FRANTIC BLEEP
Interview with Patrick Scantlebury (lead guitar, synth)
Q>>
Hi Patrick, we're not into "boring questions" usually, but you're
quite a new band, so could you please tell us something more about it? I saw
that many of you play in other bands, so is this just a project or what?
A>> I wouldn't say it's just a project even though I play in other bands.
This band means a lot to me as a guitarist and musician. There are really no
boundaries within this band; we do whatever we feel like. When we started this
band a year ago we didn't suspect that it would become so original. I'm
very satisfied with the result. Paul isn't really a member of Frantic bleep,
he was our savior when we didn't have any bassist or vocalist. He came in and
helped us after we recorded it. His main band is Madder Mortem.
Q>> How did
people react to "Fluctuadmission" until now?
A>> We didn't have any expectations at all when the demo was finished,
but the response so far has been very good. Especially in the US. It seems like
people are ready for something new. I hope so anyway! We did a radio chat thing
over there last weekend and we got a good response on that. We are still waiting
for reviews from magazines and webzines.
Q>> Norwegian
bands have always brought something new into music but you guys seem to reach
beyond all expectations. I mean, Frantic Bleep is so fucking original... Is
there a main composer in the band or do you all participate to the elaboration
of the songs?
A>> Thanks man! It's mostly Oyvind and myself that make the riffs. All
arrangements and structures of the songs are done together. We aren't really
trying to write original music, it's just how it turns out. Strange really!
Q>> Do you
think Frantic Bleep could catch some label's attention in the future? It is
so complex that one could ask oneself if this is "understandable"
or "accessible" enough...
A>> Personally I think it's quite understandable; it's very Metal, just
different in a good way! We have already got attention from a couple of labels
and I don't think they will regret signing us if they do. The new stuff will
kick ass!!
Q>> Your
"straight" attitude reminds me of the old Atheist. Do you think elder
bands like that one have influenced you? Or is it something completely new you
aim to play, leaving behind any possibility of comparing you to other bands?
A>> We aren't influenced by one specific band. I think it's a mix of all
the different music we listen to. We are not trying to be original; it just
feels natural to us.
Q>> I had
a look at what Paul Mozart wrote in his lyrics... Do you think his texts make
any sense to him?
A>> Yes it does make sense to him but maybe not to the rest of the world.
The hardest thing for him was to write lyrics for "To Bleep Or Not To Bleep?".
It was Oyvind and I that had that idea for a song title. Can you imagine?
Q>> Your
website is quite "empty" regarding the description of the band. So
I thought that you yourselves maybe didn't know how to describe your music.
Is it avant-garde, progressive, or what? I know it isn't easy to look objectively
at one's own work, but how do you consider yourselves as musicians?
A>> It isn't easy to describe our music but I consider us as a Progressive
Metal band. You could probably call it all kinds of strange names but Metal
is Metal!
Q>> On your
personal page, I saw you like engineering music quite as much as playing it.
Then, I also noticed that you produced "Fluctuadmission" yourself.
The result is quite astonishing. Have you been doing that job for a long time?
Ever recorded other bands than yours?
A>> I'm very interested in sound engineering. It's very important to have
a good sound, especially on a demo because you need a good first impression
with the record labels. I just recorded and produced the other bands I play
in, no one else. I am planning on starting a real Metal studio here in Norway!!
Q>> How do
Norwegian guitarists manage to play in such a cold land? I presume you consume
a lot of combustibles... Seriously, isn't it annoying for a musician? Or is
it exactly that cold weather that makes Nordic music so special?
A>> It's annoying when your fingers won't move because they are frozen
together!! I don't think cold weather alone makes us special, maybe it's the
extreme weather contrasts?
Q>> Is there something more you'd like to add? Go ahead, this blank space
is all for you...
A>> If Frantic Bleep sounds interesting you can download all our songs
from our website http://www.home.no/franticbleep
Thank you very much for this interview!
RNO