Irish prog-rock outfit Dexterity have released their new single, Vessel. We asked lead vocalist Sarah Dexter the BIG questions . . .
Dexterity, who have been active in Dublin's rock scene for the last three years, also features bassist Adrianna Matthews, drummer Alex Rose and guitarists Cian Somers and Nathan O'Maoilearca.
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Reflective of Sarah's trans experience, Vessel "contemplates not feeling right in your skin and wishing you had another vessel."
"I always knew that I was different, but didn't quite know how," she says. "I don't think anyone would have guessed that I would end up trans, which shows how limitless our limited vessels are."
She adds, "There can be constant turmoil for people who exist outside rigid gender/sexuality binaries. Transitioning in terms of name and hormones and label is a journey, and it all takes a while.
"But I knew presenting femme, as my true self, had to happen. I changed the Vessel and the Vessel changed me, and everything else followed in its own time."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I come from a family of seven children. We all play instruments and being the youngest, I had the privilege to learn from my six older siblings. My brother introduced me to metal music when I was 10, and that's when I really started to appreciate music on a larger scale. I love to dance, and I love music that I can dance to. I love finding the hidden grooves in different genres that allow me to express myself in different ways.
How would you describe your music?
I think my music is very emotional. My writing comes from the heart; the emotions and turmoil I'm facing at that moment in time. The music has a conceptually jarring basis but seems to come together and function well when the parts are put together, to the point where a listener might not notice anything other than a typical rock song, and that's what I want. My music highlights odd time signatures that still give a feel and groove you can dance to. I've written different kinds of rock music in the past with other bands, but the songs I write as Dexterity are my true self-expression; the raw essence of who I am.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to a lot of rock music. Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Modest Mouse would have influenced me in my early teens, but now I'm heavily inspired by modern prog metal artists. Periphery is one of my favourite bands of all time. Their music has expanded the realms of creativity for my songwriting, and it has the emotional depth I seek in music. Bands like Haken, Porcupine Tree and more recently Sleep Token have also been massive musical inspirations for me. My music has combined in a way that resembles bands more like Biffy Clyro; another great inspiration of mine.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Growing up in a musical family, I attended and performed in a lot of concerts and would have watched my brother's bands play a few times, but the show I consider to be my first gig was the first one I went with my friends when I was 14, and I'll never forget it. It was Stray from the Path with Red Enemy (who are now The Scratch, pop fans!- Ed) as support in The Academy 2 in Dublin. The atmosphere was electric. It was the first time I'd ever been in a mosh pit and it was the most fun I've ever had at a gig. I've been craving that atmosphere at every concert ever since, but nothing has been quite as good as that first experience.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The second Foo Fighters album, The Colour and the Shape. I remember looking at the artwork a lot, probably more than listening to the album, but it's still my favourite Foo Fighters album. It's one of those albums that doesn't have a bad song for me. The more I listened to it, the more songs I'd find special to me. Hey, Johnny Park! still gives me nostalgic shivers when I listen to it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Euclid by Sleep Token, hands down, not even close. This song has pierced my heart several times; the whole Take me Back to Eden album has, but this song in particular. It's a song that I never knew I needed, and my god I need it.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Difficult question for me since I am someone who usually focuses on the lyrical elements of music last as I tend to focus on rhythm and harmony first, but I think a lyric that really hits home is in the chorus of Machines by Biffy Clyro. "I've started falling apart I'm not savouring life. I've forgotten how good it can be to feel alive." This resonates with my lowest moments. It's a reminder of my suffering, but also a reminder that I am the one who can make things better for myself, I just have to get up and do it, I have to remember.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I very rarely listen to songs twice in one day. There are very few songs I've ever repeated on loop. If I had to choose one though, it would have to be Absolomb by Periphery. This song plays with the emotions, but also has so much hidden musical complexity. It explores and develops themes initiated by previous songs in the album Periphery III: Select Difficulty. It has so much emotional and technical complexity for me that it would have to be my top choice to listen to on repeat.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can listen to my music on Spotify, Apple music and Tidal, and you can keep up on upcoming shows and updates through Instagram, Facebook and Red Vine Records.
Alan Corr
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