1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
I'm a sludge/black metal project, but I pull influence from all kinds of music. It spawned out of a shitty year where my depression was taking over and I had to find a way to let that out. It turned into 7 songs that I put together called Hollow Screams of a Withering Soul.
2.In May you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
Similar to the first answer. I listen to a lot black metal, sludge and doom influenced music so I tend to play into those styles. There are some bands that I think just audibly recreate the feeling of suffering in a way that's almost tactile, and I wanted to accomplish something similar with Hollow Screams. I tend to lean into more melody so I don't think I hit the unadulterated rage of say Hell, Body Void or Indian, but I do think I hit the melancholy, depression and frustration that's an overlying feature of my life. That's a more accurate message from me anyway.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
The lyrics are about my life and personal struggles with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. This can reach out into broader topics like the collapse of society, religious zealots, the police state, etc. Life is inevitably affected by the world around us. The wording is somewhat vague and I think that leaves it open to the interpretation of the person listening. Even songs like "Culling the Flock" which was intentionally written in more of a story format is still open ended. What may have very specific meaning to me, and bring back particular memories or emotions may resonate for a completely different reason for someone else. Part of what draws me to this kind of music is the feeling that if other people are making music that sounds like I feel maybe it's not just me, and I hope I can provide that small comfort to someone else.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Fallen Short'?
It was simple, impactful and accurate. I feel like I'm constantly falling short of goals, falling short of the expectations of people I respect, falling short of what could have been. Living in a malaise of never being enough.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
When I was trying to put together the artwork I wanted to find something that accurately represented the message I'm attempting to get across. I came across this piece that was listed under creative commons called Rue de la Vieille lanterne (The Suicide of Gérard de Nerval) by Gustave Doré. Between the pencil style that's both messy feeling at spots but filled with detail in others, the representation of suicide in the greyscale color, it was perfect as soon as I saw it.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I'm absolutely open to the idea. The issue for me is time, the nature of my job makes it difficult to commit to specific times consistently. I'm frequently out of town, and could be working early morning or into the night any day of the week. The biggest benefit to working solo is it happens when I have time and am creatively there to do it. Solo is also nice because it's my voice. Fallen Short is a pure representation of my artistic expression. That said I'd love to do a split or something similar with like minded artists.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I'm open to the idea but haven't received any interest or sought it out.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and sludge metal?
It's only been for a couple weeks now, and I've only been promoting it publicly for a couple months, but it's been generally positive. I'm still somewhat shocked that people around the world have listened to it at all. Considering the music was made out of desperation to an extent, the fact that it's resonating with some people is pretty cool.
9.Do you have any experience playing in other bands or musical projects?
I've played in bands on and off for a little under 20 years. Primarily punk and metal, nothing that gained traction, but I've met some really cool people over the years through playing. Even when I'm not in bands I'm always been fucking around with stuff.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I expect to keep making music as Fallen Short. Outside of my body giving out I don't think I'll ever stop playing, music is the fuel that lets me keep moving through life's bullshit. I have the skeleton of a new song started, but I'm focused more on trying to push attention to this album at the moment. It's speculation, but I'd like to have something ready by the end of next year, maybe early 2027.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?
Lately I'd say it's primarily been metal in a similar vein to what I've been playing. I've really gotten into Grima, I love the folk instruments they integrate into their songs and the guitar harmonies are incredible on Nightside. I recently revisited Portal's Vexovoid and found that it hits a lot harder for me now, they stay on the edge of being uncomfortable in the best way, it's a feeling I strive to be able to create. Primitive Man does something similar for me, those dudes make some of the most punishing music on the planet and I find myself always looking forward to more, when I mentioned music that is so nasty it has a tactile feeling this is one of the bands I think of. I think Ghost Baths new album Rose Thorn Necklace is fantastic, as a DSBM fan it hits all the right spots for me.I recently discovered Svartidaudi and have really enjoyed the Revelations of the Red Sword album even if they aren't active. Aara, Lord Mantis, Selbst, Amenra, Body Void, Neurosis, Deathspell Omega, Shining. Between trying to find new artists and going back to the well of music I already like I could go on forever not even touching on genres outside of metal that I enjoy.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and the positive words about the music. If anyone reading this hasn't checked out "Hollow Screams of a Withering Soul" please do. If you fuck with it CDs and cassettes are on Bandcamp, hoping to have vinyl by the end of the year. Thanks again.
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