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Band page - Virgin Black
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Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
Rowan London - vocals, piano and keyboard.
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
In 1995 with a self titled demo that far exceeded expectations in respect to both the sound of the demo and how far it spread over the world. Thus begun a process for the patient as it was not until 1998's Trance E.P. that we brought forth another release, and not until 2001's Sombre Romantic that we produced our first album. This album was the big turning point for the band, it was recorded and initially released independently before Massacre Records and The End Records signed the band and released the album. The other album of that era was released in 2003 and entitled Elegant...and Dying. After that a new era begun, the Requiem era.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
We realised fairly early on that people around the world were interested in what we were doing but it just took a long time to set up the right medium through which to give it to them.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
To be honest, I didn't think people would care about this latest project, we really just did it for ourselves, but it seems that people have embraced it very enthusiastically. Our latest release is actually the second part of a series of three requiem-masses. These albums progress from the purely classical album Requiem-pianissimo, through to Requiem-fortissimo. Most aspects can be heard at least in part on Requiem-mezzo forte, from orchestral arrangements recorded by The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra blended with the band's drums and guitars, through to hints of the down tuned and deathly heaviness that dominates the following album.
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
Our first two albums display what is the general sound of Virgin Black, an eclectic, unpredictable mix of classical, doom, dark wave, industrial and black-metal. "Requiem" is a more specified project that focuses directly on classical and doom and is to be considered as a slight tangent on the bands journey, but in keeping with the dark vibe the music has always displayed.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
The greatest single moment happened on the greatest day. It was the moment that after an agonizingly difficult preparation process I realized that everything we had done to get The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to record our scores was all worth it. I only had to hear about thirty seconds of Requiem-pianissimo to know. The whole day was a magnificent victory for our hard work and unbridled ambition.
How is the writing process in the band?
We have two composers, myself and guitarist Samantha. Generally we write completely separate and just keep each other updated with songs or parts of songs. Requiem had us working a lot more closely however, with two and a half hours of music to manage it would have been chaos if we didn't. Generally our roles seem to be that Samantha focuses on layering melodies and harmonies and adjusting the finer details while I shape the overall picture with structuring and additional parts. We seem to work very well together.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
Music was of no interest to me until the age of 14, but then it grabbed me and has never let go. Everything else I do only really works to enable the music to exist. It is my sole focus.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
The term "idol" would be way too strong but shallow for the way I think about people.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
No, recordings are pieces of art but also moments in time. I am never completely happy with them, but over time annoying deficiencies can be seen as beautiful imperfections. I would not dare mess with any of our "moments in time".
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
No.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
We have a lot to say but are quite willing for people to fully embrace the words or ignore them completely, it is up to the individual. Either way we will continue to write words that mean something to us.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
I suppose the "music industry" has defined itself as just that, and industry. In years gone by there was enough evidence to think that maybe some artistic culture was blended in there but the two sides have since been completely polarized, in my opinion.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
People are not saving money by getting music for free, because the same money is going somewhere else.
To me, it is ridiculous the amount that some people are willing to spend on phone ring tones, proving that it is fashion rather than price that dictates where people's finances go. Maybe one day it will be fashionably retro to own music that one can actually hold in their hands. I don't actually have a strategy though.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
My life philosophy is "don't have a life philosophy". Really, I don't want to be stuck in a rigid thought process or belief system that is unwilling to change of evolve.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Do things I don't want to do, for the sake of the things I do want to do.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
Just spending time with people that understand each other.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Nothing crazy enough to not sound weak when repeated back, but crazy at the time.
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
No books,
The Castle (Australian film),
Life Is Beautiful (Italian film),
As Good As It Gets (American film);
Candlemass - Nightfall,
Slayer - Reign in Blood,
Stavesacre - Friction.
What is your favourite joke?
Any drummer joke.
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
For now we will continue with the great process of being able to reveal the Requiem albums, step by step.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Appreciate it. I guess it's only apt to leave some details for those who are intrigued to find out more.
website: www.virginblack.com and myspace: www.myspace.com/virginblackofficial
Added by Steen - 5/21/2007
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