- What inspired the name of the project and what are your influences?
Gnostic Gorilla was originally the name of one of my tracks (now called “Eye for a Lie”). The project name was originally “The Lonely Ghost Project” but when I discovered there was an American band named “The Lonely Ghost Parade” I decided to rename my project “Gnostic Gorilla” to avoid any confusion. As for influences? There are many artists who have inspired me and others that have influenced my own style of making noise…I mean…recording music. So, those that are inspirations are Gary Numan, Japan (David Sylvian), Type O Negative, The Doors, Danzig, Sabbath, Dio, and the list is endless. As for the artists/bands that have a bit more influence on how I approach music myself, I’d say, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Die Sektor, Psyclon Nine, Rammstein—more or less aggrotech/Goth/Darkwave/industrial etc.
- How do you approach songwriting? Are there any themes that you are keen to explore when you start off?
I usually start with a basic idea on the style/mood and that depends on where I’m at, at that time. Then I start with either drum samples/beats or bass/synth loops/samples and often try and set the mood of a track. Then I begin adding to that layers of different sounds and beats and transitions and atmospheric belches etc. and keep at it until I have a more or less finished track without vocals. Then I write lyrics and after that I record vocals in the style that best fits the type of song I’ve finished. Often it takes a few tries because what I might imagine will work doesn’t fit once I’m at the mic so…it’s a trial and error. (pain in the ass too…lol) As for themes? My music is dark…but not in an attempt to present evil ideas. I explore the darker side of the human struggle, which can include mental illness and depression and the abuse of power and oppression etc.
- Why do you write the sort of music that you do?
I suppose it’s sort of like fulfilling a need to be creative, that’s all. I actually never set out to explore music for any other reason than to have an artistic outlet—as a sort of hobby on my days off. I never imagined getting a deal with a label like Cleopatra Records…but here we are and even more. (other label arrangements and being featured on compilations) But, as I say, I didn’t take myself that seriously. I would put stuff out on Soundcloud and then Bandcamp and even iTunes etc. but anyone can do that really. I would send links to labels and never got replies…which I expected actually. Then one day…
- How do you decide what songs to perform live and how do you transpose them into that live setting?
At present I don’t do live shows but if they ever find a pulse, I will consider it. Hahahahahaha. But seriously…Gnostic Gorilla is not touring at this time.
- What are your plans for the future?
To be honest, I don’t know right now. I have a lot to promote as is. I have a few projects I’m investigating with other people and just this month, there are three releases (mostly rereleases of material I had out as a total indie) … “Hide the Ghost (Burn the Diary)” on Throne of Bael Records—“Chasing Phantoms” on KL-Dark Records released today actually. (May 10th) and “Lebensmude” on Nowhere Now Records on the 17th of this month. In late summer, Cleopatra Records will be releasing a brand new album called “Shaman’s Rave” and I’m seriously looking forward to that. All major news can be found on the Gnostic Gorilla official website.