MC: Even though you just formed Cemetary GirlZ in 2006, you guys have a long connection to Deathrock and a lot of musical history behind you. What was your main catalyst for starting Cemetary GirlZ?

Romeo : Indeed, Manu and I have already played in several bands such as Sleeping Children (deathrock), Wallenberg (coldwave) or Zorch Factor ( post-punk)…It’s the first musical experience for Alien S Pagan but I believe he’s doing just great !

Manu: A long connection? I don’t know… Let’s say we are into it. And we met around our passion for music…. Right timing and the right place !

Alien S Pagan : Actually things went pretty fast after the first time we met, and a few beers later the first songs were there !

MC: Cemetary GirlZ is a true example of the DIY philosophy. Has this been a difficult thing, or an advantage for you?

Manu: A true example… Wow! Once again I would like to moderate your terms and say that we are an example among dozens of bands that are now able to be online. It has not been a difficult thing, as we are used to this fact. On my side I have recorded and produced music this way for several years. So we benefited from this experience when it was time to produce the demo.

Alien S Pagan : It’s a true advantage to me !! We can record whenever we want, we don’t depend on anyone and it’s a lot more fun to do things by ourselves!

Romeo : Yeah, though our demos might sound a bit “home-made” but that’s the price to pay, hehe !

MC: I love how your profile says “We love music for itself; we’re not interested in making money or to be famous and get on MTV.” I think you are making a very relevant and profound statement. With the increased exposure and popularity of Deathrock over the past few years, it seems that “image” is becoming more important than the music. Do you think this can be remedied?

Alien S Pagan : We don’t want to appear as pale copies of Bauhaus, ASF or whatever .We’re playing this music to have the greatest blast we can have and that’s all !!

Romeo: We never wanted people to remember us by our looks, by our beautiful so-Deathrock artificial photos on Myspace…That’s why there’s not a single pic of us on our Myspace profile .We have nothing to sell!

Manu: I think it is already remedied. I mean… Deathrock is not and will never be a big scene. So even if some bands are more exposed or use more image than anything else, I am not sure this really has an impact.

Read More… The Cemetary Girlz

MC: What were some of the challenges of forming Plastique Noir?

PN: At the beginning, the main trouble was to find band mates who were into goth stuff. It was a quite exclusive reference in the early days but Fortaleza city was (and still is) full of metal, hc and indie bands. It seemed nobody was into 80’s but me and Márcio. Our choice for electronic rhythmics but not a real drummer reflect this difficulty to find someone to complete the line-up, it wasn’t to sound like other darkwave bands (of course, we realized later the synthetic sound was interesting because it increased the nostalgic element). Since we finally found each other, only after the first year we started to take rounded styles as influence to work on, probably because we were feeling sure of having found an initial identity. Now the hardest challenge is to keep the line-up stable and conclude the recording of the first full-length album. It seems that the introduction of new elements plus some troubles in our personal lives have created an unconfortable situation of constant internal conflicts. Wish us luck…

MC: Plastique Noir is clearly a synthesis of many different dark musical styles. I seem to definitely detect some elements that remind me of Fields of the Nephilim and other classic Goth Rock. What are some of the crucial influences in your music?

PN: As I said, we were really into traditional gothic rock and post-punk. When we just raised to the scene, we had two extreme poles where we tried to keep between: The Cure and The Sisters of Mercy. Bit by bit we started to include the lovely sarcastic mood and exaggeration of death rock, we’ve found a large identification with some bands of this genre since we have a similar way to laugh of disgraces. But nowadays we are trying to undress ourselves of this gothic character. It doesn’t mean is the end of our wedding with the obscure culture, as some ones of us are afraid to that may be the general opinion about Plastique Noir in a soon future. We are just trying to explore some eventual fun present in other stuff. And if it can help to expand our audience, such better.

MC: You had mentioned that one of the factors in the creation of Plastique Noir was the static local scene, which had very “limited horizons”. Was the same thing happening in Brazil that happened here: a sort of musical dumbing down to attract more mass appeal?

PN: Not really. We talked about the limited horizons in Fortaleza rock scene, specifically. Of course the massive “music” is hard to swallow and it happens here, it happens in the entire world, everywhere. But we confess that the things are starting to change for us. Fortaleza has been a great generator basis to the musical career of many ones, in these last years. Several bands are leaving the city to São Paulo. The coolest part of that is that includes any rock/pop genre, even gothic. Some medias mention “Fortaleza invasion”. So we’re the zombie unity in this invader army (hahaha).

Read More… Plastique Noir

MC: You are involved in a quite a few events in NC: Hang the DJ, The Clockwork Ball, Retro a Go-Go,Dracula’s Daughter and of course, the Eccentrik festival. The underground music scene in North Carolina has grown tremendously since I left there. What do you think precipitated this? Was it more people moving into the area, more accessibility to music via the internet? What do you think?

Mouse: Well, I produce most of the events that I’m involved with in North Carolina, so I’m not really sure if it’s really grown. I honestly, think all the events that I do, are simply because I can’t sit still. I have been encouraging more active people to move here and start doing their own thing, so there’s definitely some big things on the horizons. DJ Poe from Chicago, DJ Vitae from South Carolina, End: the DJ from Arkansas, have all recently moved here and they’re stepping up to help make the Triangle area an underground mecca.

MC: Is Franklin Street in Chapel Hill still the central avenue for underground types? What are some of the current places and venues that Goths, Punks, etc. hang out in the Chapel Hill/Durham area?

Mouse: Unfortunately, Franklin Street in Chapel Hill has changed greatly. I remember when I first visited here 10 years ago and I was so happy to see all the “freaks”. But, within the last few years (of course, after I moved here) the area has become really homogenized. I’m finding that most of us are hanging out in Durham, though with the closing of the club that I host most of my events, that may change, as I’m temporarily relocating Dracula’s Daughter and the Clockwork Ball to Hell in Chapel Hill, while we decide where to go from there.

MC: I used to hear about a sporadic Goth night in Winston-Salem, but I haven’t heard anything else for a couple of years. Do you know if this still exists? Besides the nights you’re involved with, what else in going on in NC of interest?

Mouse: I don’t think the night in Winston-Salem is happening anymore, which is a shame. As for other purely goth events in the state there’s Raleigh Underground (Raleigh, NC), Asylum (Wilmington, NC), The Fifth Circle (Asheville, NC), The Return of the Bats (Charlotte, NC). There’s also a few goth/fetish event throughout NC.

Read More… DJ Mouse

MC: How did Sik Luv get together?

What are some of your musical backgrounds and influences? SL: The long answer to this question is a little controversial. I will say though that it was mostly being in the right place at the right time. I was once in a small band called “The Switchblades.” We played mostly in the Bay Area. I was fortunate enough to have a drummer who was dating a prominent figure in the scene here in NorCal and she helped us out a lot. It was meant to be a temporary project. Nana was the original psychobilly chick in the Bay Area. I remember seeing her waaaay back in the day at shows. She’s a tough old school punk chick from Gilman in the East Bay. She got tired of watching bands and decided it was time to get up on stage and do the band thing for herself. I’m lucky our paths crossed, she’s a valuable asset.

MC: The Psychobilly scene is pretty big in CA. Do you think this is due to the location, sort of a crossroads; or the right combination of people at the right time?

SL : The scene isn’t very big in NorCal. Not anymore it seems. Although for The Meteors show we saw way more people than I’ve seen at a psychobilly show. There must have been about 300 people, which is a hell of a lot in these parts. We made sure that the show was promoted to it’s limits! As far as people coming into the scene, it I think it’s like a lure to a fish. If it looks cool, it’ll attract a lot of people. After all, everyone wants to look cool. Bands like Tiger Army and The Horrorpops have received a lot of attention. To the best of my knowledge, when Tiger Army’s drummer was shot, it hit the news. That was the first time I saw the word “Psychobilly” ever listed in mainstream journalism. People from my work who are completely unaffiliated with psychobilly other than hearing about it from me, were the first ones to tell me about it. Then not too long after that, The Horrorpops came in with very “Poppy” sounding songs and a video that was placed on yahoo music.

Read More… Sik Luv: North California Psychobilly!

MC: You have been an icon of the international scene for a long time. How did you get started? Can you give us a short version of the Cavey Nik experience?

CN: I got into Goth music at an early age (about 14) and was lucky enough to see quite a few bands and go to quite a few clubs over the years. I didn’t start DJing until quite late though. I started DJing in 2000-2001 in Portsmouth, where I ran a “generic” Goth/Industrial/EBM/80’s night. It was fun and lasted about two years, although it was pretty much like nearly every other club in the UK music-wise. I also co-DJ’d at Near Dark, which was a pure Industrial/EBM night. However, after seeing a few EBM “live” acts and hearing the *same* songs at every club I went to I began to become disheartened and bored. It all seemed so formulaic and un-exciting. After reading in a magazine about clubs such as release the Bats and Ghoul School in the US and doing some “homework” on the US Deathrock scene I became inspired to start up Dead and Buried. Old school *proper* Goth/Deathrock was really where my heart was, as I was a teenage club and gig-goer in the 80’s after all!

MC: What are some of the challenges you’ve dealt with?

CN: Running clubs and putting bands on in London can be very expensive and it’s very difficult to find the right type of venue for these kinds of events. One has to really work hard to find something suitable. The term “Deathrock” is pretty much unknown in the UK (but of course it’s better known now!) however there has been very little resistance to the idea of what we’re doing at Dead and Buried. I’m glad to say that many people *do* get what we’re trying to do and are open-minded enough and thoroughly enjoy and support Dead and Buried and I appreciate them for it!

Read More… Cavey Nik

MC : It’s really great to see the Astro Vamps reformed! You guys have been around quite a while. How do you think the scene has changed since the Savage Garden days?

Astrovamps: Well I think it has greatly improved and with the German scene being at such a grand level…it makes the whole scene really exciting…not to mention the Internet, which has had a great hand in keeping our band alive when we took some time from the scene. There wasn’t any website stuff in the Savage Garden days. Without a doubt the Internet has help bring world wide attention to all bands in the scene.

MC : How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?

Astrovamps: Creepy, dark, hard, catchy and haunting gothic/death rock.

MC : To me, songs like Vampira and Zombie Dance are classics. How do you create your music? Do you start recording with a full blown idea or does it sort of evolve in progress?

Astrovamps: It usually starts with a title or a concept…like, “lets write a song about that old horror show hostess…Vampira.” Then we start writing the song…it happens a lot this way. Sometimes Daniel has a piece of music and I’ll write lyrics to that or I’ll have a song with the lyrics first and Daniel will write music to it…Sometimes Daniel comes up with lyrics and I come up with musical ideas…our song writing process is always evolving.

MC : I love the description you gave of Amerikan Gothick in Newgrave magazine. “Harder and creepier” than ever! Can you add anything else? Where will fans be able to purchase Amerikan Gothick?

Astrovamps: Almost everywhere on-line…Darkland music.com, Middlepillar.com, Metropolis music.com, Radioghost music.com and many others. It will be available in most stores as well. Amerikan Gothick has a lot of things going on and some cool surprises as well. It would be best to try and entice fans by this pitch; “Just picture this…Listening to an naughty S&M school teacher demand her children to recite the chorus to the Astrovamps song Alice In Gothland and when they get it wrong, she threatens them with a whip! Again and again and again…this is just the beginning of what dark-fun-madness is in store for anyone who gets the Amerikan Gothick album.”

MC : Some of your earlier stuff has finally been re-released. Will be there be any more? When will the Astrovamps anthology be out?

Astrovamps: Yes we are planning on a 2CD limited box set that contains all the old releases and some bonus tracks…most of the stuff will be remixed and mastered. And the title on this collection is; The Dead Scrolls (the collected musical works from 1991-1994)…but there’s alot of material to be remixed, so it will take sometime, but it is in the works.

MC : You guys have always been very versatile with other projects. What are some of the things you are working on now?

Astrovamps: Well we just finished the porn rockumentary “Astrovamps in the Gothick Sex Horror Show”…which should be released 9/2003 and we have other projects in the works including another Porn project entitled Astrovamps in The Vampyre Circus…Daniel and I are writing new Astrovamp songs and preparing the old masters for re-release…other projects will be announced. Toe Knee is releasing a new CD and DVD with his band Willow Wisp…Corwin is working on his side project Death’s Grip and Angel(our new guitarist) Is preparing for live performances with his project Fetisch.

MC : Eyajo, you have completed a book of poetry and short stories. Call you tell us a little bit about your poetry? Who are some of your favorite poets,both for enjoyment and inspiration?

Astrovamps: : I’m preparing a release for winter of 2003, I have a few different poetry collections, so a lot depends on which collection I feel has had enough re-writes…that will be the one I publish first…right now the collection entitled Rape Of The Pumpkin Girl…seems to be the closest to completion…My favorite poets are for both enjoyment and inspiration and the list is long, but here are a few; Edger Allan Poe, Lord Byron, Robert Frost, Anne Sexton, John Keats, W. Yeats, E.Dickerson, etc…

MC : Who are some of the people/bands that the AstroVamps have enjoyed working or touring with?

Astrovamps : Rozz Williams of Christian Death…We opened up for them, it was the last Reunion show that the original line-up would every play.

MC : How was your recent tour? Are you going to be touring again anytime soon?

Astrovamps : It was great, but small…the crowds are getting fanatical and that is great, but we’re looking forward to longer tours and more overseas dates, which will be the focus after the new LP comes out.

MC : Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Astrovamps: Just one thing…”Come over to the dark side…We’ll be waiting.”

MC:   We really appreciate your time! The Astro Vamps are a truly awesome band and we wish you the best of luck! Check out the Astrovamps at http://www.astrovamps.com/

Note from Element : Please note the absence of Douglas Call, his words are few, but his presence is tall.

MC: Element has been on the cutting edge of what some people call the “Deathrock Revival”. What are some of the challenges the band has faced?

Shane: First off trying to keep an original sound…rather then opting for the ” I like Sex Gang, or The Birthday party”, so let’s start a band”. Secondly, dealing with the inner workings of a band is at times very disconcerting, but the weeds need to be pulled and then the flowers will bloom. Lastly, TIME..finding the time to record and write is always a challenge.

MC: What are your influences or artists you like?

Shane: Musically, I found solace in the cold earlier forms of experimental electronics from the U.K., Belgium, and Germany. Early releases from the Factory Recordslabel and the early 4AD catalog. Lately I’ve been infatuated with the sound of San Fransisco…..Early bands such as The Psyclones and Tuxedomoon, to the newest batch of Seminal Minimal Electro-Deathrock acts like The Vanishing, Crack: We Rock,and The Sixteens to name just a few. If you get the chance, lend an ear or two to San Fransisco.

Dave: I draw influences from all types of music. Naturally some of my favorites are considered that of the Gothic genre but a lot of my favorite artists in the music world aren’t Gothic. I’m currently hooked on “Neo Folk” or “Neo Classical.” Oh so many terms. But I’m always drawn back into the 80’s electronic realm.

MC: How would you describe your music to a new listener?

Shane: I’m terrible at describing our sound, I’ll let one of the others try this.

Dave: Imagine Cabaret Voltaire having an illicit affair with New Order with a splash of Bacardi on top.

MC: Who are some of the bands/artists you have enjoyed working with?

Shane: I really can’t think of any with the exception of the Blackout A.D. tour that I haven’t enjoyed working with. Those who come to mind now….Cinema Strange, Frank The Baptist, Tragic Black, Gitane DeMone, The Deep Eynde, Undergrave,

Dave: Skott, Douglas Call, Jermz, Scott Weaver.

MC: Element is an integral part of ‘Release the Bats’, which is a truly great event! We had the good fortune to see Element at the 5th anniversary of RTB. How does the LA scene compare to other places Element has played?

Shane: Los Angeles has always been very supportive of us, Chicago was interesting, but by far San Antonio, Texas was the best. South Yemen I guess is still out of the question though huh?

Dave: There’s no place like home. But fair thee well young chaplain, tiz a grand world filled with much to be devoured. Aside from LA I like New York the best. Better pizza!

MC: What are your thoughts on MP3’s/downloading?

Shane: I don’t mind it. Personally I have to have the original copy, so I only burn what I buy for Djing purposes. Screw Metallica!! Screw ‘em all !!!

Dave: Personally I don’t see why its such a big deal. To me it’s no different from Shane buying a CD and taping it for me. I’m not getting all the lyrics or pictures. I’d need to buy the whole album for that. If someone wants to download the tunes then go ahead, they’ll still buy the album eventually and /or come to see us live. Screw Metallica!

MC: Why the name Element?

Shane I have no idea, that was a Scott Weaverism….I wanted to call it The Wantonness of ghosts, or Realastic Lithers!!!!or something along those lines….*sigh* I can’t remember.

MC: How do you go about writing/recording new stuff?

Shane: Rhythms, Basslines, Noises, …wait…Alcohol, Rhythms, more beer…. geez, I guess it just happens somehow. If I don’t record… I’ll shrink and get all sticky on one side then apply myself to the nearest surface…this is VERY unproductive and time consuming, so I wouldn’t recommend being a sticker to anyone.

Dave: Shane will come up with some lunatic rythims and sounds and the rest of us add to it. Its quite poetic in its insane way. Sort of like organized chaos.

MC: Does Element plan to release any material in the near future? We bought our copy of “Red Meat an Beauty Queens” on MP3.com. Since they are no longer in business, where can listers obtain your CD?

Shane: “CaDave:rs and DOA’S” is the title of the album currently in the works…So pray to whatever gods that it is you pray to for a quick and proper release & look to the alleys and moors for copies of all past releases.

Dave: Street toughs and bootleggers.

MC: What inspired the song “I was a teenage Gothic at Helter Skelter”?

Shane: Adventures at the Stardust Ballroom circa 1990 @ Helter Skelter.Once a fine gothic establishment.

MC:What are you current plans? Will element be performing at the Drop Dead Festival in NY this summer?

Shane: Currently I’m focusing on the production of the next album. As far as Drop Dead…I really don’t think they’d have us.

MC:Other than music, what special interests or hobbies do you have?

Shane: I rather enjoy de-feathering chickens, hauntings, Djing,and secretly photographing Eric Hendrickson. Painting,and Design.

Dave: We’re all music junkies but I like W.W.II model airplanes and studying psychology, sociology, and I’m currently writing a book about an illusive Hollywood figure named Eric Hendrickson. He was in band called Cross Dressed Crucifixion that never really made it to popularity in the scene and he made it his life’s goal to demoralize people around him. He still pops up once in a while so lets hope he doesn’t read this — don’t want to get sued.

MC: Do you have any message (if any) you wish to send out with your music? Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Shane: Yes, avoid standing naked & barefoot whilst holding a wet cougar on top of an electric stove , on Mondays between the hours of 1 and 3 am. No really though… Make some history of your own, for History was written by the winners. Or was it ? ……..

Dave: Ok, Dont believe anything you read, hear, or see. Its all a figment of someone else’s imagination. Or..

MC: Thanks so much for the interview! We can’t wait to see Element perform again!

Shane: Hey s’ok.

www.releasethebats.info

MC : I’m sure you probably get asked this all the time, but what’s your opinion on bands/singers such as Blink 182, Good Charlotte, New Found Glory, Avril Lavigne and the like?

GBH : WELL I THINK IT’S GOOD FOR THE YOUNGSTERS, I’M NOT REALLY INTO THEM MYSELF, BUT I DID HAVE TO TAKE MY KIDS TO SEE AVRIL, AND TO HONEST DIDN’T ENJOY IT TOO MUCH, IT ALL SEEMED VERY FALSE TO ME THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PUNK AS I SEE IT, IT SEEMS LIKE A “LABEL” THEY WANT TO ATTACH THEMSELVES TO FOR THE TIME BEING.

MC : Over GBH’s long career, who have you especially enjoyed touring/working with?

GBH : WELL WE’VE PLAYED WITH SOME OF OUR HEROES, SOME ARE GREAT PEOPLE AND SOME ARE TOTAL ARSEHOLES, I WON’T NAME THE ARSEHOLES BUT I’LL NAME SOME OF THE GREATS, WILCO JOHNSON, CAPT SENSIBLE, AGNOSTIC FRONT, RANCID, MR TERRY BONES, SEPULTURA, BILLYCLUB, CIRCLE JERKS, DICKIES, ETC ETC

MC : Your music has always dealt with social issues, and to me GBH seems more effective because it’s done somewhat more obliquely than other bands. Was this the intention or did it just come out that way?

GBH : IT JUST CAME OUT THAT WAY, I LIKE TO WRITE LYRICS THAT CAN BE THOUGHT PROVOKING, BUT LIKE TO MAKE THEM FUN AS WELL.I GET WORDS COMING INTO MY HEAD ALL THE TIME AND SCRIBBLE THEM DOWN FOR FUTURE USE, THE SONGS WE WRITE COVER A GREAT MANY SUBJECTS, EVERYDAY THINGS THAT EFFECT EVERYBODY,AS WELL AS SILLY THINGS THAT MAKE US LAUGH.

MC : . “Ha-Ha” sounds exceptionally well produced. The album has been called “the best GBH album since ‘City Baby’s Revenge’” what do you think of that comparison?

GBH : WELL IT’S JUST THE NEXT IN A LINE OF THINGS ,WE ENJOYED RECORDING IT. WE DID IT IN THE CENTRE OF BIRMINGHAM (OUR HOMETOWN) AND WAS THE FIRST TIME WE’D DONE THAT FOR AGES .WE USED TO GO AWAY TO DO IT SO IT WAS ALWAYS LIKE A LITTLE HOLIDAY FOR US, BUT THIS TIME WE WERE ABLE TO SLEEP IN OUR OWN BEDS. I USED TO PICK UP SCOTT, OUR DRUMMER EVERY DAY AND CUS I WAS DRIVING DID’NT HAVE A SINGLE DRINK WHILE WE WERE RECORDING.THAT’S A FIRST FOR ME!!!!

MC : Do you have any favorites when it comes to equipment and/or instruments?

GBH : AS I’M ONLY THE SINGER ,DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT EQUIPMENT ! BUT I SING THROUGH A “SHURE SM 58″ MIC. I’VE ALWAYS LIKE THE LOOK OF “HOFNER VIOLIN” BASS’S AND FLYING V GUITARS

MC : The British punk scene is still very much alive after more than 27 years. How would you compare the UK scene to others across the globe (such as U.S.A., Japan, Germany, etc.)?

GBH : THERE’S NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE REALLY , IT SEEMS A CERTAIN % OF PEOPLE ARE INTO IT, SO THE BIGGER THE COUNTRY THE BIGGER THE SCENE,(JUST WAIT TILL CHINA GETS INTO IT!!)

MC : What are some of the greatest challenges that GBHhas faced over the years?

GBH : SURVIVING WITHOUT ANY MONEY!!!!!!IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A STRUGGLE ,BUT MAYBE THAT IS WHY WE’VE LASTED SO LONG.AND BEING IN TIGHT SITUATIONS HAS PROBABLY BONDED US TOGETHER OUR VIEW IS “IT’S US VERSUS THE WORLD”

MC : What’s your take on the whole RIAA crackdown on file sharing programs like KaZaA, Grokster, etc.?

GBH : IF YOU ARE ON ABOUT NAPSTER, I THINK IT SHOULD BE A FAIR SYSTEM IF PEOPLE WANT TO PUT THERE STUFF ON THE INTERNET THAT’S FINE BUT IF OTHERS ARE STEALING STUFF I DON’T REALLY AGREE.

MC : What are your plans for the future?

GBH : US TOUR IN JULY,A LOT OF FESTIVALS IN EUROPE,JAPAN LATER ,AND MAYBE AUSTRAILIA, NEXT YEAR, MORE ALBUMS, MORE TOURS AND THE OPENING OF “GBH WORLD” FUN PARK IN LATE 2007.

MC : Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans, both longtime as well as new?

GBH : IF YOU EVER MEET US - BUY US A DRINK PLEASE.

AND THIS; SUFFERING EXISTS. SUFFERING IS DUE TO DESIRE. THERE IS A WAY TO STOP SUFFERING.SUFFERING ENDS WHEN DESIRE ENDS.

MC: Thank’s for taking the time to talk to us and the best of luck to GBH in all your endeavors!

GBH: THANKS, COLIN 2003