1. Hi bro. Thanks for answering a few questions for us. Seiche is said to be a one-man project, as the entirely from your role as a sole member in the band. Can you tell us more about how this project started?
It's my pleasure, man.
Seiche started as a side project / distraction from some other projects I've long been working on.
And as it turned out, regardless of how it's perceived, it was necessary for me to get it out.
2. You sing and play the guitar, has this always been the way? Did you start one before the other? What other instruments do you play if any.
I'd say I'm primarily a vocalist, to be honest. Though as far as extreme music is concerned, I actually started with bass guitar.
3. Why are you alone in this and how hard it is for you? Or it is easier to go this way in order to realize all your ideas without someone else to interfere?
Every project I've completed until now has been alone, with the exception of some guests.
It's easier to control alone, for sure, as well as easier to manage time-wise.
That said, it has its draw backs. Sometimes input and ideas from outside one's own mind are very beneficial- and surrendering that sense of control is something I've learned does help with the often overwhelming nature of doing everything yourself.
4. You’ve released your brand debut album “Malignant Depression” a few months ago. For those who may be unfamiliar with the band, how would you best describe this album?
This album was very reactive. I was hypnotized by the process, as it was very much the byproduct of engulfing emotion. It's short, without much breathing room, angry, and noisy. Quite possibly too noisy... Shout out to Dan Lowndes for agreeing to deal with my mess of a mix.
5. You always mix your traditional black metal with a pinch of grindcore and also Noise. What are your musical influences that contribute significantly to the songwriting?
When I started this project I had bestial black / war metal in mind- from the progenitors (Revenge, Blasphemy, Archgoat) to some of those who carry that torch (Coffin Nail, Yxxan, to name some). However I'm a huge fan of bands like Full of Hell and Unyielding Love as well, who combine that brutal chaotic atmosphere with noise elements, so it just kinda turned into some noisy conglomerate. I can't say this album remotely lives up to the talent of these bands, but the heart is there, and I hope to improve upon Seiche's sound in the future.
6. What is your creative routine? Is there some piece of gear you wouldn’t be able to work without?
My creative routine for this project was different from usual. I tracked everything in one project file in my DAW, so as to let the tracks bleed into one one another with little space between. Used a lot of very depressing samples that I felt were relevant.
I'll be the first to admit I'm not a gear guy, even remotely.
Though I do love my guitar, which is just a strat with a humbucker I put in it , haha.
7. Are there any external influences on the music? Anything you were listening to at the time – or reading, or watching – which you feel had an effect on the writing process?
Hmmm... In general I'm inspired by so much. But for this album I'm particular, it was mostly just an intense lust for vengeance. Mental images of violence and revenge informed much of this project's trajectory... allowing myself to spiral into depravity.
8. Can you briefly inform us about the overall lyrical theme of the album?
To expand upon my answer to the previous question, much of the album's lyrics are about succumbing to hatred and sort of losing oneself in the diabolical- and not necessarily in a wholly empowering way. Sacrificing one's self and surroundings to achieve some vengeful goal.
I actually think I was also in a very heavy Star Wars phase during the writing, and Anakin's story resonated with me, haha. I can very much understand the Path of Vader.
9. Have you read any reviews regarding the album? Do you care about what critics have to say about your work?
I'm not aware of any actual reviews. I know there are pretty mediocre ratings. I don't really care either way; it strays from every side of its influences to such a degree that I didn't expect many people to like it.
It's a loud and muddy and hateful album.
10. Most of your record sales are being donated to Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse. Your position against all kind of abuse is really remarkable. What are your thoughts on the subject?
While others may see it differently, I believe one of the pillars of black metal is anti-abuse. Why else despise the church if not for its pathetic, oppressive agenda to take advantage of the weak, in the name of undue self righteousness?
Any entity who uses its power to reign over others and lessen them is an entity worth spitting on the corpse of. This very much extends to the plane of the individual. Sexual assault is the result of weak-minded wastes of life imposing their will upon others. Abusers of any sort should have their actions deflected back upon them tenfold. Death to all oppressors.
11. What principles, what attitude to life do you personally represent? With what you cannot make compromise – in your music and in your life?
My answer above reflects my strongest convictions. The notion that there exists any one who is by nature above any one else, is a foolish and myopic perspective. As far as I'm concerned we are all one and the same. And Hatred is a binding force... an essence that unifies all things in response to the absurd truth that there is always suffering..
The only ones "below" the whole are those who intentionally perpetuate that suffering for reasons beyond people's control... so to speak..
12. Talking a bit more in general, what do you find most appealing about black metal and the underground? What can the genre perhaps express more so than other types of music?
Even though it inevitably invites ideologies I despise, I love that there are no boundaries within black metal and the underground. The raw and unhinged aspect of black metal is appealing to me because it encompasses what I believe to be the innate nature of all things, that lack of order and embracing of chaos. No pretending, no conforming, no illusions. Acknowledging fully that there is darkness all around us and that it is to be dealt with accordingly. Whether that means embracing it or destroying it depends on the context I suppose.
13. How do you feel the metal scene has evolved in Calgary over recent years, particularly in your own genre black metal?
I'm not a native to Calgary, so I can't speak on this faithfully. But I will say that there are some fantastic bands and artists here and in surrounding cities who have had a genuine impact on the scene internationally. It's great.
14. If we think at your native place, the history and the heritage of the country, what is the thing that you like most about this land, its people and their habits?
Ahh. The vastness and the utter diversity of the land is first and foremost my favorite thing. Canada has nearly every type of biome I can think of, with few exceptions. The people are proud of their country, which, while I loathe patriotism, I do respect and admire seeing people happy with their land. Admittedly like much of the west it was founded on a lot of bloodshed- and in the name of Christianity no less. that is something I hope we can continue to acknowledge and rectify. By and large people are pretty nice. I enjoy the diversity of culture here, as well. To me accepting the diversity of all things and people only makes sense, as we are bound to and as we navigate this temporary glimpse of the fragmented whole.
15. What sorts of things do you gentlemen enjoy outside of the musical realm? What are some things about you that we would never guess otherwise?
When I get myself to, I enjoy reading. Like many fans of black metal I enjoy philosophy and history, and nature.
I wouldn't say this is something you wouldn't guess per se, but I'm quite a big fan of animals and insects. Especially insects, lately- To me we are just another species of animal living in a world secretly ruled by insects. I mean... they outnumber us by billions and have been here long, long before us. I'd like to make an insect-themed project someday. I've got ideas brewing.
16. Do you have a special “dream” to achieve in music? Like playing a special show, doing a special recording or playing with a special musician?
I would like to continue to work on projects that I am proud of, much more proud of than this one. I hope to inspire people in the same way other artists have inspired me, contributing to and keeping that primordial chain intact.
17. As a black metal band, what are your opinions about the stereotype that the “original black metal” (formed in the 90’s by the early Norwegian bands) is fading away from its true origins?
Well, being both young and Canadian I don't think my opinion on this topic has much weight.
This is certainly controversial amongst black metal-ers, but I don't value traditionalism very much at all.
Of course I do think it's important to know the history, to pay respects to it, and keep it in mind, and be inspired by it. Ultimately that is where the spirit was first informed. But I think there is a line that should be drawn when it comes to embracing tradition, a line that when not drawn only begets stagnation. Evolution of a thing can happen to a great extent without losing the spirit of that thing's origins.
All that said, I think if you look in the right places that there is plenty of "original black metal" being made in a very non-derivative and compelling way. I can think of many great contemporary acts. Obskuritatem and Kommodus come to mind immediately as bands who keep that 'original' spirit intact while doing something refreshing.
18. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some of our questions. Last word is yours.
The honor is mine. Thank you for being patient with me as we've corresponded leading up to this. Life is pretty hectic, but I'm happy to be here. And thank you for allowing me to ramble on here.
I've said it already, but remember, death to oppressors, and death to abusers!!
Help your fellow Strugglers where you can.
We are all just tiny parts of a larger whole.
No sense in further fracturing that which fractures itself. Worship naught but reason.
Hails.
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