Andre (Locrian & Land of Decay)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)
- Vic Chesnutt “At The Cut” [not from this year, but something that I got into this year] (Constellation)
- Jon Mueller “Alphabet of Movements” (Type)
- Servile Sect “Trvth” (Handmade Birds)
- Oikos “Ecotono” (Utech Records)
- Ililta “New Ethiopian Dance Music” Compilation (Konkurrent)
What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I’ve discovered a lot of stuff this year, but I think James Blackshaw’s “Litany of Echoes” album stands out most to me. I always end up playing it. I think I end up putting it on so much is because it just puts me in a really good mood. That guy is a just a phenomenal musician and I haven’t heard anything from him that I don’t like, which is saying a lot for me.
I’ve also rediscovered Judas Priest this year and in particular the “Sin After Sin” album. There’s just something so awesome about the pre-Slayer double-bass on “Dissident Aggressor” and the falsetto vocals that makes me feel like I was to wrestle a buffalo or something.
How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?
I can’t generalize about the entire year in music for myself. If I had to pick out an important moment for me, then it would be seeing Bert Jansch open up for Neil Young in Chicago shortly before his death. It was a really powerful performance from Bert and Neil. It was strange to observe the crowd at that show since there were people who were honored to be able to see Bert Jansch play, as well as people who had no idea who he was and didn’t care much to find out (unfortunately for them). The sound was flawless at that show and in addition to witnessing one of Bert’s final performances, it was amazing to experience Neil Young’s newer, more experimental, songs without a back to back him up.
What can we look forward to from you in 2012?
I’ve been working with the other guys in Locrian and Mamiffer to finish up the collaborative album that our two groups recorded in June of this year. That will be out in March of 2012. Hopefully our collaboration with Christoph Heemann will be out next year too. I’m working on a project with David Reed (Envenomist) call “Eolomea” and we’ll have a tape our on Brave Mysteries in early 2012. I expect there to be other releases as well. I’ll also be working on some other stuff next year, but nothing that I care to discuss.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?
I’m looking forward to getting this Locrian/Mamiffer album out! I’m looking forward to the next Swans record.
What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?
The stuff that’s “huge” is generally stuff that I don’t understand so I’m not sure.
