On this episode of the Vulgar Display of Podcast, we’re joined by Zac Mayfield, drummer for dayseeker and Texas metalcore mainstays Oh, Sleeper. Zac dives deep into his journey with Dayseeker, the creative process behind their latest and heaviest era yet, upcoming tours, gaming, and what it truly means to connect with fans on stage.
Zac, who joined Dayseeker during the Dark Sun era, talks about stepping into the band while that album was nearly complete and how he was encouraged to fully “do his thing” on their newest release, Creature In The Black Night.
The conversation also turns to Oh, Sleeper, who have officially wrapped recording their upcoming album with longtime collaborator Andreas Magnusson. Zac describes Andreas as an “unofficial fifth member” of the band, highlighting how his background as a drummer strengthens their creative communication. The new Oh, Sleeper album is currently in mixing and mastering, with a single expected in the coming months and a full release slated for later this year.
Dayseeker will be on the road with Northlane, Wind Walkers, and Saatchi, including a highly anticipated stop on May 15 at The Pageant in St. Louis. Mayfield expressed genuine excitement about touring with Northlane, a band he has admired for years, and explained that Dayseeker prioritizes curating lineups that feel cohesive and exciting rather than simply chasing numbers. The band is also gearing up for a European tour with Motionless in White, continuing a busy stretch that shows no signs of slowing down.
Looking ahead, Mayfield even shared his dream tour partners, naming Deftones, Bring Me The Horizon, Sleep Token, and, somewhat unexpectedly, John Mayer. It was a reminder of how wide-ranging his musical influences are, even within the heavy music world.
Perhaps the most personal part of the conversation came when Mayfield discussed his philosophy on live performance. When asked what fans should expect from a Dayseeker show, he joked about “grown men crying,” but quickly shifted to a deeper point about emotional connection. For him, the goal is for fans to feel the joy and presence of the band on stage. He emphasized the importance of being fully aware and engaged with the audience, even noting that he avoids drinking before performances to stay grounded in the moment. Dayseeker, he said, aims to create an experience that resonates across diverse audiences and leaves a lasting emotional impact.
The episode also touched briefly on Mayfield’s long-standing relationships with Vic Firth and Pearl Drums. He shared that he has been playing Vic Firth sticks since elementary school and praised Pearl’s approach to crafting drums with distinct voices, singling out his Reference Series kit for its quality and character.
As Dayseeker continues to build momentum behind Creature In The Black Night and Oh, Sleeper prepares for its next release, Zac Mayfield finds himself in a rare position: contributing to two bands at pivotal moments in their evolution. With a packed touring schedule, new music on the horizon, and a grounded approach to performance, Mayfield’s focus remains clear – play with purpose, stay present, and make every connection count, especially when Dayseeker rolls through St. Louis on May 15 at The Pageant.
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This episode is sponsored by: Everest Counseling BetterHelp Black Bayou Coffee Roasters Zymurgy Brewing Company and official peddlers of Liquid Death
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