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 . . .