1) How long have you been making music or been involved in music for and why?
I started playing/making music in 2002, when I first began playing the drums. I picked up the guitar and bass a year later, but didn't start getting involved in the industry until 2004 (I think) when I started playing in bands, locally. The main reason I wanted to get into playing music was that burning passion to write and perform my own music, be it in a studio or on a stage.
2) What bands have you been in and what can you tell us a little bit about each one?
That dreaded question, eh? Let's see if I can remember them all... Black Star Ritual (thrash/groove metal) 2004-2007: First ever band I played in.
Enthrawl (prog death metal) 2006-2008: This band was what opened my eyes to the world of both prog metal and extreme metal.
Blood Red Ruin (alt. rock/metal) 2007-2008: In hindsight, this band could have gone places with perseverance, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Messiane (groove metal) 2007-2008: Was only with these guys for a short time. They're actually still going with a different drummer and bassist.
Gravity Hammer (prog rock/metal) 2008-2009: Yes, as in the weapon from the Halo video games haha.
VanityVania (doom/death metal from US) 2010 or 2011: Side project of Munnin of Ravenhelm. Recorded drum tracks for a 4 track demo, with songs slowly appearing online.
Beltane (black metal from New Zealand) 2009-Present: Whilst not an official member, I've become known as one of their main session drummers, having provided drum tracks for at least 1 song from every release going back to their Autumn MMIX MCD back in June '09
Laceration (brutal death metal) 2010-2011: My last gigging band until I was made to leave in September '11. For fans of Disgorge, Suffocation and Gorgasm, Laceration is slowly dominating the UK extreme metal scene at the moment.
Desecrator (blackened death metal) 2009-Present: My pride and joy, a one-man extreme metal act I started when I was still in college. Ok, the first demo track was recorded in 2007, but Desecrator didn't really take shape until 2 years later when I recorded my first album, 'Link's Retribution' (out now via Satanica Productions). Currently, I'm in the process of recording my 2nd studio album and trying to book gigs here in the UK.
3) What is the music scene like in your area?
Music, in general, is a big thing in the Highlands of Scotland. However, the metal scene is in dire need of a boost. This comes from someone who has played in most parts of Scotland. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Perth all love their metal (especially the upcoming death metal acts). Even if we could get more of those bands up to Inverness, it would make a big difference for the better!
4) What has the online world done for you and what has it done good promotion wise for all your bands? Has it been a good outlet for sales, and fans and contacts in which you couldn’t get unless otherwise, or is it the opposite? The online world has definitely made the world a smaller place, as I'm able to reach everyone on a global capacity, using the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Also, if it wasn't for the internet, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of working with Beltane and Satanica Productions. Of course, there's a flipside to what I just said, as it seems everyone and their dog are plugging and streaming their demos on the internet. I do like to check out new music of all genres, but I just don't have the time to go through absolutely everything that's posted.
5) What do you think of the generation of today? iPods or hard form? It seems we are getting our ass kicked and being called old men if we own a vinyl.
I much prefer having a physical copy of a release on CD or vinyl, although I do have all my music digitally backed up on my iPod, so I can take my collection everywhere I go. As for the vinyl argument, I would have to disagree. I, personally, feel that vinyl is making a comeback. I do a fair bit of voluntary work in a local community shop, and we have a fair bit of vinyl coming and going all the time. Sure, it's mostly the "vinyl generation" buying it for the nostalgia factor, but it surprises me how often they will have their child or grandchild with them who take an active interest in vinyl.
6)What is your life like outside of music? Hobbies? Things you enjoy doing? Beer you like to drink? Just name it.
Apart from my current voluntary work, I don't think I really have a life outside of music. If I'm not in my home studio writing or recording, I'm usually out reviewing local gigs for a website, and doing gig photography whilst I'm at it. However, I do enjoy playing snooker (the most metal of sports I'll have you know!) and playing video games. Beer? If I'm out, I'll have a pint of Guinness any day! That or a nice ale...none of your lager piss! If I'm in the studio and fancying a drink, I'll have a glass of red wine.
7) What should fans expect from the latest Desecrator album? What style you / where going for and hows it going?
'Link's Retribution' was definitely one of those "experimental" periods for me, trying to really figure out the best sound for Desecrator. On the whole, I would say I have a very blackened death metal approach to my music on that release.
As for the latest album I'm currently working on, I decided to further refine that blackened death feel and incorporate symphonic elements (orchestras, choirs etc.) simply because I'm a sucker for orchestral sounds.
[8) What are some of your main influences in the metal genre and why?
I'd definitely have to say Behemoth and Vader for starters. I can thank my Polish heritage for that. Haha, perhaps, blackened death is a Polish thing?
I'd also say the later Dimmu Borgir sound has a huge influence as I'm exploring how to make an orchestra work well with extreme metal. Heck, just anything that is metal with a symphonic backing, really! I've been listening to a lot of the Devin Townsend Project, recently, so perhaps a hint of that quirky Hevy Devy sound may manifest somewhere.
9) Have you done any gigs with Desecrator yet? or is it a studio based project only?
Not yet, no. Originally, it was going to be a studio-only project. I did do a one-off performance along with the members of Laceration and a friend of mine, Rodaidh Mackay (Rodaidh played the solo on the title track of Link's Retribution, as well as will be playing all guitar solos on the next release), but I decided at the end of last year that I wanted to do more with Desecrator so have actively been looking to play shows and festivals in the UK as a one-man band.
10) Has Desecrator got any online play or radio play? I could help with this.
A few tracks from 'Link's Retribution' can be found on ReverbNation, along with demos from the new album I'm working on. Soundcloud, is also becoming useful for streaming new demos and will be looking to use that more than ReverbNation for demoing new tracks. Both applications can be accessed through the Desecrator Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesecratorMusic
Online radio play I've had also. All tracks from 'Link's Retribution' are, currently, available to be requested to be played over on The Beerman Show at www.toprockradio.com.
(Who would have thought that behind the metal lurks someone with that boyish charm)
11) What labels are you associated with and hows working with them?
I'm a long time associate of Satanica Productions (NZ), thanks to my constant work with label owner, Xan's band Beltane. 'Link's Retribution' was also released through Satanica.
Xan does a lot of good work supporting the underground metal scene on a global scale and, despite the time difference, is generally easy to get hold of if I have any issues.
In general, I can see my relationship with Satanica continue to grow and grow.
(GET DESECRATORS ALBUM HERE : http://www.satanica.org/other-releases.php)
12) Last and final question, what does this new year bring for Desecrator and what is on your to do list?
Think I've pretty much covered all my plans for Desecrator...
- Continue to promote 'Link's Retribution'
- Finish writing and recording the new album
- Get back on stage as a live performer and book gigs
The only thing I havn't mentioned is the plans I've already got for another release, after my next album. Not going to say much about it apart from it will be, most likely, an EP release with an interesting concept...
Thank you very much for your time and I hope you liked my very enlightening questions….!!!!
No, thank YOU!
Mark "Mr. Keram Desecrator" Dubanowski
www.facebook.com/DesecratorMusic
www.soundcloud.com/mdubanowski
www.reverbnation.com/desecratormusic
www.satanica.org
No comments:
Post a Comment