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Jun 18, 2008 07:13 am
Edited : Jun 24, 2008 11:45 am |
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Interview with The Azoic by Abortedlife
MGH: It's not very unusual that a then Gothic-Industrial band would someday crashland into more electronic regions which is probably the most ideal of sonic evolutions nowadays. Do you think the overall state of your music is turning out for the better?
Kristy: Definitely. I think this is the direction Steve and I always wanted to go. I've definitely been more influenced by dance and electronic bands over the years.
Steve: It was a natural progression for us after we became a two-person band. We are very happy with the direction.
MGH: The videos in the download section give us a hint of what it's like to be in one of your live performances, which is quite impressive. Have you at least tried submitting some of those files to music channels for extra plays?
Kristy: No, but I guess we should after reading your impression! We always welcome more band/music exposure and hope someday we can get more video exposure. I think the 'Conflict' video best shows our live show experience. Thanks for the compliments!
MGH: Please enumerate musical influences that eventually helped you gain a sense of musical direction.
Kristy: Musically, we are influenced by a lot of the German Industrial from the mid 90's, some trance, 80's and newer EBM/Futurepop. Vocally, I'd have to say PJ Harvey is a big influence, along with Toni Halliday from Curve and Pat Benatar. I listen to so many artists though that it's hard to tell who I really get all my influences from.
Steve: I am definitely influenced by 90's bands like yelworC, Evil's Toy, and so many more (like on Zoth Ommog.) Our influences and styles change over the years though, but I think you can still hear some of these early influences in our sound.
MGH: Running your own label is never an easy task, so what was your main intent for accomplishing this? You also decided to pick out one of your earlier track titles to be the representative moniker. What does "Nilaihah" mean and what other outfits involved?
Kristy: The label does take an enormous amount of time, dedication and money, but it's not something I took lightly. I thought about it for a year after Oneiroid Psychosis approached me about the idea. I wanted to be sure I could do a good job and put forth the effort and financial requirements involved. 'Nilaihah' was a fallen angel who wrote poetry. I never thought I'd have a bon-a-fide record label at the time, so it was just a name I really liked. And, I was into angels at the time. Hence the 'poetics of the fallen' from the website. And the bands on the label are: The Azoic, Backlash, Blind Faith and Envy, Dissonance, Distorted Reality, Fiction 8, NamNamBulu, and Null Device with a few new signees coming soon.
MGH: You have remixed versions of your songs done by Assemblage 23 and Negative Format, to name a couple. Did you need to work with them in the flesh, or did hi-tech gadgetry have a lot to do with it (say for example via the internet)?
Kristy: We emailed them, sent those bands a remix kit and waited to see what they came up with. (We wouldn't have asked them if we didn't respect their work.) I also encouraged all the remixers to really push the limits with their mixes. :)
MGH: Tell us about your new "Illuminate" offering, although it strikes me as a somewhat mysterious body of work.
Kristy: Yes, that is why I chose the name 'Illuminate'. It's mysterious and definitely a word that has several meanings and interpretations. We hope it does well and the fans see all the hard work we've put into it. Thanks for your compliments!
MGH: I also like to add that "Illuminate" as a song is a sensational piece and it really embodies the entire album.
Kristy: Thanks! I think for us it was an unexpected twist to another song we were working on. You never know how each song will turn out or what to expect and this one became something new for us stylistically. However, we are excited by the end result!
Steve: Yes, this song started out very differently, but is definitely one of our stronger songs.
MGH: Is there always a conceptual basis behind your record titles?
Kristy: We tried to have a concept for 'Forward', 'Conflict' and 'Illuminate', which we hope comes through. On earlier releases, there was still an idea, but not as strong. And, even within a concept, you still can have diversions within it.
MGH: Is there a chance or possibility that you will experiment with other genres in the future? Maybe a regression to your original style?
Kristy: It's so hard to tell where our minds and abilities will take us next. It's like trying to predict the future. We just hope we continue to grow.
Steve: I guess it all depends what influences us next, musically and beyond.
MGH: How long does it take to complete a particular song, or a full album for that matter?
Steve: Each song takes us about 1 month by the time we spend on programming, recording the vocals and fusing them all together.
Kristy: And as for my lyrics, I just listen to the song once or twice and go with my gut feeling on the melody. From there, I structure the lyrics based off an idea or feeling that comes to me.
MGH: You have numerous live shows in/for september in the US, do you have plans of touring overseas? Which foreign country would you pay a visit first?
Kristy: We have talked with our European label about shows overseas and hope it will become a reality in early 2005. I'm assuming we'd play Germany first. (A country dear to my heart!) I do miss all of Europe though so we hope there are enough fans and interest for many countries.
MGH: Have you ever participated in the phenomenal Wave Gotik Treffen festival?
Kristy: Ha! No, we have not, but welcome the opportunity!
MGH: Has your Street Team program served you well?
Kristy: Word of mouth is the best publicity. I think between the street team, our devoted fans, and DJs is how our fan base has grown over the years. (And lots of hard work with promotion too!) One cannot forget how important it is to work hard and promote your music!
MGH: Your final message. Thank you very much.
Kristy: Thanks! We wish you the best with Aborted Life. |
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