Brett Deadly 
The following article was featured in Trap Metal Magazine issue #1 CHECK IT OUT HERE
1. Trap Metal is known for its raw energy and emotional intensity. Can you tell us about your journey into this scene? What drew you to this genre?
The idea of being able to mix different styles to deliver more emotion called to me like crazy. I tried to include that mentality in several Metal projects over the years, but people in the local scene I was in weren’t 100% comfortable with the idea. Only took a few more years for the catalyst of what would be my home genre to grow strong. I couldn’t believe it, honestly. Trap Metal felt like home. It safeguards so many different styles under it, allowing what I feel is complete musical freedom.
2. The name “Shanx The Crooked Ghost” is unique and intriguing. What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your music or persona?
I took inspiration from “THE CROOKED MAN” story. The idea of a crooked man in a crooked world, in his crooked house, and does crooked music. The ghost part is me feeling like one constantly. This weird feeling of not belonging anywhere, that music has helped me deal with. Shanx, though, was a nickname given by a friend of mine.
3. When creating a track, what comes first for you – the lyrics, the beat, or the overall vibe? How do you approach blending metal and trap elements in your sound?
Yes. In all seriousness, it depends. If I’m by myself It’s lyrics guaranteed. But if I’m back home in Portugal, my producer will be working on a beat and I’ll be writing at the same time. The blend comes naturally. I grew up on 808s, breakdowns and glitch effects while my producer came up from Metal and works with a few prominent names in the industry. It creates this weird dichotomy that is always in balance.
4. Who or what are your biggest influences musically and personally? How have they shaped the sound of Shanx TCG?
I’ve learned to channel my energy towards this futuristic, cyberpunk feeling, mixed with heavy guitars and breakdowns. Honestly, It’s aided heavily by the never-ending estrangement present in my life. This idea that an idealistic world in the future might be where I belong.
5. What is your local music scene like? What are the pros, what are the cons, and where do you see room for improvement?
I’ve spent the last few years living abroad, which made connections with the underground of my country very rare. At the time, new styles of music, especially metal, had difficulty being born in Portugal. Sometimes it happens, but it gets stifled by other genres that have existed there for several generations. But with time, and new blood, I’ve been told a lot more people are trying the Trap Metal sound, or just simply testing new horizons. Gives me hope.
6. How has your sound evolved since you first started in the Trap Metal scene? Are there any pivotal moments that pushed your music in a new direction?
Apart from the last 2 songs I released, all my tracks were stepping stones to reach the sound I want. And the beauty of it is that I’m not done learning. Every song feels closer to what my music sounds like in my head.
7. Trap Metal often taps into themes of darkness, rage, and rebellion. How do you channel these emotions into your music while keeping it engaging for your listeners?
The first song I ever released called “BEDROOM ANTHEM” tells everything. I grew up finding peace in the music on my headphones, while jumping around inside my bedroom. Growing up and learning I was never alone with this feeling made me want to see that as my target audience.
I don’t write songs for clubs as much as I write for the isolated people that only have music to deal with life, most of the time. Whether it be anger, sadness or happiness.
8. Have you collaborated with any artists in the underground scene? If so, who has been your favorite to work with, and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I got a song in the works with BRETT DEADLY that I’m really excited for. The more I dig into the underground, the more I find artists I want to work with. Off the top of my head, APE GABRIEL, GENWUNNER and GXREPARTY all have very personal sounds I would enjoy working with.
9. 🙂 Ayeeee. Trap Metal is not just about sound but also the visuals that accompany it. How do you approach the visual aspect of your artistry, from cover art to music videos?
My visual style shifts back forth between gritty and aggressive to industrial and cyber-inspired. I also have a mascot that represents the cacophony inside my head. A humanoid mesh of darkness covered with eyes. Each eye represents a different voice trying to take turns to talk.
10. Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for Shanx TCG? Any upcoming releases, collaborations, or shows we should be excited about?
New track with BRETT DEADLY aka Heartless Fendi on music streaming platforms coming soon, and a visual diary of sorts that goes deep on what each of my songs are.
11. As we wrap this up, is there anything else you want our readers to know? And thank you for your time.
Thank you for having me!
