DYONISIS

Interview with 'Dyonisis', 26 Feb 2010
Co, Written and inspired by 'R.Carter', my 'Naughty Angel'.

With the first days of 'Dyonisis', what were your first intentions, did you have an initial master plan ?

We sort of stumbled in spirals like we always do! Each of us are inspired by different things so we threw them at each other to see what stuck.

Who would you say are your major influences. I swear at times I can here a little hint of 'Dire Straits'.Maybe just a little hint of 'Prog Rock', certainly within the guitar leads, maybe little hints of folk / Neo-folk / Blues ?

Everything from folk to Floyd, through psytrance, orchestral, trip-hop and dub. Rock is very important to all of us, but with life & music, if you don't leave yourself open to as much as possible you risk losing out.

On your second EP, you cover 'Son Of A precher Man', what made you choose this, do it have any special meaning to you. Does 'Christianity' play any part within your music and lives ?

Marcus (although Christian no more) is a real-life son of a preacher man, and he was indeed the "only one who could ever reach me." I don't often go for expressions of love but it feels good to be able to sing and play that together in front of a room full of people now & then.

Your self titled debut, is just simply stunning. How was its creation, did you feel you learned anything from it, and what was the first feedback like ?

Why thank you! In truth, we were UTTERLY clueless back then! It was recorded in our old house, which was literally rotting around our ears. We stuck carpet underlay on the wall to try and add some sound-proofing, but the damp peeled it off! Our first mix was dreadful, but mercifully Dan [mastering engineer] pulled it apart & remixed it. Suddenly we could hear all the things that we'd been striving for. It was like the whole thing came into focus. Since then, we've learnt everything from scratch, how to record, how to mix... picking our way up that learning curve bit by bit... We offered it up out there with no idea how people would react, it makes you very vulnerable. The feedback knocked us sideways, fortunately, it was better than we could ever have dreamed after.

What followed, was 'Blue Shift', again for me just simply mesmerising, with a more free, and fluid feeling. Will you use this style on further new material. For me I found it more stronger in ways than the actual debut ?

In the first album we were still groping in the dark, we didn't even really know what we sounded like. Afterwards we knew better how to write to each other's strengths. Plus when I started off with the band, I'd never really written songs before, hopefully over time I've figured out how to improve...

Within your lyric structures, do you follow any particular path, structure of niche ?

Not deliberately. I tend to start with an emotion, or something that I really need to express, stick on some synthy demos and see what happens. Saying that, I'm a sucker for a big chorus! In the next album [Intoxicated, out 29/05/2010] there are some songs that break with that. One notable exception is a track called 'Eve's Song'.

I have to mention 'Rainy Day', it has to be the Stand out in the crowd song. When was this track created.Does it have any stories or deep meanings behind it ?

It started out as a jam between all of us, and it's all the stronger for having simultaneous input from several directions. Lyrically, the verses are me wandering round the hall of mirrors that my head can become sometimes, trying to figure things out. The midsection is a detour around a specific hard time pertaining to a bad relationship.The over-riding message is the Chorus: Things can be dark, confusing and downright awful - BUT - these things always pass if you can weather them out. It's not the end of the world, it's just a passing cloud.

Secondly also the song 'Pretty At A Distance', as well. The name alone makes you think. Whats the story behind this one as well, I'm intrigued ?

It was written when I was first with Marcus. I was a mess when he found me. I was afraid that he was attracted to who he thought I was, but would be hurt or repulsed by who he discovered me to be on the inside, on closer inspection. I felt like the moth's flame, broken glass, a ruin: nice to look at but dangerous to get get too close to, it upset me greatly that I might be bad for him.

With the 'Goth', scene also comes the visual side. Do you have a particular image, that you would use in the live stage situation. Do you just simply be yourselves ?

I believe *passionately* in being oneself. I love the visual side and customise my stage outfits, it's great fun,I get away with wearing things that I would never have the opportunity to otherwise ;) This has lead me into trouble sometimes! At one venue a member of staff kept on asking me "But... Why are you wearing that?" I'm guessing it was because I was predominately in white, I hadn't even switched on the LEDs that I'd entwined beneath the Organza!

How has playing live been for you, do you think the sound translates well to a live crowd ?

At the beginning, I was like a frightened rabbit. It was hard to move, or even sing properly. These days I've been told that we're better live than on record, and that each show tops the last... much to my sizable relief!

Over the past years you've gone through, many line-up changes. Do you think know your a 100% stable unit, for whats to come next ?

We've been settled in this line-up for some time now and Louisa is now integral to our sound. Hopefully the 4 of us can face whatever the future holds, together.

Lastly what can we expect from you in 2010. Any London shows planned, or in the pipeline ?

Spring will bring our 2nd Album, Intoxicated. We can't wait to air the songs live! A couple of promoters have approached us regards playing London. Nothing's confirmed yet, but we're well up for an adventure spinning through the Metropolis.

For further contact, and music purchase:

http://www.dyonisis.info/home.htm
http://www.myspace.com/dyonisis



'Cannot more highly recommend', these two stunning releases. Simply enchanting, and haunting melodies. With stunning production, and a hint of elegance.

For those who crave, the ethereal, and great enchantment.

Purchase here:

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Dyonisis
http://www.reverbnation.com/dyonisis
http://www.pathian.co.uk/dyonisis/

LIVE 2010

INERTIA

Interview with 'Inertia', 21 Feb 2010

You first formed in anno '92, what were the other two names you used to operate under, I'm intrigued ?

Reza:We started as “Black Metal Jesus”, the went on to “Mutagenic”, was OK for a while but then I parted with the other members and renamed the band Inertia.. and it stuck.

Before you debut MLP, was there any demo material released, and what was the early feedback like ?

Reza: We had a demo tape which was released under Black Metal Jesus called “Funk Out”.. was very limited though, probably sold about 100 copies or so. But then when I renamed the band Inertia, I re-recorded some of those tracks from “Funk Out” and added a few new ones, which became the Infiltrator EP.

'Infiltrator' was released in June '95, how was the first reactions, and did you learn anything from its creation ?

Reza: The initial reaction was amazing, especially as it was released on a German label, Celtic Circle Productions. It was the first time we had exposure in Europe and extremely positive for us. We were asked to play shows in places like Germany, Switzerland and Belgium as an immediate response to Infiltrator’s release.

Your first show followed in SEP '95, what can you remember from this event, were there any weird moments ?

Reza: Actually, I see our first show has happening in 1992, even though we went through different name changes,it was still the same project. Our first show as Inertia was in 1994, which was great as we had a quite decent following under the other names anyway.. so it was a continuation really.. Our shows have always been fun and enjoyable for me.

Do your lyrics follow any particular set theme, or path ?

Reza: No, not really.. just whatever is going through my mind at a given time.

Who would you say your greatest influences are ?

Reza: I have wide array of influences.. Elvis Presley, Depeche Mode, Cabaret Voltaire, Stray Cats, Sparks, Nitzer Ebb.. to name a few

As the years have gone on with many great releases to boot.Do you automatically embrace new technology, or prefer to follow old school techniques ?

Reza: I love the new technology, as it makes it easier for me to record and produce ideas on the whim.You don’t have to think about hooking up all kinds of equipment. Just switch on the computer and away you go... Before you had hire a studio, buy tapes… and editing was a lot more difficult back then.!

If you could re-address any of your past releases, which would it be ?

Reza: I am happy with all of them.. they are a statement of our history throughout the years, learning our craft.

With the Goth / Industrial, scene come great visual images.Do you like to have a particular style of dress upon the stage ?

Reza: Nothing particular.. we are all very different dress wise and express that on stage individually.

Youre playing the Slimelight in early March, what can I expect as a newcomer ?

Reza: A hard hitting energetical show!

Lastly but surely, you have a new LP, coming out very soon. How did things go, and doe's it differ fom the other releases ?

Reza: It’s different because it’s a covers album, it’s called “Kloned”. Something we’ve always wanted to do over the years and finally got round to doing it!


For further info and contact:

http://www.inertia.gs/index.htm
Inertia on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Videos

ELEVENTH FEAR

Interview with 'Eleventh Fear', 19 Feb 2010

You first formed in 2009, and shortly released you demo 'Flee', how did the recording go, and how has the initial feedback been so far ?

Flee ,The demo is in my view a demo. It 's not always very consistent and I think it was good and less good.The returns have been mixed, some loved the specialness of the music and voice, other don't like.

You also have a full LP, by your other project 'Zauber', how do the two compare, are they large differences ?

I currently at work on the first album Eleventh Fear, it will be much more consistent! The demo "Flee" is different from my old project Zauber, in music and voice.For cons, the album Eleventh Fear them much closer.

What type of themes do you lyrics follow, is there a specific underlying theme ?

The main theme of the lyrics is vampirism.

Who would you say, are your greatest influences ?

My main influences are electro goth and goth music, style Terminal Choice,Ghosting etc.

French music, well certainly 'Metal' and 'Goth', always seem to have a specific feel of the melancholic, do you think,this is a 'French', thing. Do you find yourself different 'Country's', breed a specific sound ?

Indeed, I had not thought of, but it is true that the French music a melancholy side.

Please tell me about the construction of 'Flee', it has a sounds like nothing ive ever heard.Is it purely just Keyboard and synths Im hearing, and the voice as well, so Creepy ?

I currently at work on the first album Eleventh Fear, it will be more successful than the demo! It is closer Zauber, with a better production sound level.To achieve the demo I actually used that synth.All sounds come from synth, both for electronic sounds that string orchestras.The voice, yes, very dark, highly modified with effects. For the making of the album I use to call sequencer Cubase 4.The synthesizers are used Jupiter 8V, Prophet V Arturia and Cakewalk Rapture. And ,Sound design with Reaktor 5 and Kontakt 3 Native Instruments.I just bought the Jupiter 8V specially for the album, it will be the most used synth. I am taken great care to produce for the album.

I see also you play live, how does the music translates in a Stage scenario, and whats the reaction been like so far ?

In concert we are 2 members, a live musician manages the music, while I sing. We've made some live recordings with my old project Zauber, Belgium, Switzerland and France.were my first concerts on stage. Once the album Eleventh Fear is finished, I will resume concerts while composing a second album.

Apart From the 'Manchester', show can we expect you in the capital anytime ?

This will be a pleasure to play live , yes! I m very happy, come play live in Manchester in June 2010, at the Shadow Daze Festival.

Also is there any bands that you think we should watch out for, within 'France' ?

Yes, there is the band Cold Wave / Goth " Curse of the Vampire " that you should listen.They are very good.

What can we expect from 2010, is their a full LP, in the works. Will it differ greatly from the demo, material ?

Yes there will be an album in 2010, it is almost finished, soon there will be listening previews on myspace. I don't know the date release because it 's expensive for duplication of discs usines.Currently I'm self-production. I looking for a label.

Any Last words ?

Thank you for this interview Edward.

Greeting, Ludovic Dhenry / 11th Fear


For further info, and contact:

http://eleventhfear.free.fr/
http://www.myspace.com/eleventhfear

QUIMERA MUSIC

Interview With 'Quimera Music', 18 Feb 2010

You initially first formed in the summer of 2007. Who approached who, did you look for a record company,or did someone simply hear your voice, and go Wow?

QM: 2007 marked the beginning of my ventures in music; I began experimenting with my musical style and my voice. Toward the end of that year I also began my formal vocal training. Things began happening in 2008, when I released my first singles Illusionist and Pray, those songs were very well received by the public. By that point I had began working on my debut album Love and Madness, but getting signed by a record company didn’t happen for another year, when my album was finished. I wish I could say it was very easy, but it was not; behind me are hours and hours of work, training and honing my craft.

You've been singing since childhood, was this encouraged by your family? What we are hearing, is it a natural evolved voice, or have you had proper coaching and management?

QM: I was impossibly shy as a child, so I never let anyone hear me sing. Most of the time I sang in the solitude of my bedroom or in the shower (I loved the acoustics in the shower) my family didn’t really even know that I could sing or of my desire to do it professionally someday, but they always had this saying that “if you can dream it, you can do it” so I know they would have been supportive if I had shared my dreams.

I always had a melodic voice; however, what you now hear is the result of years of vocal training. For starters I had to learn to breathe properly because I had rheumatic fever as a child and had numerous bouts of pneumonias during childhood, so my lung capacity was limited; once I began singing professionally, it was clear to me that I first had to learn proper breathing so I could sustain longer notes and not run out of breath. Other than that, I also train vocally with renowned Austrian Jazz vocalist, Elisabeth Lohninger. Being a singer is like being an athlete; you must train and train and train.

You recently became involved with the charity The Smile Train, what made you choose this particular one?

QM: The Smile Train has been a big part of my life since 2008. I am so happy to be involved with such fine charitable organization, and so thankful for their warm, open arms to me and my desire to help children.

I chose to get involved with The Smile Train in particular, firstly because they help pay for cleft surgeries for children in poor countries, children who otherwise would never get the opportunity to have the surgery. Secondly because of their efficiency in utilizing the money that is donated; they are structured in a manner in which every penny donated goes 100% straight to paying for children’s surgeries and medications; also, they help pay for training of local doctors so that communities can be more self-sufficient in treating their own children.

The fact that approximately $250.00 dollars is all that it takes to perform one life changing cleft surgery on a child blows my mind; I mean, you can really visualize what your money is doing to help someone’s life. The Smile Train provides us all with a chance to be heroes.

In the coming years, I plan to do much, much more than what I am currently doing; The Smile Train will always be an integral part of my life.

When Tomorrow Comes, was released to help The Smile Train, how has it fared and are you happy with the feedback so far ?

QM: Patrick Rundbladh and I wrote When Tomorrow Comes especially for the children of The Smile Train; we have had nothing but positive reactions to it. It is selling purely by word of mouth, as we all rather spend the money that would have gone to advertising on helping children. In the future, we would love to make a video to go with it; we just need to partner with the right filmmaker and make it cost effective.

Once Love and Madness, was put together, how was this experience for you, and have you learnt anything,that you would use on forthcoming material, and is there an actual band behind you ?

QM: Oh, I learned a lot! Being my first album, I chose the songs that I felt would make the statement for the messages that I wanted to convey, the album began taking shape as I worked on it, like a being with a life of its own. In addition to my main collaborator, composer Patrick Rundbladh, I was very fortunate to have worked with three other composer friends of mine who understood where I was going with it; Francesco Tedesco, Kao Soi and Troy Maturo.

Everyone involved was happy to share my dream, and my self-set deadline for 2009 completion. I mean, at some points I was working on three different songs at the same time; distilling melodies to the ones that felt right.

My next album will come to life with a different approach. In fact, Patrick and I have already begun the album planning; we have the album’s name, all the songs names and the general album feeling; we are going to write the songs to compliment the complete vision. We will use more symphonic sounds, more epic and cinematic themes and even my costumes are already being planned so that they work with the type of show that ultimately I want to do; it is very exciting indeed.

As far as having a band, we are putting together a touring band, but right now the essence of Quimera Music is Patrick Rundbladh and I; we compose and write everything, and I perform it.

On January the 2nd 2010 you performed the National Anthem at the Nassau Coliseum in New York, how did you feel at the time, it must have been electric?

QM: Just being invited to perform the National Anthem for the opening of an NHL game is such an honor, I have to say it was a little daunting, and yes, electric. I was aware that there were some soldiers in the audience, which made me feel a connection with them and with anyone who has ever died in battle, the emotions that I felt completely took me by surprise; it is the most important song I have ever sung.

Who would you say were your major influences?

QM: In music? Cinema! I love, love, love, the special care and grandiosity that film music has. I want my music to take the listener to places in their heads the same way a good film does; to feel, really feel the music. My music is meant to be heard, it is not the kind of music you listen to while cleaning the house or doing chores.

Do your lyrics follow a particular path or specific concept?

QM: Yes, every song is a part of me, either something that I have gone through, something that I dream of, or some kind of realization. Illusionist, for instance, is about insecurity and the realization that perfection lies in imperfection. When It’s All Said And Done is about being in love and wondering if the one who loves you will withstand time. You can say each song has a soul of its own. For me, any topic that makes you feel deeply, even if it hurts, is a quintessential ingredient to all I do.

Besides the US, and apart from me, have you had any major interest from 'Europe', and the rest of the ‘Globe’?

QM: Gosh, I have been very fortunate that my music has been well received in many parts of the globe. I have had a lot of interest in Europe and also Latin America, in addition to USA. They are all waiting to get the news that the Quimera Music show is ready to tour, this is another reason that we are now running around finding the right team for this, so we can go to the next level. I am currently on regular radio programs in the UK, Portugal, Mexico and Argentina, to name a few.

You’ve also recently become involved with film theme tracks; is this something you will continue to pursue?

QM: I really enjoy singing for film soundtracks, I think my existing music style lends itself to it, so it is not a big leap for me. I just finished recordings for my latest soundtrack collaboration; this is for the independent film Somewhere In Between. It begins festivals rounds in the USA in the spring time. I sing the song Somewhere In Between, named after the movie; the music was composed by Patrick Rundbladh, as well as the film’s score.

I definitely look forward to continue doing film music when the right opportunity presents itself, I would love to do a feature science fiction film or an epic horror film, à la Lord of the rings or Avatar.

Lastly can we expect you on the live circuit, what are your plans for 2010?

QM: Due to the nature of my music, I am currently doing live appearances and showcases in NYC, we are working with several promoters to find the right chemistry and styles so that we can put together the show that I would properly match my music. I want hydraulics, I want to fly through the air and sing to my audience from above; I want to take my listeners on a journey visually as well as audibly. This is requiring great investment and the right team, but we are almost there.

When can we expect a follow up to your stunning debut, is there anything in the works?

QM: Yes, we are aiming for winter 2010 as the release time frame for my follow up album; planning, as I shared before, has already started… stay tuned! Thanks!

Any Last Words.......... ?

QM: Thank you so much for this interview Edward, and also big thanks to your readers. Cheers and keep music alive! Quimera



Out Now 'Love And Madness', a true stunning debut...

Behold 'The New Queen Of Avant Garde', for fans of 'Nightwish', 'Lacuna Coil' and all female orientated rock'. Highly recommend, a fresh new voice to brighten thy days....

For further info and contact:

http://www.quimeramusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/quimeramusic.com

MIDNIGHT CONFIGURATION

Interview with 'Midnight Configuration' 10 Feb 2010

Having started in '93 with 'Gothec', then followed by 'Spectral Dance', how were the first initial reactions, and do you have any cool stories from this period ?

That seems a very long time ago now, which is because it is! He,he,he. I think that the scene were very shocked when the EP's went out + a number of people did not know what to think. The trad "Goth police" turned their noses up at what I did, but I think that is partly because they didn't "get it". What really upset a lot of people was our cover of "No Limits", which I did for a laugh, + we were disowned by numbers of stuck in the mud "trads". What was REALLY funny is that some dance clubs picked up on the track and started playing it in their usual semi mainstream dance sets + I got a call telling me that our track was played in Ibiza. he,he,he,he.

Was the 'Nightbreed Label', initially created to house 'Midnight Configuration', you being a unique band, and naturally hard to sign ?

Actually no, the label was started because I was unemployed at the time and I was still in my old band "Every New Dead Ghost" + needed to try and get a business going. So I put together a compilation LP called "New Alternatives" + the label started and snowballed from that.

The Kissing Skull', a slight change !, was this again to create an easier following, it being more pliable ?

It was a sort of natural evolution. At that time loads of great 2nd generation technology based Gothic bands such as The Garden Of Delight, The Merry Thoughts, the House Of Usher, The Tors of Dartmooor etc as well as darkwave bands such as Ghosting, The Eternal Afflict were breaking through + we were also influenced by them + the technology we were also getting into.

Where do you draw you influences from, is there any initial catalyst ?

Loads, difficult to pin it down, but basically lyrically it’s got to be something that I feel strongly about. That could be anything from Philosophy to politics, to occult themes etc,etc, But musically, its just that something strikes me. I think, I wonder if I did that or plugged that sound into that thing what would it sound like? Then I go Oooh, I have a song here! Its like the song “Lucifarian” started life as an example to my students as to how to use classical samples! Then in the latter things changed once more, what made you merge into darker elements, Then in the latter things changed once more,

What made you merge into darker elements, and leave the dance scene ?

Not sure if it’s fair to say that we were ever part of the dance scene as such, we worked with dance people in the studio, and it’s those guys who showed me how to record, mix and produce. But with the shift to darker things that you talk of, and in a lot of respects the shift of focus away from the fetish themes that were very dominant in the early albums (The Kissing Skull + Funeral Nation). I suppose it was the departure of Lisa Ross from the band and the fact that I was reading a lot more occult literature that caused things to turn a shade blacker. Also it has to be admitted that for the albums “Dark Hours Of the Southern Cross” and “Redemption Of the Physical world” I was battling a lot of demons, personal, internal and external + that really did colour the music I produced at that time.

Your music is described as Satanic Industrial, do you have any particular references to the occult, practice or interest ?

I am actually a student of philosophy, and I am always interested in the world metaphysical in all its guises. I believe that the world is not how it appears and I also believe that there are many things and forces at work both hidden and disguised in clear sight.So anything that interests me as a way to explain the unexplained is for me!

How is an a 'Midnight Configuration', album actually pieced and merged together ?

Generally I work on about 3 or 5 tracks at any one time, gradually programming, adding guitars, vocals and then mixing them. I tend to do a few songs and then I usually think that its time they were put into an album format. This is what I am doing at the moment with the all new album. I have about 21 tracks written and some of them are finished, others still have to have the guitars or vocals added and others need mastering.Not sure at this point if all 21 tracks will make it to the next CD as I don’t think a single disc is long enough (he,he,he,)

What can we expect from the forthcoming album, is there a working title ?

Well, at the moment this new album has not got a working title, but I am sure that the title will appear to me very soon. There are a couple of tracks from this body of work currently available. Namely “Unholy Beat” off “The Gothic Sounds Of Nightbreed Volume 5” and “Something About England” off “Mechanical Evolution”. So I think that the listener can make up their own mind as to where I am going with this. From my point of view I feel that this new album to be will be a lot harder even than the last album as I have amped up the guitars another notch + it will explore a number of themes. One that seems quite dominant is the idea of Spirits and Ghosts + the world unseen. But also, there is more than a smattering of references to the great occult, artistic and philosophical figures of the past. I.e. Crowely, Dee, Ayn Rand, LaVey, etc.

Are there any initial changes in style or sound ?

I think that this album follows on neatly from “Parallel Worlds”, except that I have been experimenting with some conventional “foot on the monitor” guitar solos in some tracks as well as bits of vocal harmony at times. But in all honesty, it is a Midnight Configuration album with the usual evil dance beats and caustic deep vocals.

2009 bought a return to the live scene, and this year also in march. Will there be more regular 'Nightbreed' shows throughout the year ?

There is another on at “The Slimelight” on the 6th of March, and another one is planned and will be announced for April time. But my view is that I would rather do occasional special events.



For further interest and Contact:

http://www.myspace.com/midnightconfigurationofficialpage

ALICE UNDER MOVING SKIES

Interview with 'Alice Under Moving Skies' 04 Feb 2010

Please firstly, tell us when you first formed, and how you all met, and what the initial goal was at the time ?

Penny : Mark and I met at the WGW in 1996 whilst watching the Marionettes. We were both considerably thinner then! I was living in Glasgow at the time - he was living in Leeds - this was before the days of everyone owning a mobile phone or having access to email so it became difficult to keep in touch. We found each other again last year via Facebook.Originally we wanted to bring back a real 'trad' sound to the goth scene but as is often the way, if you concentrate on the one thing you limit it, and if you limit it you lose it. We found the sound evolving much more towards an electro edge although we hope our trad roots still manage to shine through.

Mark: This time last year, I was looking into reforming my old band, Dust to Dust, having spent some time away from the scene.This fell through, but I found I had a taste for it again. Soon afterwards, Penny added me on FB and knowing she was a singer and bassist,I asked her if she wanted to do something, mainly based on DtD stuff and her old band, Stages of Cruelty. This got us practising again, but as she said, after starting to write new material, we veered off a little, having seen the reaction Grit Girl got, which was the product of a late night writing and recording session, involving Blavod and Red Bull!

What inspired you to take, on the imagery of 'Lewis Carrolls' 'Alice In Wonderland' ?

Penny : My obsession I'm afraid! I adore Alice, i adore Tenniel's illustrations, i love the way he portrays her as that serious, slightly cold and detached child. I suppose i see myself in her.

Mark: All Penny's idea! I've always been into Victorian fashion and literature anyway, so I didn't take much convincing.

Does his works translate into your lyrical base, or is it just the visual side of the band ?

Penny : It's very much a visual thing although my relating to Alice can't help but come through in my lyrics.

Mark: My stuff tends to be much more about my own experiences and thoughts. Although I'm much better at noises than lyrics!

I really love your, demo material, the catchiness etc.. How has feedback been so far, I think there bloody great ?

Penny : The feedback we have had has been overwhelming. It is quite incredible when you make sounds you love and others love them too.'Grit Girl' seems to be a particular favourite with people so far. The enthusiasm people have shown for our music is so touching and the help and kind words people have been offering has totally humbled us.

Mark: Yeah, we're both really pleased with what DJs, promoters and bands are saying about the promo stuff so far. To the extent that we were getting quite worried that we wouldn't be able to follow Grit Girl up with anything as good! The newer stuff measures up though we think. It's different again, but still obviously us. We hope the album will be eclectic without alienating anyone. We're certainly not sticking to just one aspect of the genre.

I'm really interested in 'Grit Girl', what can you tell me about the song, what lies within ?

Penny : The song is essentially a strong woman's love song. When i wrote it i was trying to convey control. Too many of us, men and women, give up control when we fall in love or lust or give ourselves away. That song is about maintaining the control and playing with it.

Mark: I just made the noises! It started because I wanted to write one for my 7-string guitar!

With your visual image, does this play out within the Live, shows, can we expect 'White Rabbits', and drug addled weirdness ?

Penny : Who knows? Haha! You can certainly expect that at our album launch in Leeds in April. We hope to make that a really pretty show.

Mark: Neither of us have taken drugs for years. We're weird enough as it is! Again, the late Victorian/early C20th thing comes through in the way we dress. We'll see how the live show develops image-wise as we play more, and we're playing a lot this year now! As Penny said, we have some special plans for the album launch...

Ever though about covering 'White Rabbit', by 'Jefferson Airplane', very befitting ?

Penny : Great song! Perhaps that's something we should consider - we could have fun with that.

Mark: The Damned beat us to it years ago! Does anyone really want to hear a cover of a cover? Expect some interesting cover versions in some of our live shows though.

Musically, who are you hero's, where do you draw that special sound ?

Penny : Personally i draw my heroes from many different musical genres. Sam Brown, Gitane Demone, Chantal Brown (Do Me Bad Things), Suzi Quatro. I also draw inspiration from many male singers - as far as I'm concerned inspiration isn't the ability to mimic your hero - it's the feeling that singer gives you when you hear them - Robert Smith (Cure), Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost), Dan Arlie (T-Ride).

Mark: How long have you got? Many and varied. Our music is a real melting pot of styles, although the finished product ends upvaguely Goth. I love 50s Rock n Roll, 60s pop, 70s Heavy Metal, 80s Glam, Goth and Electro and there are a lot of new bands emerging, not just on the Goth scene, that are very good. After the horrific stagnation of the 90s and 00s, music is getting exciting again. There were some good alt and goth bands in the 90s, but the last 10 years have been rubbish! It's good to see the likes of Eden House, Rhombus and Grooving In Green playing a lot and the enthusiasm of the younger bands like Legion and The Silent Age. I've gone on a bit haven't I? If I'm pressed, my hero's are The Who, Elvis, Eddie Van Halen, Guns N Roses, Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim and I of course have a soft spot for The Marionettes for reasons mentioned by Penny in Question 1!

I see shortly, your releasing your debut LP, how has the recording been, and what can we expect ?

Penny : Recording has been a lot of fun. Not like hard work at all. We hope the album lives up to expectations - there will be a nice mix of styles on there - something for everyone.

Mark: We have the luxury of being able to write in my studio, so there's no pressure or time constrains while recording and we can carry on developing material and recording at the same time. We also do it when the mood takes us, so (hopefully) the tracks don't sound forced or rushed. I can also mix and produce it whenever I want and I'm going for a very big, polished sound. Think of the production ethos of Vision Thing or Floodland but much more varied stylistically...

Can we expect any shows in London, this great year ?

Penny : We would absolutely love to come down to London to play - it is quite hard for bands north of Watford to get those gigs - so if any promoters would like to invite us we would be honoured.

Mark: Isn't that in France?!!! (Sorry, I'm a Yorkshireman!). I'll echo that - book us and we'll play!

Any Last Words ?.........

We would like to thank those people so far that have helped us to promote our music and have given us such kind words..... DJGhost (The Charnel House), DJMartinOldGoth, DJLucretius (Shadowdaze), DJHamsterboy (DV8Fest), DJGrimlyFiendish (Misery of Sound), DJStubbsy, Rhombus, Maisey (Legion) and all the others we've forgotten!




For further info and contact:

http://www.queenalice.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/alicemovingunderskies