The brains behind the dark electro project Gnostic Gorilla brings us, Bleeding Raven,
HI THERE THANKS FOR ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS FOR US.
My pleasure. Thanks for having me.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM
“Darkness Consumed” is the debut album for the aggrotech project named “Bleeding Raven”. The album, which is comprised of six main songs with 4 mixes, mostly of a ‘club’ feel to them, is an abrasive and dark electronic ‘offering’. It’s haunting, jarring and yet certainly powerful. The vocal style is a departure from most of what I’ve done in the past, when I did more ‘gothic’ music with my “Gnostic Gorilla” project. Some of the songs are very fast and some are almost dirge-like.
HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT THE SONGWRITING PROCESS?
I definitely had an idea which direction I wanted to go in. One day I had to go for a long drive and so I decided to acquire some music from Die Sektor and Psyclon Nine for part of the journey. I was floored by these bands. I really wanted to attempt to pursue music in this style. Now, I had already dabbled in this sort of music (kind of) with my Gnostic Gorilla album “Rotting Empire” but I wanted to push the envelope a bit further towards ‘abrasive’ and ‘creepy’. So, all this to say that, I went to the recording process for the “Bleeding Raven” project (didn’t have a title at the time) with a general idea. I started with fast beats (mostly) and then abrasive and creepy synth/bass riffs which were often distorted loops/samples from my library of sounds. I also laced some heavy guitar riffs throughout and high creepy synths and so on. So, once I had a basic ‘demo’ done, I would then write lyrics and record vocals. That’s the hardest part. That’s actually the part where I get a bit anxious because I don’t know if I can still find good lyrics/poetry and then recording vocals is still another challenge. People think it’s just screeching, but there’s a technique to it. Anyway…then there are the remixes which is another story all together.
WHAT INSPIRED THE ALBUM?
Like I said in the previous question, I was inspired by these aggrotech/industrial bands…and even some other bands like “Frost Like Ashes” believe it or not. But the actual theme of the album was inspired by religious and philosophical questions more or less.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TRACK?
“The Cry of Simeon” …hands down. It’s like that track is the song I’ve been dreaming of doing for a long time. It’s just so surreal and dark and haunting and almost perfect for a movie soundtrack.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
My dad is a musician. He taught music as well. So it’s in my ‘DNA’ I guess. But later in life, the first artist to truly inspire me to look at music as a possible venture was Gary Numan. But since then, I’ve been inspired by many bands/artists. To name some—Type O Negative, KISS, Sabbath, Ozzy, Japan, Ministry, Zardonic, Fear Incorporated, CRIX IIIX, Skinny Puppy, Psyclon Nine and Die Sektor, Korn, Manson, Global Citizen (who actually inspired me to take up electronic music in 2012) and the list goes on forever. NOW, as I always do in my interviews…I mention The Doors as the band that is at the top of my list of inspirations. Gary Numan and The Doors. THE BEST!
WHAT RECORD CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
Probably “Replicas” by Gary Numan. Down in The Park is just a game changer. The original studio version of that song can never be matched, not even Numan’s own live versions. There is something so simple and yet haunting and dark about that original studio recording. It’s a timeless classic. The entire album is classic.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU DIDN'T MAKE MUSIC?
Well, considering the fact that music isn’t my career, I guess I’m doing that now. Hahahahaha. I have a career…which I never discuss in interviews and music is a hobby. Well… was. I have to call it a day with music. In early October, what I thought was just a slight ear infection or wax blockage ended up being complete sudden hearing loss in the left ear. I mean, it’s completely dead. A hearing device doesn’t remedy this problem. AND…the other ear, is only at half capacity without a hearing aid. Even with a hearing aid, I have to make people repeat themselves often and it’s tiresome for them and for me. So it’s affecting my ‘real’ career as well. But as for music…it’s over. This is it.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECORD ONE OF YOUR SONGS, AND WHICH ONE?
Hmmmm. Well…it would be quite neat to have either Gary Numan record one of my songs or Ian Astbury. Never really thought about this before.
HOW DID YOU FORM THE BAND?
Bleeding Raven is a one man outfit. In the early days I recorded with a band but when I started recording more electronic music, I just went at it alone, with a few exceptions.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE STARTING OUT?
First of all, as I always say…just go for the heart of the art. Express yourself. Don’t set out to be the most famous rock star …just do the music first. Make sure you have an education and even a good career to fall back on. You’ll need it. If you want to do the starving artist thing…good luck because it’s a difficult journey to undertake. Beware of the blood suckers. There are so called agencies and services out there that claim they will get you closer to that “rock god” ideal and then they just take your money. There ARE some good services out there but be cautious. So…yeah…just express yourself as best you can and be true to your own style and the rest will come together as it should. Anything that is done with dedication and honesty will be appreciated by someone.
WHAT IS NEXT?
Not much I’m afraid. I will promote what music I have now. I may publish all my lyrics as a book along with some poetry by the summer. That will probably be it I’m afraid. It’s the way it is. With the hearing loss, music is not really an option any longer.
Thanks so much again.