Photo Credit: Amber Paredes
With the recent release of their highly-anticipated fourth studio album Buried In Jade, we caught up with James DeBerg, vocalist of the San Diego-based Post hardcore outfit Thousand Below to reflect on the rave reception behind the new album, their current North American headline tour and so much more.
Additionally, The Pretty Cult is proud to reveal that we are co-presenting the band's Los Angeles date of the Buried In Jade Tour at The Echoplex on September 13th and could not be more excited to partner with one of heavy music's most exciting acts today.
Read below for our exclusive interview with James DeBerg of Thousand Below and make sure to check out the band's triumphant new album Buried In Jade which is out now via Pale Chord/Rise Records BMG.
You are currently on your Buried In Jade North American headline tour. What have been some of your favorite moments and highlights from the tour and how has the reception been to the new music in a live setting?
James DeBerg: This tour is our first proper headline tour with a long set filled with new songs and production/lighting elements being a part of the show so there were a lot of nerves going to it–but the reception has been absolutely incredible so far. We really weren’t sure what to expect turn-out wise and we really had our expectations blown out of the water. Denver is always a top 3 show of tour for us but I think Montreal and Philadelphia are tied for best show of the tour.
We are just about a month removed from the release of Buried In Jade, what have you found yourself reflecting on the most about this album now that it is out in the world?
DeBerg:There’s always some ‘could’ve would’ve should’ve’ after a record comes out but that’s part of the process. No body of work is ever going to be perfect and we as a band are collectively elated about how the album turned out and that’s what matters to me.
Does it feel validating seeing so many people cite this as your best album yet? Do you feel like this reception will fuel you and motivate you more leading into whatever the next album or chapter of the band will be?
DeBerg: Every time we make a record I try to make it ‘the best album we’ve made so far’ and that comes about by learning so many new things about music and songwriting every time you make a new collection of songs. I learned more in this record process than I have in just about my whole music career so I am pretty excited to make some music again–which we should jump into this fall.
What are your personal favorite tracks from Buried In Jade, and why?
DeBerg: “Save Me” is my favorite. It’s most along the lines of what I would listen to from a band in my own time.
You have been rocking some awesome stage fits during this tour. How do you go about putting together outfits both on and off stage? Do you have any fashion icons or brands that really inspire your overall style?
DeBerg: This is funnily enough the thing I think our band struggles with the most. We have never really had a set ‘stage vibe’ and I would like to actually change that this album cycle. I think it’s cool when artists and bands have a signature fashion vibe.
What is your favorite off-day activity while on tour?
DeBerg: Lift weights at whatever gym I can find then play team fight tactics on my laptop until my eyes hurt or I get a headache.
If Thousand Below’s music could score any film, what would it be and why?
DeBerg: I would love to make something incredibly cinematic for a sad romance movie or something like that. Something along the lines of the movie Her.
Lastly, what’s next for the band for the remainder of 2025 and next year?
DeBerg: The first direct support tour we will have done in Europe is in December which is going to be insane because we are sharing a tour bus with our Australian friends in Ocean Sleeper. Have a couple really exciting potential things lined up in the pipeline for next year but nothing to share just yet.
Watch the music video for "Save Me Ft. Lø Spirit" below and view the admat for the Los Angeles date of the Buried In Jade tour co-presented by The Pretty Cult.
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