Interview with Sam from Black tape for a blue girl
How did you come to start Project and Black tape for a blue girl?
I began doing solo electronic music in 1983, and the label was begun
as a way to release that. When I moved to California in 1986, I began
recording
music that was warmer and more emotional (and had vocals). It just
seemed
logical to create the band, in order to indicate that this was
something
more than the solo electronics, and that music came out on The Rope Lp
Who are the current contributors? Why did you choose to work with
such a
lot of people on different albums?
Currently, the studio band is myself on electronics/vocals, oscar on
vocals/acoustic guitar, lucian on vocals, mera on cello and vicki on
violin. The live band is myself on electronics/vocals, dominique on
vocals, mera on cello and lisa on flute. The band sort of grows and changes
over
the years, and I involve people who can appropriately fullfil my
musical
vision.
What is it you try to express with your work and how do you want it
to
be recieved?
I try to portray the emotions and situations that I am going through
at the
time when the album is recorded. I hope that people experience those
emotions, and from the letters I get it is true that people connect
with
these things. I think it's the duty of art to explore sides that are
often
left hidden and untouched.
Which do you think is of most importance, your work with Black tape
for a blue girl ore Project?
To me, the work of black tape for a blue girl.
Project has lately, as well as Black tape for a blue girl reached
quite a sucess internationally, what do you think is the reason for
this?
i think that people see that all of the artists of Projekt are
dedicated to
creating music from a personal place -- an artistic place -- rather
than
creating music for money reasons. I think that people respect this
dedication to art.
Tell us about Thanatos
Thanatos was a band that Padraic Ogl and I started. It was really his
band,
with me helping out with it. Lately, I have been less involved in the
band
. . . and the new record has very little of my keyboards. But that's
fine,
because it was always Pat's thing in my mind.
Do you think that it is events in you life that affects your music or
do you get your influences elsewhere?
It is definitely the events and relationships and people I am involved
with
that influences my music. Occasionally, there are influences from
literature (Nietsche, Kafka, Anais Nin, etc) . . . but thelyrics
mostly
originate from my journal, the place where I record my feelings and
thoughts.
You have collaborated with Vidna Obmana, how did this happen, and how
do you think it turned out?
Vidna got in touch with me and suggested we collaborate. I am really
happy
with how it turned out. It is a total blending; I find it hard to
remember
what parts I played and what parts he played -- so that means to me
that we
worked together really well.
Future plans?
I am currently thinking about recording a cd of songs based upon the
work
of Nico around the time of DesertShore and The Marble Index. This
would be
Dominique, Mera, Lisa and Myself . . . We are also playing live shows,
which keeps us busy . . .
Where do you think the darker feelings expressed in your music comes
from?
They come from deep within. I don't think it's 'dark' so much as
'introspective.' It's deeling with deep personal emotions, and people
might>see that as 'dark' -- but I always feel there is a glimmer of hope in
there. Something that keeps the characters from giving up.
Will you do any live performances in the future?
Yes, we will continue to do live shows. Hopefully you'll be able to
catch
us live someday . . .