether Syndicate had a very clear idea about the aesthetic they wanted for the band and Sarah and William decided together on the style and imagery the band would adopt.  Sarah believes that the importance of a well-crafted band aesthetic helps to “give a brand more coherence and something with which fans can connect, a more well-rounded identity”

 For William live performances are “everything” and are in fact why he loves being a musician.  He eloquently describes it as “the exchange of energy, the connection with the audience, the adrenaline of communicating our songs onstage is absolutely intoxicating, and its what I live for.”  Sarah conveys that “performing live is absolutely the best part of being in a band as far as I’m concerned.” She says this is evidenced by her “not being able to stop smiling while on stage.”

 In terms of engaging with their fans and building a connection with their audiences Sarah explains that connecting with fans is second nature for her. As a DJ Sarah says “I’ve always made myself very accessible to the patrons of the club events at which I DJ.” Knowing how important it is to make an audience feel appreciated and welcomed The Bellwether Syndicate mentions that “We talk with fans after (and usually before) every live show we play, we never turn down a request for a selfie, we try to reply to all comments on our social media page.” Recognizing the importance of a supportive audience The Bellwether Syndicate also encourage the audience to join with singing and shouting during the performance of certain songs.

In terms of the direction and the future path of The Bellwether Syndicate, William says “Its anyone’s guess, as we don’t force our sound or make any effort to fit into genre standards; we go where the music takes us.”

For newcomers to the music of The Bellwether Syndicate the band believes that their music is for you “If you’re looking for something honest, visceral and passionate” and also enjoy “a really fun band experience.”

Links :

Website : https://thebellwethersyndicate.com/home

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebellwethersyndicate?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/139059342837170/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BellwetherSyndicate

Twitter : https://twitter.com/bellwethersyn?s=21&t=R67nGybeR7PvfYeCVVY-Aw