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...GESPRAECH MIT REFRAKTOR MAGAZIN DEUTSCHLAND (auf englisch?!):: 1. As a begin could you please tell me a little bit about you and your artistically development & when and how did Sealed In Silence start out? I have DJ’d and played in various bands as drummer, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist etc. in no particular order in studio as well as live. I have always been involved in creating from a young age whether it has been in written form which was my first love to music which has become the ultimate therapy that most musicians espouse to. Once I found my muse, my purpose perhaps, I began “Sealed In Silence” constantly searching for the first ecstasy/high of creation and alteration of mind. Anno 1998/9. 2. Why did you choose the name Sealed In Silence and what do you try to express by this? In first instance the name stands alone in introspective interpretation and certainly the other obvious connotations. However as some who are close, have said it fits the cult of person which is my life (this being unintentional, but none the less interesting). 3. When and how did Sealed In Silence start out? As stated earlier...bearing my own cross in isolation from others. 4. Why did Noise / EBM become the style of Sealed In Silence? Are there any examples? “industrial music” (whatever one wants to call it) always appealed to me for the reasons of how different elements from different styles could be meshed and forged as you pleased. Not unlike a painter whose imagination has run wild on canvas. Consequently I see my self less as a musician (not formally trained) rather as an artist trying to capture my desires, grief, disgust, fears, etc. in a realm fortress or in darker times prison of my own making. Of course there are bands that have had an influence, such as In Slaughter Natives of Cold Meat Industry infamy. 5. How was the feedback on the new CD „Das Schlachten der Unschuld"? It has almost been selfishly amazing, which is obviously very gratifying and a plus after all the labor one pours into creation. As for all the positive responses there have been some discussions with traditional labels which shall remain unnamed, but no true creative “corporate union” has been found for S!S. In the mean-time I continue to self-release under Cold Noir as will be the case for the next album tentatively titled “Todes!strom” (with limited packaging on/after Halloween Oct. 31) dependent on taking pilgrimage to Transylvania on a reclusive holiday in the Carpathians!) then the latter will hold true. Sonic Seducer has released a cd sampler and two tribute albums on Facility Records have also been released since the release of D.S.D.U. -- (F.E.S.T.E.R. [The Residents] and Spudsuckers [Devo]). 6. How did it take recording new CD „Halfway under" and how did you like work in a studio? If you are pertaining to “Todes!strom” I am working with new computer programs which have taken time to learn however my process of work has pretty much remained the same as has most of the equipment. 7. How does a new track come to life? What are the most important points? This is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer. For there is no one way I commence/construkt the groundwork of each song. Perhaps it is baptism under fire, beginning as a general atmosphere of despair allowed to develop on its own path of destruction. I do not believe in order for orders sake. Of course there is some structure rhyme or reason thought out with rhythm and melody as very important, but If something moves me, that will be the direction the work will go and I will put up little resistance. Other times the opposite will be the case, but the unifying factor is that I do not force things. If I do it becomes a miserable affair as they say. 8. Where do the ideas for the lyrics come from? Which aspects are you talking about? How important are the lyrics for you? Lyrics come from stream of consciousness to poetry & stories I have written to social commentary whether of a political nature or not (for example D.S.D.U. was loosely thematic as innocent victims were given voices, while the guilty, their descent into hell). I never believe in printing lyrics for the simple reason of misinterpretation. Ultimately it is the music that is the most important. This is not to say that lyrics are not, rather that it should not be the sole focus submissive to the overall vision of body of work. 9. How important is your artistically work for yourself? What does it mean to you? When it seems there is no light, art becomes a sanctuary, the ressurrecter of spirit, body, and mind. As you see in all ruins since the beginning of time. Needlessly to say my work takes on great meaning in my life in so many ways. Without it, I would not know what I would do. 10. How does a Sealed In Silence live gig look like? Have you already often had the chance of performing live? How do you transform the music into performing on stage? Initially S!S was meant to be a studio project only. But has evolved as my willingness to put a face to the music no matter how abstract. I have performed on rare occasion as an installation with an overwhelming response, but unfortunately have not since. As far as transforming the music on stage, there are live sound manipulations from acoustic to electronic as well as pre-recorded. This is in addition to a live drummer (with triggers and samples). There are also theatrical elements involved, though the music remains the main focus. 11. What are you doing apart from music? I work 9 to 5 as most mere mortals-- paying off student loans, while contemplating returning... Falling deeper into debt slowly bleeding into the rigid structures of traditional society... With the type of job I have I do a lot of traveling throughout the world to distant lands of inspiration, which like the music, I enjoy very much...both can be quite expensive addictions however. As for free time I believe in do unto others as you would want done unto oneself, whether considered criminal by a tribunal of man or not. I apologize for being so vague-- cloak and dagger. It is just that some things are better left a mystery... 12. Is Sealed In Silence your only musical project? For all practical purposes yes. Although there has been talk of collaboration with others, nothing concrete at this time for the exception of live (Things Outside The Skin [USA] & Tankt [Australia]. 13. Are there any concrete plans for future (new releases, Sampler contributions, Tour, ...) Releasing the second full-length album is the priority at the moment before the end of the year and a North American tour to follow... I am also hopeful to secure shows in Europe especially Germany however logistically this proves to be the most difficult while based in the U.S. 14. What can you tell us about the US Noise / EBM scene? How does the scene look like? How big is it? To my opinion and this is only my opinion, the Noise/EBM scene is dreadfully small to non-existent, however it has grown in popularity where America was of course more known for guitar based bands. This however I believe has always been misperceived on the other side of the Atlantic. In the U.S. there are also not as many sub genres and separate followers adherence...everything is pretty much lumped all together. Most “gothic/EBM” etc. Nights are quite depressing in comparison to Germany to my experience due to DJs playing the usual suspects of bands...no innovation to little new releases or unknowns are ever spun. Again this is not a condemnation of all. 15. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us? Yes...it can not be said enough that life is short. Do not wait for the afterlife, for no one truly can claim what it beholds and what could have been done. I say this with a weighted heart witness to the death of my mother {which D.S.D.U. was dedicated to} and nearly my own... 16. At the end of this interview I'd like to know your favorite meal? Steak (or any animal flesh upon the fire) complimented with red wine, medium rare of course. 17. Thank you very much for this interview and go on having fun and success with Sealed In Silence. Any further statements? I would like to thank you and everyone who supports independent artists everywhere. Other than this, I fear I have said enough. Thank you again...Bis naechstes mal!...