In a candid conversation with us, Johnny McBee, the frontman of the electronic-metal band The Browning, opens up about their latest album End of Existence, the challenges of releasing music during the pandemic, and the state of the metal scene. Read on for an inside look into the mind of one of metal's most unique voices.
The Journey to End of Existence
Released on December 3rd through Spinefarm Records, End of Existence is the culmination of over two years of hard work. Johnny reveals that the album’s creative process was intense but fulfilling, and fans have responded positively to its fresh sound.
"I spent about two years working on it, and the fans are really happy with it," Johnny shares. "It’s totally unique, even for The Browning. It’s a ton of work, but worth it. It really pushes the boundaries of what people expect from us."
The album’s title, End of Existence, came to Johnny during the creation of the track Destroyer, where he sings the words "End of Existence". That moment inspired the title, solidifying the concept for the album.
Navigating the Pandemic and Industry Changes
With the pandemic changing how the music industry operates, many artists have had to adjust to releasing music without the usual support of live performances and touring. Johnny, however, was determined to get his music out as soon as possible, despite the challenges.
"The album was finished long before it came out," Johnny says. "The music industry has always been about putting out an album and going on tour right after. But without the touring element, there was hesitation. Personally, though, I knew that releasing the album online would still connect with my fans. The Browning is internet-based, and I knew the fans would consume the music regardless of the lack of live shows."
Fan Feedback and Creative Risks
As for the feedback, Johnny says it’s been overwhelmingly positive, though not without its critics. The Browning's unique blend of metal, techno, rap, rock, and industrial elements often causes a divide. But Johnny isn’t afraid to take creative risks.
"There's always some negativity, especially because our sound is so unique," he explains. "But long-time fans, as well as newer ones, seem open to the creativity and genre-blending. I think fans appreciate that we push the boundaries. Sure, some people might hate it, but that's part of being an artist. We blend so many different styles – metal with techno, rap with industrial – and that’s something we really focused on with this album."
Breaking the Mold of Metal
Johnny also shared his thoughts on the state of the metal scene and how The Browning stands out from the crowd. With many bands in the aggressive metal scene using familiar, predictable rock and pop structures, Johnny is determined to avoid following that trend.
"I think the metal scene has become kind of boring," he admits. "A lot of bands are using the same song structures, and it’s not as interesting anymore. I didn’t want to fall into that trap. With this album, every song is unique. I didn’t use any standard presets for production. I just created something that felt fresh and different. I wanted to break the mold and do something that nobody else was doing."
For Johnny, it’s about standing out in a genre that’s becoming increasingly predictable. "The metal scene is getting stale. It’s almost like country music at this point, with the same old formula being repeated. But with End of Existence, I didn’t care about industry standards. I just did what I wanted."
The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry
The conversation then shifted to the changing role of record labels in today’s music industry. Johnny has seen firsthand how labels can impact a band’s success – for better or worse. He recalls the time when The Browning’s first two albums were removed from online platforms due to complications with their previous label (Earache Records).
"There was an issue with the old label," Johnny explains. "They removed all their artists’ music from online platforms, including ours. It wasn’t something we did, but fans thought it was. For five years, those albums were unavailable, and it was frustrating for both us and the fans. It’s great that those albums are back online now, and it’s nice to not have to deal with those issues anymore."
Johnny speculates that the label’s removal of music was tied to a legal dispute with another label, and that the entire situation was the result of poor management. "They merged with another label, and that label was eventually bought by Sony. I have my own theories about what happened, but at this point, I’m just glad the music is back online."
The Future of Touring and Independent Success
When asked about future touring plans, Johnny says he’s taking his time before hitting the road again. While some offers have come through, he’s waiting for the industry to stabilize before committing to any tours. In the meantime, Johnny has found a new source of income by starting his own business, Fearless Knives, which he runs while traveling the country.
"I’m just being patient. I started a knife business during the pandemic, so I’ve been traveling across the country selling knives. I’m waiting for everything to stabilize so I can go on tour without the stress," Johnny explains.
As for the future, Johnny remains hopeful about the power of independent artists. "You don’t need a label anymore. You can record an album on a laptop, distribute it yourself, and do your own promotions. The music industry has changed, and I think more people are realizing that you can be independent and still be successful."
Closing Thoughts: Creativity Above All
Johnny’s advice to aspiring musicians is simple: break the mold and embrace creativity. "Don’t follow the trends. Do something unique and push the boundaries. If you want to grab people’s attention, you have to do something different. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and find your niche."
Stay tuned for more from Johnny McBee and The Browning as they continue to push the limits of creativity and redefine the boundaries of metal. You can stream End of Existence on all major platforms now.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow The Browning on their Website, Spotify, Facebook and catch them when they come to your town.
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