Internet Interview with Chris Brantley 23/08/03
Phantoms SirenYou’ve just got back from the European tour how did you enjoy the experience?
Chris Brantley I absolutely loved it. Europe is an amazing place. So many different
cultures and so much history all over. There's really not much to
compare it to.
PS How did you come to join the Cruxshadows?
Chris The short answer...I was drafted. I was friends with Rogue for a long
time before i joined the band. I had done some traveling with the
original line-up as a roadie prior to joining the band. When Sean
decided to leave, Rogue came to me and insisted I join. I had only just
started learning to play, so I was apprehensive. But, Rogue believed in
me, and so I became part of all this.
PS What inspires you, both in life and in your music?
Chris Now this is a tough one. Many things inspire me. My Family, Love,
but, I have to say the thing that inspires me the most is hearing from
fans on how the band has made a difference in their lives.
PS You deal with the computerised sections of the Cruxshadows music, have you always been interested in computers?
Chris Yes, I have been interested in computers since I was fairly young. I
took some Basic programming classes when I was a lot younger. that's
the BASIC computer language, that no one uses anymore...
PS In the past few years the band have become much more popular within the international goth scene, has this changed to way the band works?
Chris Not at all. We try to make sure that it doesn't change us and give us
a big ego. It is contrary to the band's philosophy to have “rock-star
egos“. We don't want to be one of those bands who place themselves
above their fans.
PS Since the release of “Wishfire”, a lot of people have noted the apparent move towards a more computerised sound, what caused this change in the band’s style?
Chris Honestly, it was an upgrade of equipment. We went from using Hardware
to Software, which gave us a tremendous amount of freedom in writing.
PS “Frozen Embers” was released a few weeks ago- it features a number of remixes by different artists, what do you think to them? Do you have a favourite?
Chris They're all very good, so i'd say it would be a difficult choice.
But, I'd have to go with The Dreamside remixes. They are just amazing.
However, I also did a remix of Return, which will be released on the
Vier Factor I Cd from Dancing Ferret Discs, available on the 23rd of
September.
PS The new album “Ethernaut” is due out sometime in October, what can we expect from it?
Chris Well to be modest and humble, some good music. Other than that, well,
I don't want to spoil the surprise.
PS Are there any other new projects in the pipeline?
Chris Not at the moment. We're concentrating on touring until the end of
the year. There honestly isn't much time for anything else. But, I'm
sure that once the tour is over and we have a short break, we'll be
back in the studio to work on the next album....
PS You spend many months at a time on tour, how do you cope with so much travelling?
Chris Honestly, I have to say, you just get used to it. After a few weeks it becomes routine.
PS You’re about to set off on the US tour- are looking forward to it? Would you say there was a difference between the US fans and the European fans?
Chris Yes, I'm very much looking forward to it. And, there isn't any real difference in the fans. There are small cultural differences, but,
nothing that really stands out. Though, I do have an easier time
communicating with the fans who speak English...
PS What are your aspirations for the future?
Chris I'd like to see the band continue to succeed. Anymore than that, I can't really say just yet, I'll know when I get there....
PS Any messages for the fans/the world at large?
Chris Two things...Thank You!!!! and We Love You all!!!!!!!
PS If you could have any three super powers what would they be?
Chris well my first choice would have to be flight. I think
invulnerability might come in handy too. and lastly, a cool costume....
PS If you could visit any time or place where would you go?
Chris everywhere. I want to see it all.
PS You’re marooned on a desert island, you can have three items to take with you- what would they be? (and no you can’t have a boat)
Chris a lighter, a Rambo knife, and a compass. With these things, I can make fire, hunt, and I can build a boat :p
PS Heard any good jokes lately?
Chrisno, most of my jokes are just bad....
PSWhat is your favourite-
PS Food?
Chris Italian
PS Movie?
Chris I'd have to say it is Better Off Dead.
PS Book?
ChrisNeuromancer by William Gibson
PS Band/artist?
Chris hmmm...that's a tough one....let me think about it.
PS Album?
Chris Apop's Welcome to Earth
PS Computer game?
Chris Half-Life. Hands down the best computer game EVER. And when I get back from the US tour Half-Life 2 will be out :)
PS TV Show?
Chris Star Trek
PS Colour?
Chris Purple
PS Any pet hates?
Chris Intolerance
