After a covers EP in 2023, Living Dead Girl are releasing their sophomore full-length album Conspiracy. Once again they worked with producer Mitchell Marlow (In This Moment, Papa Roach). Vocalist Molly Rennick gives us the scoop on the new record, going the independent route, cell phones at concerts, the first time she heard one of her songs on the radio and more.
Chad Bowar: How did the songwriting process for Conspiracy compare to Exorcism?
Molly Rennick: It was very similar since I worked with the same producer on both, although I feel like I was even more hands-on and had even more creative control this time around with Conspiracy. I’ve grown a lot as a musician and was able to input a lot more on the music than I did with Exorcism.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
I loved being in the studio immediately after getting off a three week long tour. My voice was the most warmed up and comfortable it’d ever been, I was doing takes so quickly and easily and I remember feeling so happy and excited that all the vocal training I’d done had paid off!
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Paying for it! (laughs) Creatively I find making music very easy and it comes naturally to me; the only actual challenge as an artist nowadays is footing the bill.
How has the band’s sound evolved from Exorcism?
My vocals have become a lot more dynamic in the time since Exorcism, I feel like I can do a lot more with my voice now and I show it off more. Especially my screams, the difference feels night-and-day.
A lot of the song titles would make good album titles. What led you to go with Conspiracy?
Conspiracy just felt right, like putting on a shoe that fits perfectly. I had the same lightbulb idea moment with it the way that I did with Exorcism so I just knew it was the title. It’s also a really cool word to use for branding and merchandising. It opens up the door to a lot of imagery we can create with photos, music videos, graphic designs, etc.
What lyrical topics do you tackle this time around?
This album is darker all around than Exorcism; I talk about mortality, trauma, abuse, issues I see in the world.
You filmed a few videos for the album. Which was your favorite shoot?
I’d love to say “Poison Me” because that’s my favorite video and I was so proud of how we put it together — but at the actual video shoot I was so miserable.(laughs) I was freezing my ass off and really struggling to sing with water pooling down my face. It was insanely uncomfortable but SO worth the end result!
I’m guessing after the first album you had plenty of label interest. What led you to keep going on the independent route for this record?
We’ve had offers and been approached by different people, but nothing has felt “right” to me enough yet. I like my creative freedom and being in control at this stage of my career.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
I hope for it to reach as many new listeners as we possibly can, and to further cement Living Dead Girl’s place in the metal world.
You have an album release party coming up. Any other tour plans?
We’re working on them right now!
What has been your most memorable Living Dead Girl live show?
Rock Fest in 2024 for sure! That was the biggest crowd we’ve played to date (a few thousand) and the energy was unlike anything else I’ve ever felt before. I was absolutely on cloud 9.
Ghost banned phones from their latest tour. Is that something you’d be in favor of, and do you see it happening more at concerts?
I have very mixed feelings on that so it’s hard to give a definitive answer. I do fully think people are missing out and not enjoying things or living in the moment when they are glued to their phone screens. I’ve absolutely seen the shift in culture where people have become more socially awkward and feel the need to hide behind their phones, even at concerts.
But at the same time, as a woman, I don’t wanna be anywhere in public without my phone on me for safety reasons. What if there was any kind of emergency and no one could reach me, or vice versa? Or if your friend goes to get drinks or the bathroom and you can’t find them after, etc? I’m in favor of putting your phone away and living in the moment, but my brain immediately goes to the safety aspect of not having a phone on me.
Describe the first time you heard a Living Dead Girl song on the radio.
The first time I heard my song on the radio was a Toronto rock station in 2020 and I was so giddy and excited I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Then the first time I heard myself on SiriusXM Octane Test Drive with our song “Dysfunctional” in 2023, I actually cried happy tears!
What are some of your non-musical hobbies and interests?
I have soooo many, this will be a long list. (laughs) Cooking, reading, the gym, makeup, painting, going to Disney World, graphic design….
What’s the best thing you binge-watched recently?
Probably season two of Wednesday. I’m not a huge TV person but I love all of Tim Burton’s work.
What’s currently in your musical heavy rotation?
Lots of Architects and Falling In Reverse.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
If you wanna support the new album check out our online store. We’ve got CDs, vinyl, guitar picks, patches, and so much more fun stuff!
(interview published October 9, 2025)
Watch Living Dead Girl – “Poison Me” Video
