Architects Frontman on “Older White Men” in Metal Scene: “There’s a Lot of Gatekeeping Around Artistic Freedom”

The UK’s Architects are one of the biggest heavy bands in the world right now, on a rise that just seems to continue growing. They’ve developed a lot of adoring fans but also some that they aren’t as enthusiastic about. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Architects frontman Sam Carter responded to earlier comments he made about older white men gatekeeping the metal scene.

“I am always hoping to spread more joy. I think the only reason why it’s older, white men mostly listening to this music is because metal has been gatekept for a long time by these people. [Now,] new people of colour are coming to say that that’s really not the way that it should be. Rock is for everyone [and] I’m gonna bring my people to the space and we are gonna vibe it out like we always do… hopefully the old white dudes vibe it out too.”

Carter also pointed out the homophobia he experienced in the metal scene, referencing times when he wore makeup and was ridiculed for it.

“Yes. For years I wanted to wear a little bit of make-up, express myself and put on a show. But I didn’t do it for ages because I was like, ‘People are gonna take the piss out of me and I don’t want that.’ And then they did. Not only were people horrible, they were using homophobic slurs as an insult.

“I felt like this scene when I was growing up and when I was in school was such an inclusive scene for the outcasts. How did it become this world where it’s like, ‘You can’t do that if you’re a woman… You can’t do that if you’re gay’. Like, what the fuck? There’s a lot of gatekeeping around artistic freedom.”

We’re with you, Sam. Quit gatekeeping, you posers!