In December 2025 we had an interview with Josh and Sietse from Sugarspine. We talked about the Dutch core community, the difference between the Australian and Dutch metalscene, and how Sugarspine evolved from being a solo project to being a full live band. Check out the full interview on our YouTube channel, or read a short version down below.
What defines the spirit of the Dutch music scene?
The Dutch scene is characterized by a “rising tide floats all ships” mentality, functioning as an incredibly warm and welcoming community. Even for those who have only been involved for a short period, it is clear that there is a collective push to help one another grow. This is visible in the way musicians frequently offer to fill in for other bands and how easily connections are made through platforms like “The Coremunity” WhatsApp group, which hosts nearly every metalcore and hardcore musician in the Netherlands.
How did Sugar Spine evolve from a solo project into a full band?
Sugar Spine began as a solo endeavor during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first track, “Go Outside,” was written in an Australian hotel quarantine after an initial Dutch visa denial. It remained a solo project until late 2022, when the move to the Netherlands was finalized. The desire to perform the music live necessitated finding permanent members, who were eventually recruited through social media and local musician networks. This transition was made smoother by the high level of shared ambition and creativity among the new members.
What are the primary differences between the Australian and Dutch metalcore scenes?
While the two scenes share a friendly and community-focused attitude, the geography of Australia presents unique challenges. Despite massive distances between major cities, there is a strong collective push in Australia to help bands gain recognition, aided significantly by dedicated booking agencies. In both regions, the core of the scene remains a community where people look out for one another in the exact same way.
What was the strategic reasoning behind the slow release of the Violent Heaven EP?
The band spent seven months releasing the EP by treating every track as a single. This was a deliberate experiment to gauge how the audience resonated with different styles and presentations. For instance, “Burnt Beyond Recognition” was presented as a grassroots, live-style video, whereas “To Fade Quietly” featured much more intricate production and layering. This process provided the band with valuable data on their sound before heading into future projects.
What is the core message and meaning behind the Violent Heaven concept?
The concept of Violent Heaven represents an individual’s personal version of paradise—a relationship, a home, or a safe space—that they are willing to fight “tooth and nail” to protect. It suggests that while these “heavens” are beautiful, maintaining them often requires going through “hell” or enduring significant struggle. Each track explores a different facet of this: “Burnt Beyond Recognition” deals with the fear of losing one’s identity, while “To Fade Quietly” reflects on the ephemerality of time and the weight of future decisions.
How has the band’s songwriting and production style evolved over time?
The writing process has shifted from a “shotgun” approach to a “sniper” approach. Early work was more of a scattershot attempt to find a musical personality, often leaning into math-core or progressive styles. Over time, the sound has leaned into larger-than-life, cinematic layers and more melodic foundations. The most recent work was the first body of music written entirely as a collective, allowing the members to learn each other’s strengths and points of potential.
What advice would you give to bands just starting out?
The most practical technical advice is to play with a click track, as it simplifies future steps in show production and allows studio-quality sound to translate better to a live environment. On a personal level, new bands should never be afraid to talk to strangers. Building a network is essential for gaining exposure; simply introducing yourself at a show can lead to lasting friendships and professional opportunities. Most people in the scene are welcoming, and these reciprocal relationships are what help a band grow.
Want to know more about Sugarspine? Check out their website! Also, if you want to know more about the Dutch Coremunity, check out this link!
