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Lilly: Please fill us in regarding your band's current location and undertakings. Crimson:Right now we're working on a few local shows in New England, just to warm up to the AbSynthe vs. Corpse Thriller Tour this summer. We're really excited about it. We're planning a show no one's used to seeing that will be completely interactive and take place all night.Also, we're working on new songs for the upcoming album that we'll be recording towards the fall. It's pretty big.
Lilly: How did everything occur? Where did you meet the others and do you get along while on the road at long time intervals? Crimson:I started AbSynthe back around 2000 with little ideas here and there. In early 2003, we were a three-piece with a drum machine and programmed keys. I met Half Head and Sage while they were in another band. Coincidentally Mike E was formerly of their band and I met him through them. A year later, their band dissolved and we already had Half Head in our band as our drag queen keyboardist, Anna Rexia. So Half Head used is regular stage name and Sage took over live drums. Mike E became our guitarist and we had a couple of different bassists over the last few years. Recently, Alice joined us, being a long time friend and guitarist for our sister band Corpse Thriller, which features Half Head as the lead vocalist. Alice has only been with us since late January, and already he's making an impact creatively for us. Alice used to be a fan before being in any band and then he became a member. It's a total dream for a lot of music fans.
Lilly: In your opinion, what is your favorite thing about doing shows? What do you enjoy the most when traveling for the shows? Crimson:The fans and most other bands really make the experience of touring even better. A lot of bands miss the point of performing live. I've noticed that for years. Even bands that were given huge opportunities never stepped it up and have since then disappeared from the industry all together. I think making connections are one of the most important aspects of live performance. My philosophy has always been, if you're going to pay $10 to buy a CD and then pay another $10 to see a band play a CD live, then it's not worth it. People want to see a show and some want to take part. That's why people crowdsurf, mosh, and sing along. They want to be apart of the magic. So we make our shows very crowd oriented. Every night we tell the crowd that for the night they are also member of AbSynthe. Without them, there is no show.
Lilly:When it comes to the songs, where do you gather inspiration for them? Crimson:I draw inspiration everywhere, especially from my life and what I experience with others. I find everything interesting to one extent or another. Everything from philosphy and science to religion and comic books all plays one role whether its a concept for an album, artwork ideas, or ways to express my mood. I've created albums like novels filled with deep characters telling a complex story. I think that's the whole point to an album, otherwise it's a compilation of songs. I especially love using symbols and word play to get others to dig deeper and find puzzles I've left hiding. It makes the kid at home on his bed listening to the music and flipping through the artwork become part of it all by analyzing it and maybe even himself or the world around him. When someone feels they can connect with an artist or other people out there, then you don't feel so along and it becomes exciting. Think about it, when they made the ability to play video games internet compatible, how many rushed out there to play the game with people far away and made new friends? You can play it by yourself or with others. In the end, a song can be for it's own sake, but open for interpretation, which leads to connecting it to an album, or a live show, or a music video. Anything is possible.
Lilly: It seems as though you and the rest of the band take great admiration for your fans as far as that im sure they take great admiration for the band as well, so do you like to do signings and talk to your fans after every show? Crimson:Oh definitely. I've attended shows and been on tours with bands that won't give fans the time of day. That Axl Rose attitude doesn't cut it anymore. Most people see through that, especially other musicians. I think one of the biggest surprises I had was when Mistress Juliya (Uranium, FUSEtv) came to host one of our shows, she had zero ego to her. She just want to learn about everyone in the room and did shoot interviews without a camera or anything to record. It was all for her own self interest. It's moments like that people will remember. One of my favorite moments was getting hammered at the bar with Mark Jackson of VNV Nation. He was so happy to be with anyone there that he would just hug you til you couldn't breathe. At times, when it's possible, we let fans come with us out to a diner or to a party. You never know who you will meet and what they will become in the future.
Lilly: Even though you enjoy your fans and going to do shows, do you ever get home sick ? Crimson:Not as much. I miss my family, but never too much. I love them to death. I'm very close to my mother and grandmother especially, since they partly inspired me and always pushed me to do what I want to do and think how I want to think.What I do miss is some personal time. I always crave alone time to myself to reflect and relax. Mostly I'll come to the studio and lock myself in the room with nothing but black lights and red flourescents to illuminate the room. I used to just use candles in our old studio. I just love sitting in the dark around my instruments and tools for art. I never know what's going to inspire me, so I have everything out and ready incase something strikes me.
Lilly: Where would you like to see AbSynthe five years from now? Crimson:Mike E answered this the funniest way possible in another interview. He said, the dollar bin at the local Job Lot. (laughs)
Honestly, I'd like to see AbSynthe become it's own living force, free from my control or need for my existence. This is my monster and I'm Dr. Frankenstein. I want this to survive me, and touring the world is a start.
Lilly:Thats great to hear. is there anything you would personally like to tell the readers of MGH? Crimson:We have a motto the in band that we're turning into a song. If you don't know what to do with life, just remember: Live with Your Heart and Die for Your Dream!
Lilly: On behalf of MGH we thank you for your time is there anything you would like to share with us ? Crimson:Check out AbSynthe on myspace.com/absynthe and reverbnation.com/absyntheband to get updates on our AbSynthe vs. Corpse Thriller Tour coming this summer!
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