If I Die Screaming is a new band from Southern California, but its lineup is anything but inexperienced. With members who have played in Gameface, Big Drill Car, Field Day, Faded Grey, Backlash, and Vis, the group draws on decades in the punk and hardcore scenes. Rather than sticking to one sound, they approach their music with an open hand.
Their debut single, "Ten Inches of Water," appears on the Louder Than Hate compilation, which raises funds for LGBTQ+ communities in Texas. For guitarist Todd Trout, the band started during a difficult stretch, long before this first release.
"Over the past year and a half, I found myself sidelined while recovering from a couple of surgeries," Trout tells No Echo. "During that time, songwriting became my outlet as I poured the struggles, setbacks, and emotions I was having into music. Those songs became the foundation of what became If I Die Screaming."
"Ten Inches of Water" was recorded with Martin Beal at The Racket Room in Santa Ana. "Being invited to be part of the Louder Than Hate project is important because it represents something we believe to be true—that music has the power to unite people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences while supporting equality and organizations that serve those in need," Trout says.
The title comes from an old adage that the band connects with on several fronts. "The old saying goes one can drown in ten inches of water while another can drown in ten feet of water; either way they're both still drowning," he explains. "We view hate in the same way. Whether it's blatant oppression or quieter forms of prejudice or intolerance, hate consumes people regardless of its size."
If I Die Screaming will spend the next few months writing for their debut EP and plan to return to the studio later this year. They aim to start playing shows in Southern California before the end of 2026.
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If I Die Screaming on social media: Instagram
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