| Interview with Aaron Stainthorpe By: Blissfulviolet |
Call it doom, goth or death metal; it doesn't really matter. Fact is, My Dying Bride have always been a unique and
artistic entity; channeling their way within the realms of darkness, despair and utter bleakness. Behold, within such
darkness, there is a light…
artistic entity; channeling their way within the realms of darkness, despair and utter bleakness. Behold, within such
darkness, there is a light…
Beyond the Dark Horizon: Greetings Aaron, I just
received news that the band has recently recorded My
Dying Brides 9th studio album at the Future Works
studio in Manchester. What can you tell us about this
particular LP? I hear the violins are back…
received news that the band has recently recorded My
Dying Brides 9th studio album at the Future Works
studio in Manchester. What can you tell us about this
particular LP? I hear the violins are back…
Aaron: The majority of the music has now been
recorded, including the violin, leaving just the
keyboards and ambient effects as well as the final mix
to do. Naturally, we think it's our best work to date and
has a sort of 'new meets old' sound; the violins giving a
nod to our past and the new riffs & vocals showing the
recorded, including the violin, leaving just the
keyboards and ambient effects as well as the final mix
to do. Naturally, we think it's our best work to date and
has a sort of 'new meets old' sound; the violins giving a
nod to our past and the new riffs & vocals showing the
BTDH: The band previously used keyboards in place of the genuine violin sound on a few albums. Has
technology offered some qualities that you were unable to find in actual violin players in the past?
technology offered some qualities that you were unable to find in actual violin players in the past?
Aaron: It has indeed which we took full advantage of. We always liked the idea of getting another violin player but
didn't actually do a great deal about it, favoring more guitar harmonies instead, which worked wonders for us.
Rather lazily, we were waiting for a violinist to contact us rather than the other way around.
didn't actually do a great deal about it, favoring more guitar harmonies instead, which worked wonders for us.
Rather lazily, we were waiting for a violinist to contact us rather than the other way around.
BTDH: This brings me to ask about the bands recent addition, Katie Stone…Tell us about her and what she
brings new to My Dying Brides table.
brings new to My Dying Brides table.
Aaron: She's a superb violin & keyboard player and a great addition to the band, young and attractive too which
is surely a bonus. She brings a touch of 'old school' back to the band with her violin; however, playing it differently
to Martin it sounds more modern. It's hard to explain really, kind of old meets new so interesting stuff.
is surely a bonus. She brings a touch of 'old school' back to the band with her violin; however, playing it differently
to Martin it sounds more modern. It's hard to explain really, kind of old meets new so interesting stuff.
BTDH: My Dying Bride has gone through quite a few lineup changes throughout the years. Regardless, My Dying
Bride is still around after 18 years and is still creating great innovative albums. Did you ever think the band would
make it this far?
Bride is still around after 18 years and is still creating great innovative albums. Did you ever think the band would
make it this far?
Aaron: Never. One of my goals was to simply see a CD of ours in stores around the UK, and perhaps play a
couple of live shows in a foreign country. Those goals were achieved very early on (we were very lucky) and so
it's just been a blast since then.
couple of live shows in a foreign country. Those goals were achieved very early on (we were very lucky) and so
it's just been a blast since then.
BTDH: So what would you say has kept the band going strong throughout the years?
Aaron: Simple: We formed the band in the first place to write music we loved to hear, and that's what we're still
doing. We were never in it for the fame & fortune, just the good times together crafting songs to the best of our
abilities. If you like something, why stop?
doing. We were never in it for the fame & fortune, just the good times together crafting songs to the best of our
abilities. If you like something, why stop?
BTDH: Back to the new album, how do you feel it differs from My Dying Brides last studio album, "A Line of
Deathless Kings?"
Deathless Kings?"
Aaron: Would you believe it, it's even darker? I've pushed the vocals further finding more melodies, as have the
guitars, and of course the violin has added a deep range of feeling. It's quite a fresh, melodic sound despite being
utterly despondent.
guitars, and of course the violin has added a deep range of feeling. It's quite a fresh, melodic sound despite being
utterly despondent.
BTDH: Lyric-wise, was there any difference in the approach you took when it came down to writing songs for this
album?
album?
Throughout their 18 years of existence, My Dying Bride has managed to invoke a sense of atmospheric beauty.
From their use of violins, Romanticism to somber melodies that portray the death of mankind; the band continues
to redefine their sound with each release. Early 2009, will likely be no different, with the release of their yet to be
titled 9th studio album. It was a pleasure to catch up with My Dying Bride vocalist, Aaron Stainthorpe, who says
the new album "Is quite possibly the most depressing thing we've created to date, and all the more wonderful for
it."
From their use of violins, Romanticism to somber melodies that portray the death of mankind; the band continues
to redefine their sound with each release. Early 2009, will likely be no different, with the release of their yet to be
titled 9th studio album. It was a pleasure to catch up with My Dying Bride vocalist, Aaron Stainthorpe, who says
the new album "Is quite possibly the most depressing thing we've created to date, and all the more wonderful for
it."
So "Turn Loose the Swans," transcend like "Gods of the Sun" as we reflect back to "The Dreadful
Hours;" "For Darkest Eyes" await "The Light at the End of the World."
Hours;" "For Darkest Eyes" await "The Light at the End of the World."
way forward. It is quite possibly the most depressing thing we've created to date, and all the more wonderful for it.
Aaron: To be brutally honest, no. 99% of all the music was written AND
recorded before I wrote a line! I got a rough mix on CDR, listened to it
heroically all day – every day and wrote how I felt during the hours of
darkness, candles spluttering, red wine at hand and I'd like to think it's
rather good.
recorded before I wrote a line! I got a rough mix on CDR, listened to it
heroically all day – every day and wrote how I felt during the hours of
darkness, candles spluttering, red wine at hand and I'd like to think it's
rather good.
BTDH: Tell us about the recording process and the type of scenery/vibe
at the Future Works studio.
at the Future Works studio.
Aaron: I missed most of the actual music recording because I'm
extremely lazy but I'm told it was great. When it came to my turn, I loved it.
The studio is very new, we're the first band to ever record an LP there,
and it has all the facilities and technical bullshittery you could possibly
hope for. It's also right in the heart of Manchester, so popping out for
cheeky Chablis was no problem at all.
extremely lazy but I'm told it was great. When it came to my turn, I loved it.
The studio is very new, we're the first band to ever record an LP there,
and it has all the facilities and technical bullshittery you could possibly
hope for. It's also right in the heart of Manchester, so popping out for
cheeky Chablis was no problem at all.
BTDH: Describe this new album using one word.
Aaron: Magnificent.
BTDH: I'm assuming that when this album is released there will be a tour
in support of it. Will My Dying Bride make it to the US? I know the band
hasn't performed here in years…
in support of it. Will My Dying Bride make it to the US? I know the band
hasn't performed here in years…
Aaron: We'll do our very best to make it back to the States. We loved it last time (supporting Dio) and can't really
understand why we haven't been back. I do apologize.
understand why we haven't been back. I do apologize.
BTDH: My next question is one that I always have in mind when listening to My Dying Bride albums and watching
live performances on DVD. How do you maintain your voice? One minute you're growling and the next you're
practically talking…
live performances on DVD. How do you maintain your voice? One minute you're growling and the next you're
practically talking…
Aaron: Fuck knows! Just very lucky I suppose. It's even better now even if I do say so myself. Really, I should be
croaking like a gnarly old sea dog but I seem to be getting a bit better, which is a hoot. My throat used to get very
sore after a gig but now there are no affects at all.
croaking like a gnarly old sea dog but I seem to be getting a bit better, which is a hoot. My throat used to get very
sore after a gig but now there are no affects at all.
BTDH: You have stated in your biography that you hate being on stage. Why? Is this the reason why you keep
your eyes closed while singing?
your eyes closed while singing?
Aaron: The lyrics must be lived by myself on stage, and those are grim words for reciting. I cannot possibly just
holler and prance like a knob, I have to dive into the character in each track, and most of my characters are
suffering terribly. I suppose I'm a sort of method vocalist to a small degree, experiencing heartache and grief as I
cast about in front of thousands of strange faces. It's horrifying and I could easily live without it.
holler and prance like a knob, I have to dive into the character in each track, and most of my characters are
suffering terribly. I suppose I'm a sort of method vocalist to a small degree, experiencing heartache and grief as I
cast about in front of thousands of strange faces. It's horrifying and I could easily live without it.
BTDH: Do you usually have in mind what you are going to do during each song or it all spontaneously based on
emotion? You seem to be visualizing something when your eyes are closed…
emotion? You seem to be visualizing something when your eyes are closed…
Aaron: Nothing is planned; I generally fall about the place in tears and often hold back from actually hurting
myself or causing great physical harm. It's a very uncomfortable place to be for me. With my eyes closed I can
almost see unholy melancholy and utter deprivation laid bare before me, pouring down onto me and crushing my
spirit.
myself or causing great physical harm. It's a very uncomfortable place to be for me. With my eyes closed I can
almost see unholy melancholy and utter deprivation laid bare before me, pouring down onto me and crushing my
spirit.
BTDH: Elaborate on My Dying Brides musical imagery as opposed to your daily lives? I'm sure there are some
fans out there that think the band literally roams the earth in somber…Do you?
fans out there that think the band literally roams the earth in somber…Do you?
Aaron: We've always seen the music (and therefore the image) as a form of escapism, a place to go to when real
life gets a bit tough. We live in the north of England and are surrounded by its beauty and heritage and ancient
cultures and this can often be reflected in our music and persona. It may seem a bit clichéd but it's true that at
times I have often sat on a hill, overlooking a lush valley and penned my thoughts which have later become My
Dying Bride lyrics.
life gets a bit tough. We live in the north of England and are surrounded by its beauty and heritage and ancient
cultures and this can often be reflected in our music and persona. It may seem a bit clichéd but it's true that at
times I have often sat on a hill, overlooking a lush valley and penned my thoughts which have later become My
Dying Bride lyrics.
BTDH: Some of my favorite My Dying Bride
songs are from your album, "The Light at the
End of the World." I fell in love with this
album for its simplicity and detailed story-like
lyrics. What can you tell me about this
particular release? Did you and the band
enjoy creating this album?
songs are from your album, "The Light at the
End of the World." I fell in love with this
album for its simplicity and detailed story-like
lyrics. What can you tell me about this
particular release? Did you and the band
enjoy creating this album?
Aaron: We enjoyed that one more than
most because it had an almost 'back to
basics' feel and approach, after the rather
more experimental "34.788%...Complete".
We'd thrown all kinds of unusual ideas at
"34..." which meant that when it came to
most because it had an almost 'back to
basics' feel and approach, after the rather
more experimental "34.788%...Complete".
We'd thrown all kinds of unusual ideas at
"34..." which meant that when it came to
writing "The Light…" we felt the need to return to our roots and write what came naturally and simply without trying
to prove anything. It has a simple beauty about it which many people loved.
to prove anything. It has a simple beauty about it which many people loved.
BTDH: Being a lyricist myself, it's an honor to be conducting this interview. My Dying Bride lyrics and music have
always been a huge inspiration for me. Personally, I had to stop listening to your albums for awhile, because I did
not want my work to sound too My Dying Bride-ish. With this in mind, have you ever had to just block away your
inspirations in a sense, when writing?
always been a huge inspiration for me. Personally, I had to stop listening to your albums for awhile, because I did
not want my work to sound too My Dying Bride-ish. With this in mind, have you ever had to just block away your
inspirations in a sense, when writing?
Aaron: I did, quite a while ago because in the very early days of MDB, I loved classic poetry and so my lyrics
reflected that and became the things I was reading, but it couldn't last as I really needed to discover my own
identity. I stopped reading the classics and simply allowed influences to come to me from anywhere rather than I
going to look for them, which has helped me find my own style.
reflected that and became the things I was reading, but it couldn't last as I really needed to discover my own
identity. I stopped reading the classics and simply allowed influences to come to me from anywhere rather than I
going to look for them, which has helped me find my own style.
BTDH: You have noted in previous interviews that books and films are a huge influence and inspiration for you.
Name some of your all time favorite books and films.
Name some of your all time favorite books and films.
Aaron: One book of note that directly influenced a song was 'And the Ass Saw the Angel' by Nick Cave, which
became the song 'The Raven and the Rose'. It's actually not a brilliant book but was sufficient enough to give me
ideas. Regarding films, 'The Hunger' heavily influenced our song 'A Kiss to Remember' and it's quite a visual and
aural treat, being directed by the excellent Tony Scott, and brother of the more famous Ridley Scott.
became the song 'The Raven and the Rose'. It's actually not a brilliant book but was sufficient enough to give me
ideas. Regarding films, 'The Hunger' heavily influenced our song 'A Kiss to Remember' and it's quite a visual and
aural treat, being directed by the excellent Tony Scott, and brother of the more famous Ridley Scott.
BTDH: The UK is home to many legendary musical acts, from the Beatles to Black Sabbath. What are your
thoughts on British Culture; has it been an influence in any way?
thoughts on British Culture; has it been an influence in any way?
Aaron: Not musically funnily enough, but culturally it was and still is. I love the history of this little island I live on,
the diversity of its people, the chaos of its past and still the beauty of its rolling hills. It's hard not to be influenced
by the place!
the diversity of its people, the chaos of its past and still the beauty of its rolling hills. It's hard not to be influenced
by the place!
BTDH: Are there any great underground bands from the UK you recommend we check out?
Aaron: Well, I'm almost ashamed to admit it but I don't actually know. I seem to have missed the scene over the
last few years as many of the great clubs here have closed down. I don't really surf the net much either so don't
have a clue who's doing what.
last few years as many of the great clubs here have closed down. I don't really surf the net much either so don't
have a clue who's doing what.
BTDH: Many out there may still not be aware that you are also an artist. Having created many of the My Dying
Brides album covers and merchandise, is there a particular piece that you are most fond of?
Brides album covers and merchandise, is there a particular piece that you are most fond of?
Aaron: The cover for 'The Dreadful Hours' is one of my favorites, although it is rather nasty. I love all the images
I've created, like my songs. They're like my children and it's very difficult to have favorites.
I've created, like my songs. They're like my children and it's very difficult to have favorites.
BTDH: Will you be creating the artwork for the upcoming My Dying
Bride album as well?
Bride album as well?
Aaron: It's open season. We are looking for suitable imagery right
now and I may or may not put a couple of idea's forward. It's by no
means certain that I automatically get first choice just because I am
the vocalist. All idea's get put to all members of the band and the
best is chosen no matter who created it. We need something by the
end of September so get your ideas in quick folks!
now and I may or may not put a couple of idea's forward. It's by no
means certain that I automatically get first choice just because I am
the vocalist. All idea's get put to all members of the band and the
best is chosen no matter who created it. We need something by the
end of September so get your ideas in quick folks!
BTDH: Some of your work, both lyrically and artistically, evokes both
religious and anti-religious themes at times. What do you make of
this concept?
religious and anti-religious themes at times. What do you make of
this concept?
Aaron: Religion should be beautiful and helpful but in reality it's
very nasty indeed. More sorrow seems to emanate from religion than
anywhere else, which is why it's a great source for a miserable
bastard like myself. I'm not exactly anti-religious as I do appreciate
very nasty indeed. More sorrow seems to emanate from religion than
anywhere else, which is why it's a great source for a miserable
bastard like myself. I'm not exactly anti-religious as I do appreciate
the fact that for some people, it can be a crutch to help them through life, it's just that most of the time it's full of
death and hatred and kiddy fiddling.
death and hatred and kiddy fiddling.
BTDH: What do Christ and the crown of thorns mean to you?
Aaron: Not much apart from the obvious theological nonsense…Great imagery though, very powerful.
BTDH: Is there a certain vision that you have for My Dying Bride and if so, have you achieved it?
Aaron: I'm very lucky to be able to say that I have achieved the things I set out to do when I formed MDB back in
1990. But it's not over yet, I still have one or two more ideas that I'd like to pursue with My Dying Bride.
1990. But it's not over yet, I still have one or two more ideas that I'd like to pursue with My Dying Bride.
BTDH: What should we My Dying Bride fans be expecting from now to 2009?
Aaron: Well, due to unforeseen circumstances, our newly recorded album will not come out in 2008 but in
February/March 2009, so I suppose that's something to look forward to. Naturally we'll support it with a few shows
too and maybe even a rare video.
February/March 2009, so I suppose that's something to look forward to. Naturally we'll support it with a few shows
too and maybe even a rare video.
BTDH: Excellent, Thanks for your time Aaron. It is truly a pleasure having this opportunity to gain more insight
into the world of My Dying Bride. Any final thoughts or a quote you'd like to leave us with?
into the world of My Dying Bride. Any final thoughts or a quote you'd like to leave us with?
Aaron: Thank you for taking time for this interview and we look forward to seeing all those interested in MDB next
time we're playing live.
Cheers
Aaron
time we're playing live.
Cheers
Aaron
| *Thanks to Steven of "My Dying Bride USA" for making this interview possible! |
