Spectral Dance Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Jo: Spectral Dance is an outlet for all my slow, dark, depressive black metal song ideas. I started it in November 2020 as a one man band in true black metal tradition.

2.In 2020 you had released 2 demo's, musically how do they both differ from each other?

Jo: in December 2020 there will be 4 Spectral Releases on different formats. They all have different songs and where recorded all within the same week.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored on both of the releases?

Jo: The songs mostly deal with personal issues and real life struggles using an allegorical way of writing. The lyrics are very unstructured and so far I haven't even written them down as they represent the emotions felt during the recording.

4.With your other musical projects you have also played heavy, speed, thrash and death metal, do you feel playing a variety of many different metal styles has made you a better musician?

Jo: I always like to keep an open mind with music. I even have played in some punk, oi, industrial, synth, hardcore bands as well. I don't want to limit myself or waste any good song ideas. Playing different styles of music helps push my creativity and improve technique.

5.In your other black metal solo project 'Dexezon' you have explored some occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Jo: The music in Dexezon is improvised and chaotic. The themes are very obscure and a secret. The music speaks for itself.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Spectral Dance'?

Jo: Sometimes I feel like i am nothing but a ghost dancing around other people; invisible to an uncaring person.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the newer demo cover?

Jo: "Like an Avenging Spectre" tape has a simple cartoonesque ghost that i stole from a kids book from the 1970's about ghosts. Its like Spectral Dance's "Eddie" mascott. 

8.With this project you record everything by yourself but also have experience working with other musicians, how would you you compare the two?

Jo: I like working alone because i can work at my own pace which is usually extremely fast. I have recorded five releases in the space of one week, where as with a full band it takes one year to make an album. I always thought that bands with a singular vision sounded more eclectic yet focused.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Jo: So far the only people that have heard Spectral Dance are labels and the reaction has been mixed. Sometimes its negative, claiming that the music is too minimalist or simple or sometimes its positive with people saying it reminds them of the black metal golden age.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?

Jo: Alot of stuff as usual here at the music factory. Yesterday I released three LP's for three different bands of mine.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Jo: There will be a full length at the end of 2020. Being in a one man band means that I can change  or evolve as i please but for now the style will remain the same. Its highly unlikely that I'm going to start playing jazz or nu-metal!

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Jo: Right now I'm listening to Iron Maiden's "soundhouse tape" ep. its so raw and catchy. As for influences in Spectral Dance I would just name drop obvious ones like 1994-Darkthrone, Hades, first few Gorgoroth LP's, late 90's Judas Iscariot, early works by Deathspell Omega, Moonblood, Satyricon, Armagedda or more contemporary bands like Hulder or Pagan Hellfire. Also a lot of the rhythms are taken from Viking era Bathory and Manowar. 

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? 

always looking for labels to work with. contact me 🙂

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