LUXURY STRANGER

Interview with 'Luxury Stranger' - 20 Apr 2010.
Photograph Copyright - http://www.marcushiersemann.com

When did you first form, and was their a straight forward planned goal ?

Luxury Stranger first came into being around 2007 / 2008 although the current line up has been together since the summer of 2009. There is a plan, I call it my 'Master Plan' and although I can and will never reveal it - we're sticking to it. Even though there is a planned goal, I like to think that there are a few surprises out there for us and our fans.

Could you give us a little intro, of who's, who and how the band functions as a unit, plus do you still have the same line up as you started with ?

Well, I'm Simon York - frontman, guitarist / vocalist in Luxury Stranger. With me I have Chris Ruscoe on bass guitar and then Paul Sycamore on drums. I like to think of Luxury Stranger as a singularity, not just a band but also as an art piece in some ways. LS is currently in it's 4th life if you include when I first came up with the idea behind Luxury Stranger... yes, I am the main person of LS but this is the strongest line-up LS has had in its short but highly productive life span.

What can you remember from the very first days, rehearsals. How long did it take before you said, yup this is it, thets get down to recording ?

Well, very first days was a case of me on my own writing and recording tracks hoping to find a sound that I could class as Luxury Stranger. Rehearsals with the first members that I took on board were non-eventful due to non-commitment. But as soon as I met Chris and he came on board it was like I'd met a kindred spirit. We got into the work (rehearsing the Desolation tracks for live performances) and then started looking for a live drummer. We picked up Owen who rehearsed with us from April 2008 till our first live outing in September and he stayed with us as our live drummer till June / July 2009. Paul came on board very soon after Owen's departure and he's gone from strength to strength, not just as a drummer but also helping with promotion and everything else like that - he's been very 'hands on' and enthusiastic.

Prior to 'Desolation', were there any self releases made, demo's, promos etc ?

Well - Desolation was Luxury Stranger's first release. Before that that there's our own separate works / projects and a mass of songs from where I was trying to find the sound of LS.

How would you best describe, your actual musical style, who are your main influences ?

We have loads of influences. For me musically it's Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Pearl Jam and The Cure (79 - 82). Paul's into various genres of music - one of his favourite bands is the Smashing Pumpkins - while Chris has tastes that blend between me and Paul and further...

The debut 'Desolation', see many different twists and sounds, does it follow a particular concept ?

As I said earlier - Desolation was a 'me finding what I wanted LS to sound like' album. I recorded over 60 songs as part of this project and only the ones on Desolation made it. Saying that, only 60% of that album truly fits what I see as LS now days. I think the second album will fit closer to Luxury Stranger's sound.

'Dirt', opens the LP, with an almost punk grind rock feel. Is this is a song about wanting to change people, or more an experience you've had, with a female that dragged you down ?

Hmmm... I really don't like to go into songs too much as it takes away something from the listener but I will go into this one. Dirt is about the ideas behind BDSM. The fact that one can be seen as wrong, perverse. But to one's self and some others you are perfection. You want to spread that perfection through the seduction and corruption of others.There are people out there begging to be corrupted. There are people out there wanting to experience the corruption of others...This song is for them.

Each song follows different structures and paths is, this intentional, to keep the listener wanting more ?

Of course. I like Luxury Stranger to remain on a direct course yet retaining the elements of the chameleon. It keeps one's self interested and excited and this is then reflected on to and by the audience.

Again I love 'Paradise Untouched', and also 'Dreaming Our Lives Away', what can you tell me about them, I'm really intrigued ?

Ideas behind songs again... grrr.. Okay. I think these both speak for themselves. Paradise Untouched is stating facts to the listener and how they've been seducted into an easy life where music and art means nothing yet here we are saying "look at your miserable selves, there's a world out there that is bigger than you". In the lyrics I state how it's a world I've been in and have been torn out of but I'm trying to get back there despite time and space... these concepts are nothing, they were created by the minds of men and so can be broken down by the mind of man (with the help and support of others).Dreaming our lives away is a ballad. Just saying how love is such a silly thing and how we just ignore important things and not take note of the seemingly less important things for love... I think when you strip down all of my songs, one way or another they're all love songs - it just depends on one's point of view.

How did you find the actual recording of the LP, was it a real enjoyable experience. Do you think you learnt a lot from it ?

Well - as I was recording on my own for this album - it was a lonely trek. But it allowed me to work in my usual 'music scientist' way without any concerns of being miss-understood. After rehearsing and time together, I think both Paul and Chris know how I work both mentally and musically... they know I may state a fact or direction when it comes to a song and they'll trust my path... As I said earlier, I have a 'Master Plan' and we are sticking to that plan...

After its release, how has feedback been, and are you overall happy ?

Collectively we've been very happy with the feedback on Desolation. For me it's been a case of knowing my 'baby' has passed it's first test... now it's just a case of 'commitment and discipline' and whatever comes after that...

'May', this year See's you playing 'London', supporting 'Voices Of Masada', what can I expect from the live experience. Do you think your sound translates well in the live arena ?

We have a slightly different sound when playing live... My vocals come across a lot more and the power is grinding away but the songs still shine through. This is what I love about Luxury Stranger (and it's something I hope will continue) - LS has two sides: the raw, powerful live monster with few unnecessary frills and then we have the scientific architect in the studio painting a soundscape of layers. I love the theatre of playing live but I consider the construction and de-constrution of pieces of music in the studio a most enjoyable and 'self-discovering' task to take on

Lastly, what can we expect from you in 2010, any new material or songs in the loop ?

We've been recording music for the 2nd album in between playing shows. I'm also currently compiling what tracks I'd like on the 3rd and even the 4th albums! We already have one song from the yet to be recorded 3rd album in our live set, a song called 'Frozen' which is a powerhouse piece of music which deals with the ownership of a loved one who just doesn't quite realise what they're in for... it's a bit strange really. Luxuriously strange!

...Any last words ?

Last words... stay strange and luxurious...


For further Info and contact:



Out know 'Desolation', a truly stunning debut. Cannot recommend any higher. Blending elements of ROCK / PUNK and GOTH, into one unique LP...

http://www.myspace.com/luxurystranger
http://luxurystranger.com/

DOMMIN

Interview with 'Dommin' - 03 Apr 2010

You first formed in around 2000, I'm lead to believe. What were the first day's like. Do you still have the same initial line up, and was there a basic master plan for the musical outlook ?

The first days were exciting because it was the first time I was doing everything myself.I had no opinions holding me back. No band members wanting to take things in different directions.There was a freedom I enjoyed in being self-reliant. The line-up has changed over the years.The only master plan was to do music that I wanted to hear.

How would you best describe your musical approach, do you lyrics follow a particular set path ?

I have no musical approach or path. In my mind, I'm just doing what is right for the song.

Would you say you achieved, your initial first goals, were there any 'Demos', made prior to the debut self release 'Mend Your Misery' ?

I have made at least 4 demo CD's prior to Mend Your Misery.

'Mend Your Misery',I believe was released around 05/06, please correct me here. Was this initially your debut LP, or more just a professional 'Demo' release ?

Mend Your Misery was our attempt to put out a CD without any label back and with no professional aspirations of being signed. We gave up on that and were just determined to do it on our own. But looking back, it was certainly more of a full demo CD and i consider Love Is Gone to be the debut.

Can you remember your first ever live show, and what was the reaction like ?

The first show I ever did was at the Lava Lounge in Long Beach for a scattered group of maybe 15 people.There were hecklers front and center.

How did you become signed to 'Roadrunner', they seem to quote 'Love Is Gone', as being your debut LP. Plus also most of the songs appear to be on the previous release. Was this more a case of re-record the original material, with better production, and some new material ?

Love Is Gone certainly was re-recorded of some of the same songs from Mend Your Misery.Many people don't seem to understand that 'Mend Your Misery' was a demo CD and only about 1,000 were made. I would have hated to let songs like 'My Heart, Your Hands', 'Without End', 'I Still Lost' and 'Tonight die' on an obscure demo.No, I certainly had to get those songs the maximum exposure which is why I wanted to re-record it.

Who would you say are your major influences, you visual side hints a little at the 'The Misfits', maybe 'Danzig', and 'Type O' creeping in sound wise ?

Danzig and Type O are certainly influences along with 'Rammstein', 'Depeche Mode', 'Nirvana', 'KISS' and 'AC/DC'.I like a lot of other things outside of rock music too like 'Sia', 'Fiona Apple', and Big Band and Swing music from the 30's and 40's.

How do you find your sound translates, into the live show state. Do you enjoy playing to the crowd, and what can we expect from a live show ?

The live show is definitely more of an intense experience with a lot more atmosphere. We tailor the songs for a live situation that aims to draw the crowd in and make them feel what we feel.

Is there any bands you your selves, you would strongly recommend, and who would you say you've enjoyed the most touring alongside ?

We've enjoyed all the tours we've been on with 'Lacuna Coil', 'HIM', 'The 69 Eyes', 'The Birthday Massacre', 'Wednesday 13' and 'Combichrist'. I could definitely see us going out with 'AFI', '30 Seconds To Mars' and 'Evanescence'. I think they would be great bills.

What can we expect to see in 2010, any new material in the works, or any possible live UK, shows ?

For the rest of 2010, after the HIM tour, we'll be returning to the UK for the Download festival as well as some other dates in between festivals. There will probably be a lot more touring before we go back into the studio for a new album.


For further information and contact:

http://www.dommin.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dommin

LIVE 2010

DEADFILMSTAR

Interview with 'Deadfilmstar', 14 Mar 2010...
Deadicated, to 'Rachel Carter', for her class groundwork.

When did you first form, and what were the first initial goals ?

Deadfilmstar was formed in 2001. Our first initial goals were to get into 'Kerrang' magazine. We did,eight times.The metal scene soon became entrenched so,we turned our attention on the Gothic world with an intention to appear at Whitby Gothic Weekend. Again,we did. By 2006 we had toured with Mortiis and Gothminister.

When you first rehearsed, was the music similar to you debut LP, and were any demo's made and released ?

The album we are working on now is from an original demo CD titled 'The Inevitable Rise & Fall Of Fake White & The III Fated Tour'. It's a concept album that will hopefully be out at some point late this year. For the first time it will be a true representation of the deadfilmstar sound. I don't think 'A.rtistic I.ntegrity' was any way near a true reflection of that.

What made you approach the 'Nightbreed' label, or did 'Trevor', hear you first ?

It was through Kev (at that time) of the band 'Pro-jekt'.

How would you describe your brand of music, its far different from conventional 'Gothic Rock', 'Industrial'. For me it at times reminds me of variants of 'Black Metal', due to its harshness and extreme heavyness, plus also the look ?

Ha,we've been called all sorts 'Thrash Goth', 'Trash Goth'..? I actually don't consider us as a very heavy band at all to be honest.

Do your lyrics themselves follow a particular, set path or niche ?

Yes, their all built around the concept of the next album..

What made you choose your, particular 'Demoniacal' stage look, is this based around any particular person or theme. More is it simply individual, and to create a reaction ?

Again, it's a portrayal of the character from the next album..

Who would you say are your major influences, music and visual wise ?

Now that would be telling..

If you could resurrect any past two bands, who would they be (any era, and genre) ?

There are allot of late 70's and early 80's bands that I was too young to witness live... That would be the area I'd have to chose from.

Your stunning debut 'A.rtistic I.ntegrity', how was its creation, and did you find any strong learning curves ?

Stunning?, I really dislike it.. I think the title encapsulates it perfectly. Seriously, I deviated away from what we are. OK, you can argue that you need to experiment but,no, I don't like it.Yes, I did find a strong learning curve - Don't rush anything and stay true to who you are. I must just say though, 'Trevor' remastered the track 'Replace' from A.I. for 'The Gothic Sounds Of Nightbreed 5' compilation and as an individual song I like it.

Would you say it follows any particular set theme, i.e: Concept album ?

The new album definitely but, A.I. not so much..

I recently saw you live in 'London', at the 'Electrowerkz', your set was just amazing. Yet things were cut short, what happened. The whole show set up went a little pear shaped, any ideas what happened ?

Thank you. We couldn't hear anything through the on stage monitor's so it was kinda to keep it together. Nothing was cut short though? We never do anymore than a half hour set.. Ever.

Can you remember your first ever live show, and what was the first reactions like ?

Yeah, it went very well actually. At that time all the drums and bass were on a computer backing so, it was a case of 'if it all crashes now,we're done for!'

Lastly how has the initial, LP feedback been and are you happy with it ?

I think people know 'A.rtistic I.ntegrity' is not a scratch on what's coming and I can happily inform them - Their right! I'm afraid I've put A.I. to bed.

Plus also what can we expect from you in 2010, any more 'London' dates ?

I don't know about London but,in the Midlands we're opening for KMFDM , Die So Fluid & Toyah Willcox. We've got more dates coming up but, Mum's the word at the moment!


....Any last words ?

Thanks for having us round...


For further info and contact:

deadfilmstar.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/deadfilmstar

GREENHAUS

Interview with 'Greenhaus', 08 Mar 2010.
Deadicated to my beloved, 'Rachel'. My Naughty Angel...


When did 'Greenhaus', actually form, and what can you remember from the first days ?

In 1998 I think! It came about out of a remix for Gary Numan that we did – we needed a name at that time, and that how we started! Prior to that we had done shows in other bands, and had a few releases on different dance and techno labels – but not in a band environment as it were.

Before the debut LP, were there any 'Demos', made. Did you have a initial masterplan. ?

There was 100’s of demo tracks, but no real demo album as such. We basically went through the demo’s for the first album and re-recorded parts or the whole tracks in order to put it together. That’s why the first album is very diverse.

Your stunning debut 'The Unmistakable Sound Of Sloth', what more can you tell me about it's creation. Does it follow any particular themes, the music itself differs strongly ?

As I mentioned, we had a lot of material, ranging from electronic, to a more experimental post rock vibe. I think the album was a bit rushed in the end, as we had to have it ready prior to our tour with Mesh. It would have been nice to carry the post-rock electronica theme of ‘stoned’ and ‘dioxide’ over a few more tracks, and to have more time to make it a longer album. That said, it’s nice that it is varied so maybe the timing was just right.Generally it went down well although it was a bit of a struggle to put of live, especially in Germany where a singer was expected! We wheeled in a DVD backdrop which helped matters – and made things a bit more

Who would you say are your major influences?

We are fans of the Cocteau twins, Sigur Ros, Massive attack, Talk Talk and New Order – to name a few – Along with a lot of post rock bands. These have definitely influenced the material over the years.

Within all your works, do you have a particular method of working. Each LP, is very different in sound and form, is this intentional ?

It is very intentional. It keeps it interesting for us, as well as (we hope!) the listener.There is so much to explore, it would be a massive shame to stick to a formula, and not search out these other avenues of sound.We write the music first, and then the vocals will be added, and then the whole thing rearranged ‘till it all works together which can take months!

'Another Life', soon followed, again a great shift from the more ambient debut, how did you become involved with 'Sandrine' and 'Lahannya'. This was certainly a great change and move, how has the feedback been, certainly still my favourite ?

Yes, we got good reviews for this album. We wanted to introduce vocals for this album, so as well as Sandrine and Lahannya, we had contributions from Roi from Mechanical Caberet and Liz from swarf – all of which did a fantastic job, and all a pleasure to work with. There are still a couple of instrumentals, as we enjoy those.

Then came the third 'Your Not Alone', similar in pattern, yet different. Sporting 'Phoenix', now on vocal duties. Can we see her now as a permanent fixture, and doe's she sing on the forthcoming material?

Phoenix is a permanent fixture, along with Anthony Neale who sang on ‘You’re not alone’ as well. On this album we moved away from the electronics to a degree. We introduced live drums and percussion, as well as violins, flutes and violas, which was something that I have always wanted to do. There were many guest musicians on this release – it took ages!

How do you find, your material translates into the live, arena?

Now, we are very happy with the live sound. The live drums compliment the electronics very well. Phoenix has a great voice live, and all round we are happy with the sound. The last few gigs have been extremely enjoyable.

Lastly what can we expect from the forthcoming 'Fools Paradise', a DCD I'm lead to believe. Like all your creations, can we expect a shift in musical styling, or lyrical approach? Plus are there any excepts available ?

‘A fools paradise’ is a lot darker than all previous releases. It is a lot more electronic than ‘You’re not alone’, and I guess similar to ‘Another life’. It has taken a while, but now its finished (relief!!), and we are all very happy with the outcome. Clark, our bass player has coined a new genre called ‘trip-goth’ as a description for its style!! We were going to do a double CD, but we have decided to release a separate album called ‘instrumental’ which is self described! This is a much more ambient offering with a lot of soundscapes – more akin to ‘you’re not alone’. The feeling was to have 2 different albums rather than trying to make the different attitudes of the sound fit together. The 2 albums will be available in the early summer.

For more information and contact:

http://www.greenhaus.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/greenhausuk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenhaus/161303015786

Lastly catch them live at 'Gotham II', along side 'CLAN OF XYMOX'.

SAT 10th APRIL
O2 ACADEMY (18+)
ISLINGTON NI
LONDON

3 PM - 10PM
£14...Adv

Ticket Purchase:

www.stargreen.com
www.ticketweb.co.uk/
http://www.musicnonstop.co.uk/
http://www.resurrectionmusic.com/

LIVE 2010

VENDEMMIAN

Interview with 'Vendemmian', 03 Mar 2010

You first formed way back in '92, what were the first days like, and how does the material differ from the present ?

Like I can remember, eh it’s hard to say really, me and Mark started it and I suppose we didn’t really have a definite plan as to what we wanted to do. We sort of evolved in public really, obviously the scene was bigger then so it had its advantages but we did take time to work out what direction we wanted to go in.We went through a few different lineups and break ups before we got to where we are today.

You released a self titled demo in the same year, is this still available. Plus what was the first initial feedback like , and how did you feel ?

No, thankfully, in my opinion it’s shit anyway. I think the feedback was pretty good at the time, but I was never happy with how we sounded in that period, we were a group of individuals all going in different musical directions. It was a starting point which is the only positive thing I can think to say about it.

Where did you play your first ever live show, and what can you remember from it ?

Absolutely no idea where it was, maybe the Marquee, I have a terrible memory for detail.

In '93 your debut 'Between Two Worlds' was released, what was its initial creation like, did you enjoy the experience, and what did you learn from it at the time ?

At the time it was interesting I suppose, having a Cd was a much bigger deal then than it is now. What did I learn .. get a new singer maybe, not much else.

How would you best describe your music style, and do you're lyrics follow any particular path, or niche ?

I believe we fall into a category called TradGoth, who else is in that category .. I’m not too sure.There are so many sub genres now we change all the time. I did read something recently stating that TradGoth does not exist but it had been invented especially to categorise us …. were some sort of Goth band! .Marks lyrics are just about people he knows or stuff that’s happening him, usual song type subjects.

Who would you say were your major influences?

If you mean as a guitarist – Dave Fielding, Reg Smithies, Simon Hinkler, Wayne Hussey, Steve Green,Paul Nash, Paul Wright, Billy Duffy(up to a point). Other random stuff, beer, whiskey, smiling, laughing, driving too fast, general excess.

If you could resurrect any band from the past, who would it be ?

Long Past - Play Dead...

Just Past – The Mission...

You use the terminology 'Drunk and stupid goth', how did this come about the music itself certainly doesn't reflect it ?

It has followed us around for years, it started as a rip off of an advertising slogan in the 90’s.We used it as a T-Shirt slogan and our sales doubled overnight. I think we are on about version ten of the shirt now, we have sold thousands of em. Maybe the music doesn’t reflect it, we’re not The Pogues or whatever (although I am Irish)but maybe you have never seen us live, or maybe you don’t know us. Our l I've shows are really drunken affairs with lots of encouraged audience participation. I play better when I’ve had a few beers. We’ve drunk our way across the world and had a blast doing it. Maybe were a bit less Stupid now .. but actually I don’t think so.

How has the re-formation been for you so far, and are you glad to be back re-addressing old material ?

Really, really good, we’ve done about 20 shows now and the reaction has been great. We’ve still got a lot of our old following around Europe and we’ve managed to attract a whole load of new fans too. It has been such fun doing it again.There is no pressure, not constant touring like the old days, we just do what we want when we want. We have had some really great gigs.

What can we expect from the new LP, and any dramatic changes, or will it be your usual straight edged Goth rock with humour ?

Ah, do you mean “One More Time”, it been out a while now, we are really happy with that. I think its our best album to date and its rapidly heading towards been the most successful for us. We just got the live album out too and that has been really well received too. We recorded it on some of the festival shows last year. Or do you mean the new, new album? We’re working on the next album at the moment, we’ve got a few tracks nearly finished and we expect it to be out about July, We’re not so bothered about any dramatic changes, we do what we do, We’d rather concentrate on songwriting. We ‘re just trying to write good songs.

Lastly what can we expect from you in 2010 ?

More of the same, we got four festivals lined up already and we’ll continue to spread ourselves across Europe.Hopefully we get the album done on schedule and a few beers along the way. We are enjoying what we are doing at the moment .. until that changes, we are Vendemmian and all that that entails.

.......Any Last Words ?

Thanks for your interest, thanks for your time, see you at the bar sometime soon.


For more drunken debauchery, contact and purchase, this stonking UK band:

http://www.myspace.com/vendemmianofficial
http://vendemmianofficial.mybigcommerce.com/