26 : AUG : 07
ANGELSPIT Interview for Under The Blue Moon 2007
Interview by Jimmy Cynical.

You've toured the east coast of the U.S. and you've played at the famous Wave Gotik Treffen festival. What's next for Angelspit?

ZooG: Touring more of Europe!
We start on a tour with Ayria (Canada) and Ego Likeness (USA) at the end of September. Then we might have another tour around Germany in November, and (hopefully) another one in December.
We’re doing a few other gigs in Portugal, Wales, maybe Spain and France.
We might also be doing a DJ tour with a bunch of crazy Japanese DJs possibly around Northern Europe.
We just finished a remix for KMFDM, plus contributed some loops for their new album. Their new album is AMAZING!
We’re now focusing on our next album. It’s due mid/late next year. IT WILL BE BRUTAL!

Of all the bands you've played with, who are your favourites and why?

CRUXSHADOWS
They are a brilliant bunch of people who genuinely love their audience and care about “The Scene”. I honestly think they see “The Scene” as a family more then a “bunch of goth kids”. They are an inspiration!

FRONTLINE ASSEMBLY
Really cool guys who are a lot of fun to be around. Bill Leeb IS GOD! They’re all very down to earth and very encouraging of young bands (like us!!)

AYRIA
Ayria are from Canada, and Canadians are the best fun! We were crammed in a bus with them when we toured East-Coast USA. They are very friendly, funny and chilled. Plus Jennifer really loves and respects her fans.

Fourteen months ago you released Krankhaus. How would you describe the difference in sound between Krankhaus and (2004 EP) Nurse Grenade?

Krankhaus is more polished. We spent more time on production so you can hear the details in the music….and there is a lot of detail in the music! Krankhaus was more analogue – we used our modular synth extensively to built the album.
Nurse Grenade was also more "Bang-Smash-Crunch" – we wanted to make something more punk and brutal. We wanted to make something that sounded "Live".

Many of your songs seem to share a theme of cynicism about society, consumerism and entertainment. Do you feel that your position is one of trying to effect change, or strictly one of commentary?

It’s definitely a commentary, but we want people to re-assess their consumerism and the way they react with their community. It is our hope that the music and concept have a positive effect on the people who hear it.
Goth is more than a sub-culture…it’s a community. We share more than just music and clothes…

We feel that our generation must become more creatively and politically active. There’s more to life than being burnt away in a job that you HATE, or growing old in front of the TV or becoming a shopping drone on the web.

What is your inspiration (as specifically as possible) for your visuals?

Life! The people around us and our society. Visually we are inspired by many artists, such as J.P. Witkin, Orlan (French performance artist), Mathew Barney, David LaChappelle and Bill Henson.

The shape of our world is a major inspiration. It's almost like you have two choices:
Work like a slave in a job that numbs your spirit
or
Perish

Is this honestly how we are expected to live our lives? Any concept of an alternative has been beaten out of us. We’ve grown numb to the sounds of hearts and dreams being shattered. It’s almost expected that your deep inner desires are snuffed….and when they are not, your friends gently whisper "failure" until you crumble.

Fuck this world ….it’s not even a joke…it’s just a machine that turns human beings into robots.

Fans and critics alike have observed that you guys take your fashion very seriously. What's the story?

Clothes are another form of art, and we take art very seriously. Music, visuals and clothes all work towards portraying an idea and setting a mood.
Remember, it is the idea behind it all that is important.
DestroyX is a brilliant designer. Both her and the amazing Clare Beaton (Quantum Flux, Sydney) get together and create some brilliant garments for our photoshoots.

Finally, what advice would you have for Australian bands who are just starting out?

Do not stop. You know when you are going places when your local scene bags you out. Bad reviews are evidence that you are doing something right.
Be determined and focused.
Actively promote yourself and always try to play live.
Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in your band – touring is expensive!
Never release anything that is not completely finished – NO DEMOS!
Get your music professionally mastered and mixed (if necessary)

Most importantly:
If you can not gain recognition in Australia, you will find it extremely difficult gaining recognition anywhere else. Australian audiences are very open minded and are not particular to genres.

I believe that Australian bands overseas have an advantage because they are Australian. Bands like Snog and Ikon have left a very good impression with fans and promoters. We are working with several promoters now who are giving us a chance because "Ikon were such a great band to work with".
I have learnt that there is something in the Australia culture that makes us get the job done – this is a great strength.
There is also something in the Australia culture called "not taking yourself too seriously" and "tall poppies syndrome". If you let them, these two things will destroy any chances you have of getting your music to the world. Take your music seriously. Do not let negative critisms get you down.

LAST WORD:
Support Under The Blue Moon!
It’s a brilliant festival that is as good as anything else in the world. The Australian scene is something to be very proud of!
Want to help make your local scene grow? Here’s how:
1- Grab a few friends
2- Go to Under The Blue Moon, or any other local club
3- Buy a drink, and if a band is playing BUY THEIR CD
4- HAVE FUN!

Do this at least once a week and Australia’s scene will continue to grow.

DO NOT STOP ROCKING!

Angelspit, thanks for your time.

Under The Blue Moon Festival, 2007

http://www.underthebluemoon.com

This interview was also adapted for Crash Frequency's PodCast. Listen to it here.