AN INTERVIEW WITH MEL DIRIKOC OF EMERGENCY BROADCAST
2-7-26
1. When I first saw your band name, it instantly made me think of “Emergency Broadcast Syndrome” by Every Time I Die, which from my perspective is a very good thing indeed. Truth be told, I don’t actually recall how I found out about the band, but I’m glad I did! For readers who may not be familiar, would you mind introducing yourself and what you do in the band as well as providing some background basics on the band like when you formed and where you’re from?
That’s very interesting! Actually, the band’s name was influenced by the song “Emergency Broadcast: The End Is Near” by Underoath. We thought the name would fit our music, as our songs often focus on urgent issues such as the ecological crisis, animal liberation, and social injustice.
Emergency Broadcast was formed in 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey and has been based in London since 2023. We have Mel on vocals, Gigi on drums, Alex on guitar and Benediktas on bass.
2. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here in observing that Earth Crisis is a major sonic and ethical touchstone for the band. Before we get deeper into your ethos and output, I’m curious as to who some other major influences are on the band and/or you personally.
The foundation of the band was mainly influenced by ’90s metal and the early-2000s hardcore and metalcore scene. Bands such as Terror, Hatebreed, Death Before Dishonor, and Sepultura were major influences.
Personally, as the vocalist, after I became vegan I discovered bands like Earth Crisis, Minor Threat, and Youth of Today, and I was fascinated by how veganism and animal liberation could be central to a band’s ethos.
3. Why veganism, why straight edge, and why hardcore?
We believe hardcore music is the genre with the most potential to be political, rebellious, and anti-system, while also being very direct in how it delivers messages allowing a special connection with the audience. For us, veganism is a tool to achieve liberation for non-human animals. In a similar way, we see straight edge culture as a tool to challenge and resist exploitative and destructive capitalist systems. Bringing all of these perspectives together through hardcore music makes a lot of sense to us.
4. Do you view the band as but one manner of delivering the message, as one vehicle out of many for activism? Could you speak to how else you are involved in activism and raising awareness around the crucial issues of our time outside of the band?
The core purpose of Emergency Broadcast is not only to produce and share music, but also to help drive positive change in the world, whether for humans, non-human animals, or the Earth itself.
Apart from being a vocalist, I also identify myself as an activist. Lately, I feel that we need art in activism more than ever, especially in a post-truth era and with the rise of state violence. Art has always been, and continues to be, a grey area in terms of control, because it is much harder for oppressive systems to regulate, contain, or fully understand it.
5. You have a track on the mammoth compilation A Homeland Denied: A Compilation for the Palestinian Liberation alongside such heavy hitters as Twitching Tongues, Racetraitor, Stick to Your Guns, and Shooting Daggers. How did that come about?
Our friend Ozan from the band Maranhc told us about this compilation for Palestine, where all profit from sales will be donated to Gaza. It’s an honour to be part of this project with all these great artists and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
6. Speaking of Shooting Daggers, you’ve got a show with them on the horizon. Can you provide us with the details?
The event is organised by Cash Pistache and will take place on 4th of April 2026 at Moor Vault, Bermondsey. Alongside Shooting Daggers and us, there will also be Tomar Control and Nothing Works. It’s shaping up to be an exciting show, and we’re really looking forward to it! (Tickets here)
7. So obviously I’ve buried the lead here, but you’ve just released the EP Make Them Pay. I’ve been characterizing it as “mosh with a message.” What went into its creation, what was the writing process like, and what were some areas of focus for you?
The first thing that came up was the concept. We were being bombarded with horrifying news every day, but in terms of activism, we felt that something had changed, especially after COVID. There was more darkness than hope, and most importantly, the sense of rage felt absent. That led us to the idea that justice needed to be served and that it had to clearly point toward those responsible for creating injustice.
We had many songs written over the years. We first selected the ones that would fit the concept, and then spent quite a lot of time working on the lyrics, as each song carries a specific message.
8. Now of course I need to ask for the details of the EP release show!
Yes! We’re very excited about this one. It will take place on 22nd of February at New Cross Inn. Alongside us, Mentality, xTemperancex, and Neversaid will also be playing. (Tickets here)
9. It feels like hardcore is in a better place currently than it’s been in for a long time. Do you feel like this is an accurate assessment?
Yes, we can agree with that. With so much happening, people are still searching for real, authentic music. When it comes to self-expression, we think hardcore is something people may need more and more.
10. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Any last words for the reader?
We hope our songs resonate with anyone who has an issue with this system and who are looking to express their rage against it.