In the heart of Brooklyn, a musical revolution is unfolding, led by the fearless frontman EV0 and his band, Makes My Blood Dance. With their latest single, “Time and a Place,” this dynamic group is redefining the boundaries of electronic and heavy metal music, crafting a sound that is as infectious as it is cathartic. As they prepare to unleash their upcoming album, Z3r02LGHTSp33D, and embark on a thrilling 2025 U.S. tour, EV0 takes us on a journey through the band’s origins, their unique blend of genres, and the creative process behind their electrifying performances.
From the intricate dance beats to the raw emotional depth of their lyrics, Makes My Blood Dance is an immersive experience that promises to leave fans breathless and yearning for more. Let’s dive into the world of EV0 and explore the creative vision, personal inspirations, and future plans that are propelling Makes My Blood Dance to the forefront of the music scene.
Pinch of Sol: Let’s start at the beginning: How did Makes My Blood Dance come together as a band? Was there a specific moment when you realized this was something you had to pursue?
EV0: Yes! Jon Kristian (lead guitar/programmer) and I met around 2018. He was looking for a singer for his project, and I was restless in my current project, which was not touring and moving forward as much as I would have liked. We jammed together, but it really wasn’t clicking with his band. However, Jon would not leave me alone and kept coming to my shows, and we kept talking and hanging. I realized that I really liked him as a person and decided to give it a shot.
I told him to send me a song and I’d work on it. He sent a 14-minute metal odyssey but gave me free rein to do what I wanted with it. I told him I’m a pop and musical theater bloke and need space for vocals and structures that I can work with. I rearranged it and added lyrics and melodies, and that turned into Power of the Lightside (check the music video). We were both pretty happy with the results and after that, the music kept flowing. We became friends before we were bandmates, and I am happy about that now that we’re living on a tour bus for long periods and collaborating DAILY on so many things. It’s super important to be tight with your team.
PoS: You’ve built a unique sound that blends metal, electronic, and dance elements—what was the initial spark that led you to experiment with combining these genres? Did you always know you wanted to carve out your own lane in music?
EV0: I ALWAYS want to carve my own lane, and honestly, I have never fit in. I think Jon and I both share that characteristic. I love dance music though and long jams, alongside pop and metal. Our sound is still evolving to this day, but our recent releases, “Heavy Metal Armour” and “Time And A Place,” are the best versions of MMBD yet. We have some surprise guest stars on this record as well, with a drum & bass remix on our forthcoming record: Z3r02LGHT$peed!
PoS: Makes My Blood Dance has always had this incredible theatrical presence, both in your music videos and live shows. What role does the visual aspect play in your overall artistic vision? Do the visuals inspire the music, or does the music drive the imagery?
EV0: That is part of who I am, and Jon also, and Lucy (bass), and now Greg (drums). We all love the theatrical part of the performance, fashion, and the idea that our shows are full-blown events. Just incredible experiences where we transform spaces with music, lights, and a vibe that gets people moving and connecting.
PoS: Your new single “Time and a Place” is such a bold track that digs into themes of self-reflection, love, and searching for meaning. EV0, could you share what was going through your mind when you were writing these lyrics?
EV0: I am aware of my character defects; having gone through recovery, is a big part of exploring the self. Fear of not being good enough, fear of not being loved, fear in general… is a big one for me and for many people. I tell my story in the lyrics because I want to keep it real and sing about things I believe in and that I connect with.
Even if we choose to do a cover (hint), I have to connect with the message. In addition to those fears, I have noticed that relationships start off with so much romance and excitement and frequently devolve into boring and lifeless arrangements. I want to reignite that spark through music and dance, and that is another message in our music video. Check out videos for “Heavy Metal Armour,” “Time And A Place,” and “Together Apart.” Those are all killer and perfect examples of what I am saying.
PoS: The music video for “Time and a Place” has already caught a lot of attention for its striking visuals. What was the concept behind the video, and how did it tie into the song’s themes of self-reflection and inner turmoil?
EV0: I set up the set like a talk show where people discuss their problems, like Oprah. I also put in a stuffed animal, which is a symbol of love and security that most children can identify with. The animal transforms into my mind’s version of her, which says a lot about me..hahaha. I’m here to grow but also entertain and have a good time. I’m narrating and complaining, and then I’m thinking, Let’s have fun with this, and we’re off dancing and connecting and lighting up the camera. That’s the road I’m traveling.
PoS: Music videos are a way to push boundaries and experiment with new ideas. Were there any particular risks or experimental aspects of the video that you’re especially proud of or excited for fans to experience?
EV0: We believe long-form video is another defining factor for MMBD. The short form has gotten saturated like most things, and what we’re doing with our music videos sets us apart and helps tell a deeper story. Jon and I produce these videos together, lots of planning, and building teams, sets, and concepts, and they are super fun to make.
PoS: What would you say makes Makes My Blood Dance stand out in today’s music scene?
EV0: There are a lot of things, and I think it’s a combination of factors, not one thing, that makes ALL of us special. We have an incredible live show, and engaging music videos, and the songs connect with a lot of people. Test drive MMBD by checking out our videos now and decide for yourself. If you love it, head over to makesmyblooddance.com enter your mobile number and join us (Blood Dancers).
PoS: Your 2025 tour is kicking off soon, and you’re hitting a lot of exciting cities. What’s the vibe like for the band as you gear up for this tour, and what are you most looking forward to in the coming months?
EV0: Our last tour at the end of 2024 was a 24-date run with Tommy Vext (Bad Wolves). That one got canceled after six awesome shows, and we had to go home. We were really bummed out, and it’s been a long, cold winter. We are MORE than ready to get back at it. We used that experience to level up our stage show, lights, and the entire set. We have awesome jam sessions between the songs, and there is so much to experience. MMBD is heading out for 39+ dates with a number of different amazing headliners, and there is more to come. Follow us on BandsInTown and sign up for the Blood Pact on our website for announcements and discounts.
PoS: How do you approach creating setlists for each tour? Are there specific tracks you’re especially excited to play live, or do you like to mix things up to keep the shows feeling fresh for both you and your fans?
EV0: We love the “trip,” so there are a lot of dynamics. We’ll take you up, down, and inside and blow your mind. That is something that is difficult to translate in a studio; you have to come to see us live to get the maximum experience. I’m on the second guitar for a few songs where I can riff with Jon and it’s super powerful; there are added jams and callouts for each player. It’s very cool.
PoS: You’ve got a busy year ahead with stops on the Nu Metal Revival Tour and more. What’s the preparation like for such an intense tour schedule? How do you ensure you’re at your best—both as individuals and as a band—every night on stage?
EV0: Each one of us has virtual studios, and we practice a lot. Jon and I get together every week as well, tweaking the mothership so we’re ready. The whole band gets together for about 4 days of long rehearsals before we set off. We will be ready, are you? Go get tickets. Much luv.
