Known for his introspective and candid lyrics, Atlanta based Alt/Pop artist Forrest Isn’t Dead pours out the stories of his life experiences and hardships through his unique and thought-provoking music.
Growing up with a single mother and limited resources, Forrest Kleindienst found early inspiration in music and skateboarding, which played a major role in developing his feelings about life and love.
He later dove head first into writing original music, learning to play drums, guitar, piano, and of course singing.
Forrest partnered up with guitarist and producer Matt Forrester Vassy. Together, they took on the name Forrest Isn’t Dead to represent feeling alive and their love for life while fighting through the challenges it brings. “I came up with the name ‘Forrest Isn’t Dead’ partly because my name is Forrest and Matt’s middle name is Forrester; but also because I’m still alive through all that life has thrown at me. Music and creating is mostly what has kept me alive”, says Forrest.
What first got you into music?
So, my mom had a CD from when she went to the Wish Tour by The Cure. I used to sit in front of the CD player and listen to the Wish album on repeat when I was a kid. Also, hearing the Bullets album by My Chemical Romance was a big moment in my life. It was then I realized I wanted to do music.
How would you describe your music?
If you put My Chemical Romance, The Cure, and Gorillaz in a blender. At least that’s how I hear it.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Jeremy from Touché Amore, Gerard or Ray from My Chemical Romance, and Robert from The Cure!
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
My Chemical Romance or Gorillaz easily.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
No matter what happens in your life, we are here for you as are your friends and we will always continue to prove that you can fulfill your dreams too.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Me and all the boys agree that our favorite song to perform is “Paper Kingdom” off our new album ‘The End Of Everything’.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
My Chemical Romance and The Cure are my biggest influences.
What’s next for you?
To continue to do shows and work on our second album.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can whistle with my mouth damn near closed lol.
What was the last thing you dressed up as for fancy dress?
Probably for our Atlanta show. I always wear a suit for our hometown shows.
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Jet black. Cause it’s rock n roll.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
“Headfirst For Halos” by My Chemical Romance
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Probably Evan Peters!
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be?
Mint chocolate chip.
Forrest Isn’t Dead, who draws parallels to such acts as The Cure, Gorillaz, Tame Impala and Joy Division, has released his debut full-length album, The End Of Everything, via Madison Records. The 12-track collection, produced by Forrest along with Tanner Hendon, Wyatt Oates, Matt Vassy, and Wes Green, features the recently released singles “Heaven,” “Earth,” “Wash Away,” “Goodbye” and “Born or Made.”
The End Of Everything is a haunting and hypnotic hybrid of alternative, pop, and rock twisted up with just the right amount of electronic mystique and glitchy beatcraft. It’s an honest album about life and death, with an overlying theme of being born again as a better person. Forrest Isn’t Dead first debuted with the tracks “The Light,” “Here We Are” and “Fire,” which are all featured on the album. Elsewhere is the electrifying single “Born or Made,” “Goodbye,” which hinges on an off-kilter new wave-style beat, and “Wash Away,” with a hook line and tempo inspired by one of Forrest’s favorite bands T.S.O.L. Most recently, Forrest Isn’t Dead released the cinematic and emotionally charged “Heaven” alongside the raw “Earth” with a two-part video series.
https://www.instagram.com/forrestisntdead/