Wailing City Spotlight: Interview With Dwayne Eldredge of Mourn The Light

Published July 25, 2024
Interview by Meghan Killimade

Mourn The Light has been shredding metal riffs in the area and beyond for quite some time – what’s the history of the band and who are the members & instrumentation?
Mourn the Light is: Andrew Small - Vocals, Dwayne Eldredge - Lead guitars and Backing Vocals, Kieran Beaty - Guitars and Backing Vocals, Bill Herrick - Bass, Kyle Hebner - Drums, Autumn Night - Keys. We started back in 2017 when Greg Gates and I decided to put together something that was no compromise, just what we wanted to do. We went through some early lineup changes because Greg moved away and our early bassist's business took off. We are now a 6 piece with members spread across CT and MA. Kyle Hebner has been on drums since our debut show back in 2018, Bill Herrick on bass has been with us since the first full length, Kieran Beaty (guitars) has been with us since just after the recording of the first album, Andy Small (Vox) and Autumn Night (keys) are new to the band. We are firing on all cylinders now, lots to come. 

Photo by Patrick Hennessey
You just released a new single “False Prophecies” – which is the debut of new lead vocalist, Andy Small. You’ve made some recent posts on social media that this is “a new era” for the band – talk about that and what you have in the works!
We feel that the current lineup where it sits now puts Mourn the Light in our prime. Everyone is delivering their best -- its very cohesive and we all seem to be on the same page.

Tell us about the recording process -- where was the new single recorded and can we expect a more singles or a full length in the future?
We have learned and developed as a band over the years and we are now doing all the recording on our own with the help of our friends Dean Beauchamp (Dirt Pile) and Jack Kosto (Seven Spires) handling the mixing and mastering. We are planning a release of an EP through our label Argonauta Records in the coming months followed by a full length in 2025.

Do you write as a collective or do certain members do the majority of the writing and then bring it to the rest of the band?
I write the majority of the music and lyrics and bring it to the band for each of them to add their creative input and adjustments to arrangements and such. It kinda starts out as my vision and then their creative input is what makes it Mourn the Light. Future releases may see more writing from other members as they have some great stuff demoed as well. 

Photo by Patrick Hennessey

How would you describe your set/performance to someone that isn't familiar?
We are a 6 piece that has a large very full melodic sound and we still hit hard enough to make you bang your head. Our songs are built on heavy melodic riffs and catchy vocal hooks. 

What are some bands/musicians that have influenced you or that you listen to for inspiration/motivation?
There are really so many, from Savatage to Death, from Spocks Beard to Crowbar, Kings X to King Diamond, Night Demon and Haunt, Unto Others to Hammerfall, Swallow the sun, Dark Tranquility, Ihsahn to Leprous and Pain of Salvation…..on and on….sooooo many.

Photo by Patrick Hennessey
Any memorable/favorite shows you've played or attended in the area over the years?
We’ve opened for some great bands locally over the years. Haunt, Seven Sisters, Lich King, Anvil, Cloven Hoof, Fires in the Distance, The Obsessed, and many more. Stormbringer Metal Festival, RPM fest, New England Stoner and Doom Fest, Doom and Brews, lots of great stuff. 

What are some things you think this area needs regarding our music scene – and have you found this area to be supportive to what you guys are doing?
More support for local venues is always needed as it’s a super tough business to be in, (speaking from experience). The fans that come out and support are great people, the community here is like a family…I would love to see the family grow more.

Any local musicians/bands that you’re really digging these days?
Locally some of my faves are Worshipper, Entierro, Bone Church, Fires in the Distance, Vacant Eyes, Unknown, Oxblood Forge, Adamantis, Coma Hole, Perennial Quest, Ice Giant, Casting Shadows, Infernal Occult, Churchburn, Lich King, Pinto Graham, VRSA….I listen to a lot of music.

If you could bring back one local band that doesn’t exist anymore, who would it be and why? 
Tyrant Trooper, such an amazing local death metal band from the 90s. I really wish we could have had more… 

What's up next for you? Any big shows or more music to announce?
No shows in next couple months while we continue recording the ep and full length, then you will see us pop up a bunch more. The EP is titled “The Magic is Calling”.


FOLLOW

https://www.facebook.com/MournTheLight/
https://www.instagram.com/mourn_the_light
https://www.youtube.com/c/MourntheLight
https://mournthelight.bandcamp.com/


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(Sound Waves Magazine)
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"If you don't have ears, then it's possible you're not aware that southeastern Connecticut - specifically New London County - has an incredibly vibrant music scene. Over the years, it's gone from a hotbed of indie rock to an area of musicians, fans and venues that support a complex and varied number of artistic styles. The wailingcity.com web site - newly and lovingly redesigned - is a tremendous resource. A labor of affection and devotion conceptualized in 2006, wailingcity.com boasts artist bios, reviews and interviews, a club and band data base and calendars, videos, audio streaming, and cross-referenced links on all of the above - as well as lists of music services such as instrument instruction, record and retail stores, related media and periodicals, festival information, and so on. It's the brainchild of musician/artist Meghan Killimade, (and contributors), and they do a terrific job."
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