We’ve always loved goth. How can you not? In many ways, it’s just great pop music dressed in black. From Joy Division and Bauhaus to countless bands that followed, the best of it has always had hooks, atmosphere, and songs that stick with you. And few places have embraced that world quite like Southern California, where goth has become its own kind of culture—dark and romantic, sure, but also communal, physical, and deeply rooted.
DECEITS are one of our latest favorites. Formed in Los Angeles in 2021 by longtime friends Kevin “Puppy” Moreno and Francisco “Sisco” Saenz, the band have spent the past few years building things the DIY way, self-releasing their early music and developing a devoted following while carving out a space that, as they put it, can feel “too romantic for the punks, too fierce for the goths.” But they don’t see much separation between those worlds anyway. To DECEITS, goth is punk, and darkness doesn’t have to mean standing still.
Now it feels like everything is lining up. Newly signed to Get Better Records, with a new album on the way, a major tour ahead, and new music that could push them into another stratosphere, DECEITS seem ready for a much bigger moment.
We caught up with the band to talk about their DIY beginnings, why goth has always been punk, Southern California’s deep connection to the music, staying grounded in an increasingly digital world, and what comes next.
Thanks for doing this! To start, you describe DECEITS as “too romantic for the punks, too fierce for the goths.” Where did that come from, and when did you realize that was the space the band occupied?
We just read old comments saying those sentiments in some form or fashion. It also became very apparent when we would play live in a traditional goth setting or bill and we would go crazy and treat the performance like the crazy backyard shows we would play and attend.
Coming from the East Coast, one thing that’s always intrigued us is how deep the goth and darkwave scenes run in Southern California. You have all this sunshine and beautiful weather, yet there’s this huge culture built around darker music. Why do you think that sound has connected so deeply here?
I believe it comes from the liveliness of the city and the love of dancing and rhythm from the large latino population. We love to dance and goth is essentially dark dance music.
We love “One Day You’ll Hurt As Much As Me.” Is this upcoming tour the first time you’ll be playing it live?
We’ve played different demo variations of it live (we usually test new songs to gauge the intensity we should record at the studio) but now we will be playing it properly.
How did you link up with Get Better Records, and what’s that transition been like after doing everything independently?
Through casual conversations and email exchanges. We were in talks for a while and the partnership seemed to align with the goals and values we strive towards. It’s been easy and difficult in the sense that I live and breathe this project so I’m always scared to hand tasks to others, but the relationship has been great and communicative so that eases everything.
The KEXP performance was incredible. What was the response like afterward? Did you feel like it introduced DECEITS to a new audience?
Thank you and yes, we did get new fans and a ton of funny comments (which was to be expected). That performance is something we will never forget. Thank you KEXP.
What’s a DECEITS lyric that best sums up your state of mind right now?
“I saw the glass half full, I hate to see it empty,” as we’re both trying to stay optimistic in weary times.
“We’re a punk band first and foremost.”
With so much happening in the world right now, how much of that finds its way into your music? Is the music a way of engaging with what’s happening around you, or escaping from it?
As touched on by my lyrical choice from the previous question, the politics of the world deeply affect the music. We’re a punk band first and foremost, so politics will always be something we engage with and touch on in our music and personal lives. We do use this music to both escape from and confront everything going on in the world.e.
There has always been a really strong Latino and Mexican-American presence in the goth, darkwave and post-punk scenes in Southern California. Is that something you’ve felt yourselves? Why do you think that connection runs so deep?
The concept of death and darkness is strong within our Mexican heritage so I feel the thematics of the goth subculture lends itself easily to us. Plus we love to dance and goth music is fun to dance to.
You’ve talked about the Spanish-language music you grew up with finding its way into DECEITS. What are some influences in your music that people might not immediately pick up on? And what are some of those classics people should know about?
Sisco would definitely have a crazy long list for this, but I’ll try to include the essentials which of course includes Caifanes, Juan Gabrial, and tons of cumbia.
You’ve self-released your entire catalog and built this thing from the ground up. What was the first moment when you realized DECEITS was becoming bigger than you expected?
Still to this day, me and Sisco bring up the surreal moment of watching DEVO soundcheck and having some drinks with The Buzzcocks at Cruel World and then us saying “ dude we’re here.”
What’s a hill you’ll die on?
Goth music is punk and should never forget the cores and values that it brings with it. Those who don’t agree are purely tourists.
Are there any artists — musical or otherwise — that you’d love to collaborate with?
I’ve always dreamed of having Davey Havok do anything musically with me. Collaborating with a horror director would also be amazing as I would love to compose some dark scores.
You’ve already accomplished a lot independently. What’s still on the list? What’s the thing DECEITS hasn’t done yet that you really want to make happen?
Touring with Interpol, Caifanes or The Cure would be a dream. Of course we would love to play Coachella as well (like who wouldn’t) and there are other goals but I’ll keep them secret and whisper their manifestation into fruition.
What’s your Good Call right now? It can be a band, song, movie, book, restaurant, politics, anything — what should we know about?
It’s definitely a good call to take time to do a hobby that you love. I believe that everyone has an artistic hobby that needs fulfillment and finding and doing that will make you a bit happier.
Live Photos by @vermilliarosso
