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CANTERVICE is more than a musical project; it’s a transmission from within a broken machine, where themes of dystopia, resistance, and identity pulse through each release. Known for blending cinematic atmosphere with industrial edge, CANTERVICE has steadily carved a path not just through the sonic landscape, but through the narrative of a future in disarray.
For our latest FiXT New Noise feature, we connect with CANTERVICE lead singer Robert Matlock and take a deep dive beneath the surface to decode the influences, creative processes, and conceptual underpinnings of the project. From creative influences and the origin of the project to behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing process and future visions, CANTERVICE opens the door to the machine-driven world they’ve crafted—and the very human truths powering it from within.
What have been some of your proudest moments as a band so far, musically or otherwise?
Robert Matlock: “Releasing our debut album was quite a milestone, but it’s also seeing people understand it. Whether it’s all the messages from fans who connect with the lyrics, song covers, AMVs, reaction videos, etc., having that emotional connection is what we’re most proud of.”
What’s a challenge the band has faced that ultimately made you stronger?
“Balancing our personal lives with the demands of the band has always been a challenge. We all have our own families, and we’re all self-starters with intense schedules, as career professionals or business owners. That forces us to be very intentional with our time, but it has also made us a more robust unit. Us all being in similar circumstances means we understand each other’s pace, and that keeps us aligned, even when life is hectic.”
Has there been a specific moment or show that felt like a turning point for the band?
“Without question, ‘The Masquerade’ was that moment. When it was released, we didn’t expect it to connect in the way that it did. The track has over two million streams, and the video has more than half a million views. For a lot of our fans, ‘The Masquerade’ was their entry point into our world. The song set the tone for everything that followed and proved to us that the concept we were building had true weight that people were ready to grasp onto.”
Lessons Learned:
What has been in CANTERVICE taught each of you, either about music, life, or yourselves?
“We’ve learned that creating from a place of passion and authenticity rather than outside pressures keeps the quality high and the intent pure. It’s also taught us the value of patience, as good things take time to build.”
How do you navigate creative disagreements within the band? Any lessons in collaboration or compromise?
“We always lead with mutual respect. If someone has a vision, we give it space to be heard and grow. We’ve learned to ask ‘What serves the song or the story best?’ not ‘Who’s right?’ That collective mindset prevents ego from taking over.”
Looking Forward:
What’s next for CANTERVICE? Are there any big milestones or projects on the horizon?
“We won’t give too much away, but we’re already developing our next album. It’s definitely going to be more immersive and emotionally charged than anything we’ve done previously. Most of the songs on Zero Hour were at some stage of completion two to three years ago. CANTERVICE as a whole has grown a lot in that time, with new members who will have a lot to add. Our best work definitely lies ahead.”
What themes or stories are you interested in exploring in future music?
“We want to go deeper into the themes of mental health in the digital age, the loneliness that’s bred from hyper-connectivity, and the conflict between free will and control. They’re themes that both us and our fans are very familiar with, and for most, they will hit close to home.”
How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music five years from now?
“In short, empowered. We want this music to feel like both a mirror and a megaphone, reflecting what they’re feeling and giving them the needed strength to scream it out loud.”
Quick-Fire:
Describe CANTERVICE in three words — no more, no less.
“Immersive. Defiant. Human.”
The Concept & The World of CANTERVICE:
CANTERVICE has a strong conceptual identity. How did the world or narrative behind the music originate?
“The world of CANTERVICE was born from governments and corporations slowly eroding away our personal freedoms. Legislation like the Patriot Act and FISA provided mass surveillance under the guise of national security. People like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden exposed how extensive and unchecked these systems were, but instead of their actions triggering reform, they led to them being criminally charged.
“The threat isn’t even just from governments. Corporations have adopted and even surpassed government surveillance tactics, but for profit instead of security. Although they often operate in tandem with government agencies. They collect everything from your voice, your face, your habits, and even your emotions. Algorithms predict your behaviour before you make a decision. Over time, the data stops being a reflection of who you are and starts becoming the definition of who you are allowed to be. You’re no longer the consumer, but the product.
“CANTERVICE is a mirror to that disturbing reality, and it’s our way of resisting complacency and reminding everyone that control often comes wrapped in convenience and comfort.”
CANTERVICE “The Masquerade” (Zardonic & Toronto Is Broken Remix) single artwork
Are there specific inspirations (films, games, books, ideologies) that helped shape the aesthetic and narrative tone of the band?
“Absolutely. Mr. Robot, V for Vendetta, and Orwell are great points of reference. There are too many to name.”
Do you have plans to expand the lore beyond the music into things like graphic novels, ARGs, short films, or even games?
“The world of CANTERVICE was never meant to exist only in the music. We’ve had talks about graphic novels, indie games, and even expanding the universe through a novel. We don’t want to spoil anything, but the fans who want more than just music will have much to explore in the future.”
How important is it for listeners to engage with the concept vs. just enjoying the music on its own?
“We design everything on two levels. You can easily enjoy the music all on its own, or dive into the lore. Either way is valid, but if you want the full experience, the world is there to fully explore.”
Have you thought about how the concept could evolve over time, or are you committed to staying within a specific narrative structure?
“The concept will evolve just like our world does. There’s no intent to let anyone else, even ourselves, put us into a box or a single sonic lane.”
CANTERVICE “Doomsday” single artwork
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source v13.net ’
