After setting fire to the West Coast alongside industrial legends Powerman 5000 and Julien-K, Makes My Blood Dance is rolling full throttle into the South with amps blazing and energy to burn. Known for their explosive blend of metal, disco, darkwave, and theatrical flair, MMBD isn’t just crossing state lines—they’re breaking genre boundaries and turning every venue into a dance-metal temple. With a new bassist in the mix, fresh tracks from their album Z3r02LGHT$p33D!, and a live show that feels like a rave inside a thunderstorm, they’re kicking off the next leg of their tour, starting May 16 in Fort Smith and continuing with Texas Hippie Coalition through Louisiana and Alabama.
We caught up with EV0, the electric frontman of Makes My Blood Dance, to talk about tour life, new music, and why this band is anything but predictable.
You’re joining Powerman 5000 and Julien-K on this exciting West Coast tour. What can fans expect from this collaboration on stage? How does MMBD stand out in this powerhouse lineup?
This tour has been legendary. We have definitely earned the respect of our peers; PM5K and Julien-K are total pros, and we all love the dynamic on the road. Our musical styles have combined to make an entire night that takes the audience on a trip without the fatigue of banging everyone over the head each night with the same thing. The rooms have been full for us every night; we have put tons of photos and reels on our Insta and TikTok, so check it out.
This tour comes right after your run on the Nu Metal Revival Tour. What new elements are you bringing to the stage during this leg of the tour?
We have a new bass player, SpaceyBaby, who is incredible to work with and a real talent on the bass. She has integrated with us seamlessly to round out the lineup (EV0 – lead vocals, Jon Kristian – lead guitar, G-Rex – beats). We have also added some new songs, and our merch is next-level awesome. Check out our new threads and accessories at www.makesmyblooddance.com.
For those who haven’t seen MMBD live yet, how would you describe your live performance experience in three words?
Dance, Shadow, and Strobe.
How much of your live performance is spontaneous versus carefully planned?
I do ad-lib with the crowd between songs and get a few laughs. We are a tight machine and, as the opener, have pretty strict guidelines for our stage time. We also have an insane light show and gear that is tailored to our set. We do some excellent jams between songs as well, so it’s not just one single after another. The MMBD show is a wild ride, and we get you moving, jumping, and fist pumping throughout. Come see.
MMBD is known for experimenting with sound. What new sonic textures or ideas can fans expect on Z3r02LGHT$p33D! that you haven’t explored before?
This album is a step forward, combining technical metal with musical theater, EDM, and dark wave. There are tons of elements and grooves; most of all, we like to get people moving and have massive, melodic, feel-good hooks. Working with producers Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Macy Gray) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town) has undeniably elevated our sound. So far, we have released singles/videos for “Heavy Metal Armour” (Berlin Music Video Awards) and “Time And A Place.”
Check the videos for both of those. There are 9 songs total on the album, with a vinyl release coming soon. We have also done a drum & bass remix for one of the tracks. Go to our website, www.makesmyblooddance.com, and sign the Blood Pact with your mobile # for direct updates from us.
Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the lyrics for “Time And A Place,” or is it a more abstract or universal concept that you wanted to explore?
I struggle a lot with relationships and cultural boundaries. This song is about that magical moment when you finally feel safe and connected with someone. It seems to be such a struggle to share yourself with someone and sustain that connection. We set ourselves up to make our partners our “everything,” and that is a very ingrained cultural script. All of us are finding our way together, but no one in this band seems to be able to fit into those scripts very well. That’s the best I can do. Listen to the song and take the lyrics as you will.
If you could pick one moment in “Time And A Place” that really encapsulates what the song is about, which part would you highlight, and why?
“At the end of the hall, 2 kids just kiss in the dark; maybe that was us in the middle of the fire alarm” basically says you have to have the courage to have those moments in the middle of chaos; you need to MAKE time or you’ll never have time, and that’s how important you are to me, romantically, intimately, and spiritually.
The name “Makes My Blood Dance” already gives an impression of electric energy. How did the band come to adopt such a dynamic name, and what does it mean to you as artists?
It comes from a Chris Poindexter poem when he is looking at his girlfriend and says, “When I look at her, she makes my blood dance.” That’s the feeling we all want, the feeling I want to live in and the message of our music. It’s uplifting and cosmic. Let’s ROCK!
What elements do you believe are essential to creating music that bridges genres like #electropunk, #discometal, and #darkwave?
Not being afraid to cross boundaries of groove like disco, hip hop, reggae, and EDM – whatever we want. Marry that to metal, and let’s romp! That’s our vibe right now, but I’m reserving the right to do whatever the f@ck we want.
Touring can sometimes be a rollercoaster ride. What’s one memorable or funny moment you’ve had on the road that stands out so far?
We are laughing every day on tour. It’s a party every single night. We cook dinners in the Betty (our tour bus) and share so many beautiful moments on stage and off. We are literally living the dream, and everyone here is contributing and is a part of it. The best part is the show and the fans afterwards. We hang out all night and talk to everyone and take pictures and listen to people and make friends. Luv it.
When you’re not creating or performing, what’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge while on tour?
I want to soak in a hot bathtub, hug my family, and pet my dog Coyote.
