Featuring Reaver | Interview by Ruud Dreessen aka ebm-industrial.nl | 13 januari 2009
Thanks Reaver that you have found time to give answers to these questions,so tell me a bit more about yourself, such as musical?
No problem.Musically I would consider my background diverse.I started with classical piano at the age of 8,and have been involved with many underground genres ranging from punk to black metal to trance to EBM.
Tell one secret about yourself or the band that you have never told to anyone?
Hmmm... this is a tough one.I tend to be pretty open and don't like to keep secrets.Though I guess while occult references are sprinkled throughout my music (mostly for metaphoric purposes),I'm actually quite an avid occultist with a library of medieval grimoires!
tell me about your full album Eternal Psychonaut Release: March/April 2008 (11 numbers) Press Release: December 2008 ?
"Eternal Psychonaut" will be the first full album released by Reaver.Much of the material was inspired by my first two EPs which were available as free downloads in the past, though the new album is for the most part more aggressive and "in your face."The lyrical content is for the most part a reflection of what I view to be the various forms of repression we put on ourselves.I wanted to create dance music that could also make people think.You should be able to stomp around to this,or contemplate the lyrics and what they may mean to you personally! It should be released in either March or April depending on the progress of the artwork and mastering.
Greetings Reaver, first of some words to you and your music project. Would you like to fill in some biographical details of the finding of Reaver?
Reaver came into existence sometime between 2003-2005,when I decided to move away from the guitar based metal I was used to playing,and return to more keyboard driven music,which is the instrument I grew up on. During that period, Reaver's music was very much more "atmospheric" and instrumental,with a large ambient influence. Some of these tracks can still be found on Myspace under the name "Fiat NOX," which means "Let there be night"
how and why did you come about starting Reaver? what else inspires you to create? Reaver was formed in....?
I was really just dissatisfied with the metal scene in the United States and decided to move in a more EBM/electro oriented direction.I'd say my music is mostly inspired by other forms of art, particularly works of fiction which I find fascinating.I'm especially a fan of classic sci-fi and fantasy, as well as the aesthetic of the old gothic novels (such as "Castle of Otranto" and "Wuthering Heights").My investigations into the occult are also a major inspiration.
How is the current promotional tour going for supporting this numbers "Apocalypse Yesterday" in your myspace is it for free download?
At present I am still working on assembling a live lineup.I have been away to Antarctica to research the Aurora Australis and need to get things together.I've found some potential live keyboardists,as well as some people to do samples.While I'm busy with my career,I do intend to do some shows in the mid-atlantic region (and maybe in the mid-west if I can find the time and funding) of the US.And yes,a version of Apocalypse Yesterday (very similar to how it sounds on myspace) is on Dark Mourning Promotion's "Fusion" compilation,which is a free download.You can look them up.There are some other great artists on there,such as Machine Wraith,Angels on Acid, and Cynergy 67 to name a few!
What are your views on the current state of the electro scene in Virginia, USA in terms of creativity and audiences? And the scene in other countries?
Virginia has a very small but devoted group of electro fans,though for the most part the scene is pretty far underground.I think a lot of that has to do with the very conservative nature of the state, though I think that is changing as well.It seems electro has the biggest following in european countries,both eastern and western.Its my hope that the genre will eventually pick up here as well!
you have very nice numbers Apocalypse Yesterday tell me about lyrical compositions what you can tell about the done work? How does your music creation process work? How do you create a song?
Often my lyrical content is written spur of the moment.Apocalypse Yesterday,for example,was something I thought up when watching George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead," which is where the samples come from.Other tracks, such as "Evisceration," are stream of consciousness driven rants about politics, particularly my dissatisfaction of America under the Bush administration. Of course,I don't think I'm alone there.Musically,I usually just start messing around on the piano,or on my keyboard till I get something that sounds good.The intro to apocalypse yesterday was originally written for organ,but I found it sounded awesome on synths.
Out of all of your numbers, which numbers would you say is your favorite numbers? Why?
One of my favorite songs I've ever done is actually one that doesn't sound like most of my tracks.That particular song is "Persephone." Its a song about the greek goddess, from the point of view of Hades.Its dark, full of anguish, yet at the same time oddly uplifting and romantic.I plan on re-releasing it on a future EP if I can. I may put it up on one of my many music profiles,or even make it a bonus track on my upcoming album.I haven't decided
Do you agree with all these different types of music in the scene? Everything that has a beat and electro elements is EBM to most people. To your opinion how should an EBM band sound like and what should we expect from you in the EBM scene?
Well, generally when I think of "EBM" in its purest,I think of groups like Nitzer Ebb,Front 242,and etc.Though,I also think that there is plenty of room for the many subgenres,including futurepop and aggrotech.In general,if there was one wish I had for the EBM/electro scene,it would be that there was more experimentation.A lot of what is coming out now is starting to sound like "more of the same," with the only intention being to get the dance floor moving. That stuff is still good,but I'd definitely like to see some more progressive artists coming about.
What is currently inspiring your material as an artist?
Well,as said before,literature,mythology/occultism,and politics are the main inspiration.Though I'm not really trying to change anyone's mind with the latter,but rather just venting and expressing how I feel.
How did you come up with the name of your band,Reaver? what is the key to making music from Reaver? and what inspires you to keep growing as a musician?
Reaver was actually nickname my best friend gave me in high school.I was very addicted to the game "Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver" at the time.It kinda just stuck.As a musician,I really feel that the main person I'm out to impress is myself.With that said though,I am always open to constructive criticism,as any improvement in my sound lets me better express myself.
What ideas, movements and personalities would you say were crucial for the definition and development of Reaver as a creative entity?
Probably the main driving forces were a combination of an interest in the occult,concern for protecting our environment and wildlife from excessive industrialization,and a fascination with the aesthetic of the gothic novels from the 18th and 19th century.I'll admit to being a bit of a romantic in that sense
If there was one thing you want people to know about your band what would that be?
Basically,I just want people to be ready to listen to something familiar yet at the same time different within electro. While I find the culture fascinating,I'm not directly influenced by the Rivethead or Cyber movement,and I think that actually helps make my music unique.I hope people have no problem listening to me along-side more "traditional" electro artists.
Tell us a little bit more about Reaver What do you do in your spare time?
I'm currently also working on a Ph.D.doing research in the physics of the upper atmosphere,particularly the aurora. Its a good field,and I get to travel a lot to remote and previously unexplored places,such as the antarctic plateau.I also spend a lot of time working out and reading,I'm reading Stephen King's "Dark Tower" novels right now.I also write short stories in my spare time,specifically supernatural horror and science fiction which is usually in the cyberpunk vein.
What do you think of its intermingling with the electro, Darkwave and EBM scenes? while electro is your main musical pallet,what other music do you listen to?
I think its good to see intermingling,as it can lead to more diversity,so long as people don't forget their roots.While my stuff is definitely of a more modern blend,I still respect artists like Nitzer Ebb and Skinny Puppy,who I consider to be true idols.Aside from that, I like some of the classic prog rock bands like Pink Floyd,Rush,King Crimson,early Genesis,as well as various forms of metal,particularly norwegian black metal,gothic metal, and symphonic metal. I also like classical and orchestral romantic music.
How long have you been in the music industry and how has it changed over time? Now I have to ask,what's the inspiration for the Reaver story?
Well,within electro its been about 6 years.However,I've been a musician all my life,since I first started learning piano.
Tell us a few words about the concept of Apocalypse Yesterday?
The initial inspiration was "Night of the Living Dead," but it then sorta evolved into a message about how we tend to sometimes bring our greatest problems upon ourselves,even while blaming others.
Please let us know about your upcoming plans, some new releases you like to confirm here
Well, "Eternal Psychonaut" should be done soon and the release should be this spring (2009).I also have begun working on the concept for a future EP,which will be entitled the "Wrath of Angels." I already have the title track written.the EP will be based on the concept of love and revenge throughout human thought,ranging from mythology, to classic literature to modern science fiction.It will probably be a while before that is released though, its in the very early stages of planning .
Why various electronic styles?
I am influenced by various electronic styles,because it helps me learn new techniques in programming synthesizers and mixing music.I listen to a lot of trance,especially GOA and Psytrance.I think the buzzing synths and the eastern influence is completely kickass.I was listening to a lot of GOA when I wrote the "Evisceration" track.
Are you working on any current or future projects?
I'm also in an industrial rock band Voyeur.We have a 6 song set ready and should be playing live very soon.I do vocals,some guitar,and some synths.The music is written by me and one other guy,who is actually the one mastering the new CD.
On question about influences and inspirations about Virginia, USA? Are you currently working on or planning any new releases? What is the future for your music? were you living?
Really, with the scene in Virginia,I hope we draw more outsiders in to make the scene larger and more diverse! Who knows what the future may hold,but I'll be ready.
It has been a pleasure to interview you on your musical activity,Well,any last words to your ebm-industrial fans?
Not a whole lot.Just that I hope you all enjoy the new album thats coming out as much as I enjoyed making it!!
Thank you very much for the interview.It was a pleasure and I am looking forward for your full length album.All the best mate
Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview. I like what you are doing! Cheers! -R.'.
thanks for your time! great work on the albums and good luck with everything.any closing remarks you'd like to say to the ebm-industrial.nl? Any famous last words for your fans that read this?
Just thanks for taking the time to read it and get to know me better,and thanks for all the support!
Do you have any final words or requests? any last words for www.ebm-industrial. nl
Not much,other than hoping you all the best with your site/e-zine!
Last question Some final words to our readers to conclude this interview?
Yes, I'd just like to remind all fans of electro that what makes the scene great is people willing to be unique and creative despite not being in the mainstream.Stay true to yourselves,you have the Will!
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