Today I spoke with Trevor the one man genius behind LA Black metal band Ashen Horde – we talk about NYC vs L.A., Collecting vinyl vs Cassettes and playing Live Shows vs Being a Studio Musician – read it and learn something new.
* When I think of black metal, I do not think of Hollywood – how did you end up there and do you think your surroundings have much influence on your style / interpretation of black metal?
Yeah–sunny, health-conscious (and rather vapid) Hollywood certainly doesn’t come to mind when thinking of the bleak, desolate, ice-laden landscapes that tend to inspire a lot of black metal bands. At the same time, though, Hollywood is pretty gritty and grim underneath the sparkly appearance that film studios paint it as having. A number of the streets here are certainly paved with broken dreams and regret. Couple that with an epic drought and constant fear of earthquakes, and you’ve got the perfect setting to inspire dark lyrics.
To be honest, though, I’m not entirely sure how much inspiration I draw from my surroundings. Ashen Horde records always tell stories, and they rarely reflect what I see outside (at least until the one we’re working on now, but more on that at another time).
As for how I ended up here–I lived in New York for 10 years, and grew tired of the insanity that is NYC. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York and had a great time there, but after a while it became a bit stifling. So I decided to give the West Coast a try, and see if it offered a different experience… which it did. Despite my above comments, I fucking love it here. Whether I can attribute it to the place or not, I’ve been far more musically productive than I ever was in NYC.
* Being based in Hollywood do you have a job in the Entertainment industry in some form or a totally non related field?
Totally non-entertainment related! I actually work in financial marketing, which may be the least metal thing ever. Believe me, I certainly stand out when I’m at work.
* How did you get into Black metal and what was your biggest influence in the scene?
While I fear this will show my age a bit, my first foray into black metal came via an Osmose compilation called “World Domination II.” It had all sorts of great stuff on it–Immortal, Enslaved, Absu–and my interest grew from there. I’d already been into death metal, but the atmosphere and majesty of black metal hit me in a way the death metal never quite did.
I’d say the aforementioned Enslaved and Immortal were probably my biggest influences when I started playing BM, along with Emperor and Satyricon. I’ve certainly expanded beyond those, but they all hold a special place in my cold, black heart. More recently, I’ve gotten very into Zhrine and Audn, and sort of “rediscovered” the weird brilliance of Solefald.
* Why do you think there are so many prolific one band black metal bands (as opposed to say the Death Metal genre)
That’s a great question, and I’ve wondered about it as well. There’s something very personal about black metal. It’s not all about technicality and brutality, which are the focuses of most death metal, and is often more introspective and, dare I say, spiritual. Of course, I think some of it comes from the fact that many BM dudes are sort of misanthropic and antisocial (though I can’t say I fit that bill)!
* What are your thoughts on Artists like Xasthur now playing live but as a 3 piece acoustic show?
On one hand, I think musicians should play whatever the hell they want, and never feel compelled to conform to the label to which they’re originally attached. But on the other hand, I sometimes feel like a complete 180 style change should be a trigger to put the old band name to rest and try something else. But if Scott/Malefic wants to do acoustic stuff now, more power to him. Opeth, who I love, are a great example of this. While the newer albums are amazing, they’re a million miles away from “Orchid” and “Still Life.”
* Have Ashen Horde played many shows to date? Or is live not something you are interested in? I know many BM artists prefer to play “events” as opposed to the more traditional idea of “touring”
No shows thus far, primarily because I was the only member until earlier this year! I’m not overly interested in becoming a touring musician–my love is in writing and recording–but am not opposed to doing shows. I know for a fact that Stevie would like to at some point. I’d be very happy to play a couple festivals each year, not because I feel compelled to only play “events,” but because it would fit in with my regular life.
* How did partnering up with Stevie Boiser come about? Have you guys done any live gigs yet?
Stevie did a stint in Vale of Pnath, which also featured my brother, Jeremy, on drums. When I had vocal surgery last year, and was told to give up harsh vocalizing, Jeremy immediately recommended Stevie. He’s got a range that blows away anything I could ever do. I was a little afraid he wouldn’t be interested, mostly because he’s in several other bands, but he luckily accepted! I can’t wait to release new material with his [far superior to my own] vocals.
* To me Black metal fans are more keen to embrace Vinyl and cassette versions of albums (and digital downloads) as opposed to say the Death metal scene where its basically cd and digital. Why do you think that is?
As a vinyl collector, I get it–vinyl is fucking cool. The sound is warm and the artwork is huge. Plus, vinyl has this weird, archaic, old-fashioned vibe to it that seems to fit with the BM obsession with history. Not sure if that’s a real reason why BM fans buy it, but I think it’s a reasonable explanation!
Cassettes, on the other hand, I don’t quite understand. To me, they’re solely a novelty, and I’m not entirely sure why people are into them again. Of course, I’ve considered putting the next EP on limited cassette, so I may just be a big, fucking hypocrite!
* How do you think services like Bandcamp and Kickstarter have helped musicians to release their art? Do you think it was better in the old days of “traditional” record deals?
They’ve certainly helped in that you don’t need a label to get your music out. However, because there are so many bands releasing music without labels, it’s infinitely more difficult to stand out and build a fan base. That’s why labels will continue to operate–they have the network and name recognition to help cut through the noise. I think the job of labels will continue to evolve, but I can’t imagine they’ll go away. I wouldn’t say it’s better now, just different.
Kickstarter is also an interesting beast. It’s proved that bands can get projects funded without labels, but at the same time, in order for a Kickstarter campaign to be successful, the band needs a pretty sizable following… which, in many cases, came from the band previously being on a label. I was very lucky in that my small, but loyal fanbase, successfully brought “Nine Plagues” to vinyl a couple months ago.
* How did your deal with Transcending Obscurity come about and have you been pleased with the way its been working so far?
Transcending Obscurity’s webzine gave the last album, “Nine Plagues,” an exceptional review, which prompted me to reach out to Kunal Choksi, who runs it. He really liked the album, and worked with me on the promoting it. It’s been great working with him thus far, and I’m excited to work together on the new album. TO is growing by leaps and bounds, and is signing amazing bands from all over the world, and I’m honored to be part of the lineup.
* Are there any plans to play the East Coast in the future?
Never say never! I would be all about trying to play Maryland Deathfest at some point. I’d also be hard-pressed to turn down a show or two in my New York home…
* Have you ever been to NYC and if so what are your thoughts on the city?
Oh yes–as I mentioned, I lived there for 10 years–two in Manhattan and eight in Brooklyn. New York really is unlike anywhere else in the world. I may have grown tired of living there, but I haven’t stopped loving it, and try to make it back a couple times a year.
* What can we expect musically from you in 2017?
Hopefully a lot of new music! We’ve got a new 7″ coming early in the year, and a full-length album hopefully by summer. The music is all recorded, and now everything is in Stevie’s hands. Beyond that, there are a couple of other songs floating around without a home. I’d love to do a split with another cool band, or perhaps get one on a movie soundtrack.
* Any final words to fans and friends?
Thanks to everyone that has supported Ashen Horde thus far! The fan reaction has been the fuel to keep me going. I think Stevie and I have come up with a new album that is fairly unique and genre-fluid, and hopefully people will dig it. Happy 2017!