Politically charged hard rock from the creative mind of Dave Amaditz. Nullus Rex is a no-holds-barred artistic project, and while the music speaks volumes, it was a pleasure to truly dig into the thought process and intentions behind.
In this interview, we talk about the inception of Nullus Rex, the inspiration for the songs, the value of political ambition in music and art, and both the meanings inside the songs and the craftwork and process utilised to create them. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Dave – great to connect with you, really enjoying the new singles. To introduce things, what first inspired you to make music?
I’ve always loved music of all kinds. As a young teen, I found myself being drawn to lyrics. In fact, I gave up reading novels and dug deep into lyrics, eagerly reading the jacket flaps every time I purchased a new album…… Yes. That long ago.
The name ‘Nullus Rex’ is very unique, where did the project name come from?
“Nullus Rex Means, “No King”, in Latin. The project was born after our president posted an image of himself as king. Knowing we would be a voice for political change we thought the name fit perfectly.”
You create characters in your music – are these purely fictional or inspired by real people, and if the latter, why not address these figures directly; is this to bridge the gap between political perspectives and simply connect with all fans of hard rock?
Yes. I always try to develop characters. To set a scene. The characters aren’t necessarily real but, are facing real life events. With that in mind,, I don’t want to preach. Sharing a story lets people make up their own mind about what’s happening. It lets them accept the story as pure fiction or, if they choose, to dig deeper into the lyrics and find the real story. Hopefully, and most importantly, after all that, they still like the music!
It is our understanding that this is almost purely a solo project of yours, but we do see a recurring theme in the musicians playing in these songs, can you tell us a bit about who is behind the scenes in making this great music?
I’m super proud to have partnered with the awesome, Stacy Hogan. It is he who writes all the music and mixes and produces the song after I have sent him the lyrics. Michael David Carnell is the awesome vocalist behind all three songs. I mean, to say I’m surrounded by fantastic musical talent is a true understatement.
So far we have not seen any live footage from Nullus Rex, can we anticipate any live performances in the future or is this primarily a studio project?
Yes. You’re correct. I would classify this as a studio project with no plans for any live performances.
Robbing You Blind is notably more sultry and gritty blues-rock than the anthemic nineties rock darkness of Don’t Fall Prey. How would you describe your overall style, and how do you decide which direction to take a new song or story in?
As I mentioned earlier, Stacy is the creator in driving force behind all the music for the project. I send him lyrics and wait for him to connect with one or more. When the connection happens…… The results are, (hopefully you and everyone will agree) pretty frigging awesome.
What’s your hope for this music in terms of political change – is it to reach similar minded individuals, or to connect through genre and hopefully inspire a sense of awareness and positive action?
It’s gotta be a combination of both. Simply connecting with the lyrics doesn’t mean listeners will like the rock genre and continue to listen. Connecting with the music, I guess, can be limiting as well. For these reasons, as I mentioned earlier, I try to paint a picture or scene with the lyrics so that I’m not coming across as simply preaching.
Hopefully, that approach will allow a connection both musically and lyrically, the latter not only drawing them to us, but keeping them listening, and wanting more. That, I think, would be one way to measure if the message is resonating.
Which lyric from your recent collection comes to mind as your most impactful or the one you’re most proud of, and why?
If it’s OK with you, I’d like to pick one for each release.……
The upside down…… “With a good book he’s got turned around, in this world, upside down.”
This particular line is something based on a factual event. To me, it drives home the hypocrisy of the current administration. To me they claim religious superiority and morality while spreading hate and distrust as well as suppressing personal liberty.
Robin, You Blind…… “Behind every fortune there is a crime.”
I don’t know where I heard, or perhaps read, that line, or some other version of that line, but it’s stuck with me and I thought it was so powerful. Robbing You Blind came to life because of that line. Talk about painting a picture. I believe it paints an entire scene.
Don’t Fall Pray…… “When their rot starts to smell from misdeeds that decay.”
Here, again, I think I try painting a picture, a scene, if you will. This one line is a good synopsis of the entire piece.
What’s your main plan of action for the next six months as an independent artist? Are there any areas in which you are looking to expand the Nullus Rex branding?
Well, I guess you could say you heard it here first, but we’ve got one more song for certain we hope to release…… Not sure exactly when. So keep your ears open!
But I’m not rushing it, obviously, because Don’t Fall Prey was just released and we’re hoping to push that much, much further.. We’d love, of course, to get some sync opportunities…… And until then…… We’ll keep our nose to the grind and hopefully, with opportunities like this we continue to spread the word.
Nullus Rex has never been a band afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects. What was the moment you realized music could be more than entertainment—it could be a way to challenge people to think?
About to give away my age, but I grew up on the protest music of the 60s and early 70s. CCR, Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills Nash and Young, and so, so many others. I mean, you might say it was imprinted on me… Or in me. It feels kind of natural, to tell you the truth.
Do you think people today are becoming more aware of how much influence governments, corporations, media, and powerful individuals have over the way we think—or are we becoming more susceptible to that influence?
Both. Sad to say, but it seems to me a good portion of our country has, pun intended, fallen prey to the authoritarian leaning of this current Administration. Unfortunately, I don’t have to look far to see it. Again, the reason I chose to speak out.
However, on the brighter side, it seems many more are becoming aware and refusing to be silenced. They are getting involved and demanding change. Unfortunately, some have lost their lives doing so. We cannot forget. We cannot stop fighting the good fight. Too many people have given too much for their struggles to be forgotten.
Your most recent single ‘Don’t Fall Prey’ has a very powerful message, can you unpack your thoughts on the meaning behind this song?
“I’m a veteran. I have and always will support our troops. Past and current sacrifices are why we are able to live free and speak our mind. We should be able to continue to do so, without fear of repercussions.”
With that said, it’s difficult for me to see things happening throughout the world, the devastation and suffering so many humans are forced to endure because leaders, in my opinion, stand idly by. Humans live without necessities, food, water, shelter. Images like those are hard to forget. What makes it harder is when I hear leaders say they will do something yet do nothing.
When I hear leaders claim religious superiority yet do nothing to stop the suffering. When I see them turn their backs on those in need. I hope the lyrics painted that picture. Because to me, all the words of the politicians, coupled with their lack of action, make them seem nothing better than carnival barkers.
Finally, and thank you for your time, Is there anything else you would like us to know about Nullus Rex?
I guess I just want people to know that the message behind us is not meant to shed a superficial light on what’s happening. It’s done with hopes of making people aware, and by that awareness, to hopefully become involved, to overcome the fear or lethargy that now keeps them on the sidelines.
I want to thank you for your thoughtful questions and for helping to spread the word. It means so much to be able to get the message out into the world.
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