My Life's Despair Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

We’ve been trying to promote the album. Whether that’s just trying to get the word out to internet sites or making some more merch. I have created a simple video for “As Flames Ignite”. I plan to make a few more videos. Other than that, we are going to enjoy the summer and get back to writing around October.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

This is the first release with N. Sanity on Guitar. So, he brings a different dimension in my approach to song writing, as I used to do everything. N. Sanity brings more of a traditional doom style to the project with his love of Black Sabbath and Candlemass, whereas I would delve more into arpeggiated melodies with power chords on the back end.

3.The band has been around since 1994 but has only released 3 demo's, an ep and once full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap in between recordings?

I dreamt up the band in 1994. I started creating demos back then, while I was still playing drums for other bands and going to college. After I stopped playing in other bands, over 10 years later, I started to concentrate on the solo project. In 2009, I released an EP, Love, Sorrow, and Suicide; this is technically the birth of the band. I spent the next few years after writing for a concept album about the apocalypse of the world from a meteor found in 2004 named Apophis. I didn’t like the way the album was coming together, so I scrapped the whole thing. I then hooked up with N. Sanity in 2014 and we wrote Invoked with Passion and Pain.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

On the new album, the first track is about being burned at the stake. It was inspired by Giordano Bruno, an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, poet, and astrologer who was tried and burned at the stake for heresy in 1600. Bruno was a martyr for science. I always try to create a connection with science and my music.  Other topics are lost love, suicide, worshipping the stars, technology and the consequences of ignorance, meaning of life.


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'My Life's Despair'?

When I first started, I used to write about just my life. I would call the songs, pieces, pieces of my life. That is still the case today, somewhat, I just have expanded the tales to those in the past or present. The despair part is just what it sounds like; the songs are always about the darkness in our lives. This is not necessarily “MY” life’s despair, it could by “YOUR” life’s despair, as I think others find comfort knowing that they are not alone in their experiences.


6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance? Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

As a two-man band, it’s very hard to develop a live show that doesn’t look lame. So, we are not playing any live shows. I really have no inclination to hire other musicians for the purpose of playing live, which means a lot of the live experience would be pre-recorded as there is only so much two guys can do live. However, if I can come up with something that looks cool while minimizing the ridicule for only playing two of the instruments live, yeah, I would do that.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

No, I’m not looking or sending out promos to labels. The reason is back to the playing live part. Most labels are going to want you to play live to promote the CD. I’m not opposed to signing with a label, I just don’t think they would want a non-touring band. I’m completely fine with releasing my own material on my own.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of gothic and doom metal?

It’s been real positive. I’ve received numerous emails complimenting us and one even asking for an autograph. So, that was really cool.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I’m going to keep putting out the music I love. In 10 years, I expect to continue to put out the music I love. The music only stops when I die.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I’ve been a big fan of Candlemass, Cemetary, My Dying Bride, Tiamat, The Sins of Thy Beloved, Anathema, Opeth, etc…Other influences would be ballads. I love ballads. But, I’m a fan of any music with heart and emotion.

Mostly today, I put on SiriusXM Liquid Metal. However, they never play any of the new gothic metal from Europe, like Draconian. I love Draconian. I’m mostly listening to blast beating death metal, which is cool to me too, I love Dying Fetus.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I’m a huge fan of football (soccer). I love to play FIFA on the PS4. I studied Physics in college, so I’m fond of watching scientific documentaries of space and life, the history of man is also a favorite subject of mine.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
If you like some specific music, support the artists that created it. We do it for little to nothing; we do it because we love it. But, it costs the musicians money to make it. Steal the music, buy a shirt.