Third Realm acquainted the scene with aphotic beats when they released "Under The Black Light" last year. This darkwave band (with a little futurepop twist) has done many remixes with other bands. Headed by Nathan Reiner of Buffalo, New York, Third Realm likes to express their emotions with clear lyrics and brisk beats. The band itself is not new to the scene as they have had over 16k listeners throughout the world. I had a little chat with Nathan about the band's future and status in the goth and electronic scene.
Could you please tell me why you picked your band name and what does it signify? I vaguely remember the actual moment I decided to go with 'Third Realm'. It was created back when all I used to do is jot down lyrics. There were no musical arrangements ever created for those proposed songs, but that process was a realization that I wanted to keep doing things with music, it stuck ever since. Third Realm to me represents a personal escape from what seemingly makes up our physical dimension. It's a way of co-existing in a parallel universe through the spiritual connection of thoughts and emotions.
Last year, you released your first full length album with several remixes from other artists, how did that go? How did you go about meeting the artists who remixed your works? There was a lot of attention to detail on 'Under the Black Light', so releasing the album was a verified sense of accomplishment. I'm not a fan of filler tracks, so to work on an album for me means putting a lot of concentrated time and effort into each track. The remixes were arranged by simply asking the artists if they had the time to work with me. I suppose I ran into a bit of luck as they were all in between touring and/or taking a break from writing new material.
Seeing that your band has goth elements in it, what do you "label" your band to the public as genre wise? As clique as it sounds, I don't believe in labeling music. My music combines elements of alternative, industrial & dark wave music. I'll leave it up to my listeners to decide what that means for them in terms of defining Third Realm with a specific genre.
What made you want to pursue to make music?
I suppose it goes back to the meaning of 'Third Realm'. Music has always been an escape for me, creating it is a further plunge into escapism.
Can you relate any of your songs to an event that happened in your life?
Most of my songs relate to experiences that are currently happening, or things I've experienced in the past. My upcoming album, 'Love is the Devil', will be even more personal, and less fantasy oriented.
Do you plan on releasing a new album, remixing any artists, or create a music video in the future?
I am currently working on a new album entitled, 'Love is the Devil'. It's scheduled for an early 2009 release. No immediate plans are in the works regarding new remixes or music videos.
Have you been touring or playing any local shows in your area? How do you get your music "out there" where you live? The past few years have been heavily concentrated on creating albums. I spend a good amount of time going to clubs, talking to the DJ's and passing out CD's. I personally want more material before I pursue a tour. A show here and there could happen soon, but the majority of my time right now is being focused on a new album.
I really enjoyed "Renfield's Syndrome," and all its metaphors, could you please explain what the story of this great song? I'm glad you like that song, it digs deep into all of the fun aspects of clinical vampirism! It's one of the more fantasy oriented Third Realm songs, however, the metaphors contained within simply explain how lust and desire can completely consume a person.
The vocals in "Confusion" from your new album, "Under The Black Light," sound as though rock band, Marilyn Manson, is singing or backing up vocals, has any of your fans noticed this? I don't recall Marilyn sitting in for that recording session! None of my fans brought that up for that specific song, but it has been mentioned that some of my other songs resemble their work.
Your band reminds me greatly of the band Lexincrypt, have you heard of them? Do you think you could do a remix with them later down the road as soon as Lexincrypt comes back? I was introduced to Lexincrypt's music one night while listening to Diverje on last.fm. They were listed as a similar artist. Their music reminds me of some older Skinny Puppy tracks. I'm always open for remixes, Lexincrypt is not a band I had in mind for a remix anytime soon, but you never know.
Being in an underground genre, what are the pros of have 16.4k friends on MySpace? It's a great experience. I have the freedom to continue to do what I enjoy, and it allows my music to be presented in a way where it can be absorbed by people that may be new to underground music.
Do you prefer selling music by CDs or digitally? When purchasing music from a band I like, I always prefer having the physical CD in my hands. It's a great experience to browse through the album inserts as I'm listening to a CD.
Are you friends with any bands in the goth or industrial scene? I suppose they are acquaintances more than anything at this point. I keep in contact with several bands in the scene, but none of which I'm entirely close to.
Without Googling or looking up, could you tell me as much as you know about the goth scene? Anyone who googles for information regarding the goth scene is going to be reading statements that claim to be matter of fact. That goes against the whole idea of why the sub-culture came into existence. Giving a strict definition to something that breaks free of society's expectations dilutes what it's all about. As you and I mentioned earlier, the term 'goth' is often times overused, or I'd prefer to say, used out of context. When I think of what goth means, I think of early death rock and punk roots, bands such as Christian Death and The Damned planted the seeds for what eventually blossomed into what is considered 'goth'.
In the United States, the word "goth" is overused quite a bit. Most of the time when it is used, it isn't used correctly. Where do you see the goth scene going in the next 10 years? I see the scene staying exactly where it's always been. Misinterpretation and false association only shows the lack of knowledge an individual has, it doesn't change the true meaning of goth. What people consider to be goth will continue to be meshed with what's really alternative or synthpop. What goth really is, will remain without validation.
On a side note, how was your Halloween? Very calm as opposed to my previous ones. I didn't do anything major this year.
What are some of your favorite releases this year from the goth and industrial music scene? Imperative Reaction - Minus All. Bauhaus - Go Away White. :wumpscut: - Schadling.
What are your opinions on bands that show that "gory" look, trying to look all bad ass to gain more fans? That's a matter of personal perception. I think when a band portrays an extreme theatrical image, it shows they are putting more into their musical presentation. Some bands are merely expressing their outside interests through their image as well. The music is what matters, but people are drawn to bands that reflect their love for the culture associated with the music they play. Whether they are doing it to gain fans or look 'bad ass' is left up to the assumptions of others. Several individuals are offended or even envious of bands that claim to be the children of Satan! Haha! But in all seriousness, some artists just enjoy expressing themselves in all ways possible. Some bands are made up of members who throw on a T-shirt and claim to be 'artistic' while others claim to be into demonology. To each their own.
If you could tour with any band in the scene of your music, which would it be? Nine Inch Nails.
Thanks again for taking the time to let me interview you, do you have any other comments you would like to output to everyone at Vampirefreaks? You're welcome! I'd just like to say thank you to everyone at VampireFreaks for allowing my music to reach the masses of the underground community. A special thank you definitely goes out to all of it's members who have left inspiring comments on my page, it motivates me to keep going.
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