Unfortunately, in some ways it seems Pale Creation is, or at least 'was', in the shadows of the shadows of metal and hardcore - at least when it comes to "giving credit where credit's due". I don't think I would have came across you guys if it wasn't for Integrity, but when I first it I was pretty struck on the originality of it all - something I don't know if I could quite "hit the nail on the head" with... possibly a unique, eloquent sense of dissonance and detachment. What would you say were the biggest influences, then and now, that make it the way it is. Musically, mentally, etc.
Concerning the band's musical influences. It would be more fair to list all the individual members musical influences. But I definitely agree that Integrity has been an influence. Other Artists I'd mention would be Entombed, Slayer, Metallica, Neurosis, U2, Joy Division, and Mighty Sphincter. This list could go on for pages, as we are great lovers of music. Mentally , I think the band captures a pretty rugged, musical snapshot of the landscape that we reside in. Dreary, Hopeless, and Bleak.
Hearing the lyrics, a certain attempt in 'taming the subconscious' comes to mind, and even releasing it in some cases... Was that a conscious effort there?
I'd say that is true to some extent. Recently , I had to write out the lyrics for the "twilight haunt" vinyl rerelease on A389. I was surprised by reading some of them. I don't recall exactly my approach for writing them, as it has been several years since I wrote them. I do remember that alot of them seemed to come from nowhere. And their meanings are a mystery to me now.
Would you call yourself a spiritual person? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'm not religious. I think Church is a nice place to meet girls, but organized religion has been the catalyst for so much war and death. How can anyone justify worshipping an invisible entity or "GOD". It seems silly to me.
What do you think about individualism?
There are many great individuals in this world. Many were scrutinized until they became famous, or important. I have spent my whole life fascinated by each person I meet. I try to size people up. I am always interested in what people's motivation for their actions are. I know good people and bad people. The older I get it seems like I meet more selfserving, closeminded people at every turn. I do have several people I love for different reasons. I have friends that seem to understand my brand of comedy. And there are others I love just because of their genuine approach to life. I also must mention that I know many people who are just either insane or addicts. The insane people can't be blamed for their insanity. And the addicts cannot love themselves. They are slowly fading away.
Maybe my imagination's a littIe surreal, but I got a lot of laughs reading the part in the 'Before Twilight And After' booklet about getting pissed and smashing the mic stand through the practice space wall, or the one about someone shooting a hole in the roof, haha... What are some of your greatest memories of touring and playing shows, or just of the band in general?
Yeah, I was going to print the "twilight haunt " lyrics instead. But I started to write the tale and I began to think it might be "different" to include the history of the band up until now. The mic stand through the wall did happen. And the gunfire through the roof is also a true story. As we are all friends, you can imagine we have as much fun hanging out as we do playing music. The closest thing Pale Creation has had to touring was a five night tour in the tri-state area. It was fun, but I can't recall anything that interesting about it to mention. Recently we played the annual A389 festival in January 2011. It was the largest audience We've ever had. It was a great time meeting people that came from all over the world to see the show. It was also cool to meet people like Michael Hellfish, Kunihyde Creepout, Rot In Hell, and several others.
Stephen Kasner has played a big role with the artwork and all. What's your relationship with him? I hear he has some kind of medical situation as of currently?
Several years ago, when I first met Steve, we were close friends. It was his friendship and beautiful art and aura, that led me to include his paintings on many Pale Creation releases. Yes I have heard of his condition. I hope he gets well.
You're also in Roses Never Fade with members of Integrity, and Vegas. I hear your recordings are all done through the internet with members scattered through out the globe. What's it like with these distinct personalities from other bands of the like coming together for a "Spaghetti-Western Folk" project?
It's true, we collaborate globally using macbooks and the internet. I was a small part of the Original RosesNeverFade album, " Fade to Black " . I contributed only 2 songs. As of late I have recently completed an EP of all new material for European label, Neuropa Records. It includes Nate VVisdom on Vocals and Matt Shack on Guitar. We are working now on a full length. I am inviting many new artists to the band. I Hope to retain as much of the original lineup as possible. But a few members are too busy to take the time to work on the project. Keep an eye on Neuropa's website for the EP's release date.
I've also come across your project "Ghost of Gone". Is this a solo project you do?
In short, Ghost of Gone , was simply a myspace page where I'd post my leftover recordings that didnt ft RNF. But I liked them enough to offer them online for free. I don't think it will ever see an actual cd or vinyl release.
What do you do as a job? Do you do anything else on your spare time besides music?
I am a residence painter. I own a small company and we paint houses. Most of the time I like it. My interests include avian medicine and largely listening to music. I have 2 cockatoos that I have cared for since I was a teenager.
I'm a small-time collector of Weird Tales horror-fiction magazines. Are you a horror-fiction fan? What are some of your Horror interests?
I don't collect any horror items. Except maybe Misfits albums. I do enjoy alot of old horror movies, and new ones as well. My friend Dwid Hellion keeps me informed of old horror films like " hammer horror " . He is well versed in that area and helps me find movies etc.
Describe Love in your own terms.
Hmmmmm, I think everyone falls in love once. Maybe twice. It's possible that love isnt real. But I think it is.
Describe Fear in your own terms.
Thats a tough subject. I think everyone is afraid of something different. For example Death, Rejection, Regret. The list can go on forever.
