Tragic Black Interview :: 9 November 2003

Tragic Black has become a household name in the modern batcave/ deathrock scene. The band is comprised of Vision clutching the microphone, Vyle abusing not only the guitar but also the keyboards, and Stitch the masterbasser who plays with his guitar when nobody's looking. Tragic Black have performed at several prominent underground music festivals including Legion in San Antonio TX & the Bizarre Vampire Bizaar in Long Beach CA. The band managed to sell out its debut album Articulate Lacerations, not just once but twice. Luckily we had the opportunity to sit down and pontificate with this great group of individuals.

 xgn (Zak & Adrya): Hi guys, thanks for giving us a little of your time today. Tragic Black are fastly becoming one of the premier bands in american deathrock music. What is the idea behind Tragic Black and how did the band originally come together?

 vyle :Tragic Black began as a Vision to unstich eyes, and awaken minds to the evils of Capitalistic America, and Corporate Christianity. Together we (vISION & Vyle) began the Chrysalis to become the tools to reveal the Tragedy of things that could have been, and the Black revealation of how far from our potential mankind is today.

 vISION : I felt inspired to start this band to have a place where I could share my inner vision and bring concepts of conscious evolution to this culture.
Speaking & Screaming out against corrupted politics, religion, conformity, etc. Focusing on individual growth, spiritual awakening, and lucid dreaming. I felt really inspired by bands who were really saying something deep to to their fans through their music and art.
So I had the idea of Tragic Black quite some time, but I it wasn't untill Vyle and I became best friends that we discovered we had an astounding spiritual connection between eachother. He felt deeply connected to the ideas I had and we together knew that this was something deep, what we share is something unparalell to anything we've ever expierenced before and knew that this is meant to be, and Tragic Black was born.

 xgn : One of the things I like most about Tragic Black is your calculated, raw sound. What musical backgrounds do each of you come from?

 Stich : Well I grew up in the mean streets of Salt Lake City ( ha ha ha). My music background covers a range of different musical styles. I feel truly inspired by punk, goth, deathrock, etc. I rather not label bands because bands keep evolving all the time, but the musical styles I previously mentioned are more or less what I listen to most.

 Vyle :This is the first band I've been a member of. I studied music theory for much of my youth, but was not inspired to create much of my own music untill I was a little older. I had just discovered Malign, and was completly enchanted. I found the inspiration to pick up my keyboard again, and the rest has been a spirtual journey.

 vISION : I grew listening to bands like Motley Crue, and Skid Row. I got into goth music as a young teen, lots of 80's & 90's goth rock, as well as dark industrial, punk and other dark music always knowing I was going to be in a band someday. This is my first band as well.

 xgn : So how did you get into deathrock? Who and what are your artistic influences?

 Vyle : I don't remember if Christian Death or Specimen came first for me, but the Glam feel of Specimen was definatly VERY inspirational to me.

 Stich :I don't really consider myself a "deathrocker" since my influences vary from Mark Unseen and RozzWilliams to Nikki Sixx, although I am really inspired by a lot of bands who could belong into the batcave/deathrock scene. Hmmm....

 vISION : For me, in SLC no one really used that term all that regularly. So when I heard the term deathrock I was unaware that I already listened to it. I realised that some of my favorite goth bands like; Sex Gang Children, Christian Death, and Specimen, bands I was listening to for so long were also considered deathrock.

 xgn : What past or present band would you give anything to play with?

 vISION : That's a hard one, but I think I would choose Shadow Project.

 Vyle : Chants of Maldoror.

 Stich : A Rozz Williams project.

 xgn : Alright, maybe you are wondering why a site such as ours expressed interest in interviewing Tragic Black. We honestly don't have a hidden agenda. First of all you guys write great songs and we also happen to love your style. Secondly, and this may come as a bit of a surprise, we agree with a lot of what you sing about, especially regarding religion.

 vISION : I had a good feeling from you. I think individuals like yourself who feel connected to the truths, the spiritual side of what Christianity has to offer are in no way bad for our culture.
However, I do feel strongly that religion is used to control people by fear, and instead of trying to help them feel closer to "god", I think religion seperates them from it. Religion would rather have people believing what they say, so they will support their industry, or corporation.
If every Christian felt deeply connected to" god", then religion would become obselete. There is no need for a church or organized religion, when the kingdom of god is inside you and all around you, right?

 xgn : Yes! Unfortunately few people claiming to be Christian bother acknowledging that. They turn this private, spiritual relationship into public social policy and that's when everything gets fucked up. Churchians as we unaffectionatly call them are Christianity's own worse enemy. They run off people with anti-homosexual, anti-individual, hateful sermons but expect the same people to hang around and listen intently to everything they have to say. The sheer naivety of the modern Christian church astounds me. Is it this bad all over the world or just America?

 Stich : I cant really make a constructive criticism about the rest of the world since I have not been outside the U.S. yet. Everybody has a different opinion about things and this topic is one of those case scenarios where you can see how many discrepancies can arise in a same discussion. I would hope people can understand that everyone thinks a little different. You believe in Jesus Christ, I do not....Why argue about it. It is a matter of personal choice and I happen to respect individuality.

 Vyle : I plan to study the effects that religion has had on other parts of the world, but have not been able to at this point. I suspect that poison is poison, no matter who it is ingested by.

 vISION : I too would think its the same way all over the world, because religion is less focused on connecting their culture to this godly state of mind/living than they are creating fear of the devil and other things that create fear and stagnation of the soul.

 xgn : Right and that's why songs like Nevere don't bother me... because I *know* that's what a lot of people feel about Christianity, including myself at times. If there *is* a god/dess and he/she is as loving and accepting as we are to led to believe then he/she will understand why so many people have so much animosity towards organized religion, particularly Christianity (and Judaism and Islam too). Ironically those religions were considered liberal and revolutionary in their early days because they made people rethink caste systems, harsh laws, and intolerance of different beliefs. Somewhere along the line that spirit was lost. Do you think the Christian church will ever open it's eyes and adjust it's collective attitude? What will it take for that to happen?

 vISION : I think it's changed so much because of greed. The bible's been re-written so many times to make money or gain power off of the name Jesus Christ.
Nevere is about how Christianity is not practicing and having the effect on the world I think, Jesus intened to have.
That the current state of Chrisitanity is blasphemy of Christ. Christianity is part of the system. It's a conservative-right wing industry, that uses brainwashing tactics to keep people in line, in line for nothing except to make money for those who are profitting off their ignorance.

 Stich : I think everything has a begining as well as an end. I would hope they can open there eyes, hearts, minds and souls, and see people for who they are and not for what they want them to be.

 Vyle : Religions have taken people out of touch with their spirutallity. As a system of control, I don't see an end to the stance that Religion has taken. But, revolution is inherent to systems of control. A mass awakening is on the horizon.

 xgn : Speaking of systems of control, what do you think of the California Governor elect?

 Vyle : YE' AHI!!!
 vISION : We are in Micky Mouse land, I bet TV ratings will go up.
 Stich :This is the sort of thinks that only in America can happen. I thought to myself it was hilariously funny. This kind of events demostrate the importance of money.

 xgn : It is strange what is possible in America... How do you feel about the war on Iraq and its occupation by the U.S?

 Vyle : Parrallel to the Nazi invasion of Poland.

 vISION : I think it is tyranny, completely wrong. We all know its about oil, and to cover up mistakes of the past. The USA is becoming very much like Nazi Germany. We have more weapons of mass destruction than any Country inthe world, and they want us to believe Iraq is a threat? The USA is the biggest threat.
We're losing our freedoms to oil coporations. Anyone can be thrown in jail, never offered a chance to prove their innocence in court, and could be locked away forever for the suspicion of terrorism.
We lost our freedom to the Homeland Security & Patriot Act. They enstilled them not so we are safe from any outside threats, so we are completely powerless.
We are not free in this capitalistic blasphemy.
Activists/Revolutinaries are now possible terrorists? Who is killing innocent people in Iraq? Who is fighting unfair wars with advanced weapons against people who stand no chance? The USA, the president is the real terrorist.

 Stich : In my opinion, I feel the U.S goverment is over-using its power in a very condescending fashion! I have friends who are currently in Iraq and would love to come back home. It saddens me to witness a nation that could do a lot for the rest of the world but just use its power to walk all over it.

 xgn : So what impact would you like your music to have on people?

 Vyle : Question all authority!!!

 vISION : To provoke individual thought. To encourage people to question the way things are, and have the chance to make them what they could be.
On me, our music has a spiritual effect, and I think it has the energy to have the same effect on others who listen to us and feel connected to what we're about.
Where you see your inner vision, and gain higher perspectives of consciousness.

 Stich : I personally feel Tragic Black is a spiritual and positive message. We are more than a band. We are a revolution. We are the future. We have began to change lives and will continue to do so.

 xgn : I agree, it's easy to bitch about shit but difficult to provide thought-provoking lyrics in way people can readily understand. I think Tragic Black is one of many new dark underground bands which is doing just that. What do you guys do for fun when you aren't bringing down the system?

 Vyle : Dance, Drink Chartrusse, and eat mushrooms.

 vISION : I spend alot of my free time with my close friends like Judd. I go to this local goth/industrial club called Sanctuary to dance & see shows, I go usually once or twice a week. Evil K is one of the best DJ's period. I also spend my time painting, drawing, meditating, traveling, sewing, and 40 hours a week of working.

 Stich : HA HA HA, I like to go shoot heron and drink whiskey, Krell (knock 'em dead kid!).I also try to support the local bands here in Salt lake such as "Sigma 6","Domiana", "Redemption" All great bands look them up!...what else would I do?

 xgn : Make more music!!! :) Obviously we're not the only ones who really dig your sound because Articulate Lacerations is currently sold out. Is a new Tragic Black recording in the works? How long will it be until Articulate Lacerations is restocked?

 vISION : Thats kind of a long story actually. Articulate Lacerations was recorded only a little over a year ago, and much has evolved since then.
It was Vyle, Toni and I that recorded that CD, but last August we went through major reconstruction and removed Toni from the band.
He broke our trust and to save any harsh feelings, I'll leave it at that.
So, everything we (Vision, Vyle & Stich) are doing now is brand new.
Live, we currently play 3 songs off Articualte Lacerations, but due to some legal things with Toni, we had to re-write it all and re-create all our music.
Besides those 3 songs, we are playing all brand new music. We are in the works of recording a upcoming release, and plan on releasing it at the begining of the year. This next release will be an e.p. that will give a little preview of our next full length will be like. We plan to make this next full length a spectacle!
As far as re-releasing Articulate Lacerations goes, we have no immediate plans to do so. However we have a mp3.com CD called "Vatican Demonica" which has 5 songs off Articualte Lacerations, and 2 special mp3.com versions of songs off Articualte Lacerations.

 Stich : Just wait and see!

 xgn : aww.. well it's good knowing something new is in the works. :) So where have you guys played, apart from Utah & SoCal?

 vISION : We've also played in San Antonio Texas for Sin 13's Legion, and we've played Las Vegas as well. We plan to do much more touring in the near future.

 xgn : Are you planning to tour in the eastern states?

 Vyle : I think we should, don't you?

 vISION : Yes we are, but nothing is in stone yet. We are friends with this great band from Charlottesville Virginia who we are going to try and tour wih.

 xgn : I'd love for you to stop off in ATL but you might have to play to a smaller audience. Our scene sucks. Sadly many areas have similar problem and many think it's because goth has become too watered down and accessible. And what passes as goth in many clubs is mostly synthpop, EBM, and "industrial" so many cities don't have much happening in the way of new music. modern goth is stagnant and the word itself has become meaningless. Do you think mainstream assimilation of faux-goth is responsible for cheapening the scene or would gothic subculture have eventually faded anyway? Can this trend be reversed, or should we just let it go to the birds?

 Vyle : Birds are pretty...

 vISION : It's true, you can walk into Hot Topic knowing nothing about goth, and walk out in a faux "goth" outfit.
I think making it so accesible makes things too cliche, and takes some of the fun & creativity out of it.
But having it there also helps those younger kids who don't know where to look, and opens them up to a whole new world.
There is no way the mainstream can steal our indivuality and creativity.
It's about the state of mind, the lifestyle, it's not all about fashion anyway.

 Stich : I would suggest anyone to do what they like without bothering with anyones opinion. At the end of the day who cares if you like old school or not? Its all a matter of taste. Dont let any sort of label affect your personal preferences.

 xgn : Will deathrock meet the same fate in America?

 vISION : It's been hiding in a coffin box for over 20 years and its never been ripped off or sold out to the mainstream. I think being anti-label is the best way to keep it from becoming some meaningless fad. It's not the label of the scene or genre that makes "deathrock" important. Its the state of mind, entusiasm, pride, unity, and diverse creativity that makes it special to me.

 Stich :"Deathrock" will be around forever. There is bound to be someone listen to it somewhere.

 Vyle : I'll consult the stars and let you know.

 xgn : So do you think popular acceptance can be a kiss of death for underground artists? Can a band be commercially successful and underground at the same time?

 Vyle : Hopefully.

 Stich :If Tragic Black was to become a popular band, that would be great as it would mean that we are spreading our message even more. But we will always continue to follow what is inside our hearts regardless of popularity or money.

 xgn : Do you hate Valor (Rozz's graverobber)?

 Stich :No, not at all. I have never met him and I cant make an opinion. I only hear things from different sources and thats not enough to judge a person.
Regardless of that, Im not that keen on his music though, but then again thats my personal point of view.

 vISION : I think he was good in Christian Death during Catastrophe Ballet & Ashe's, but I think after Rozz left he should of called it Valor, not Christian Death.
Christian Death was Rozz's vision, Valor helped bring about this vision, but just because he wrote a lot of the music doesn't mean he should take the name.
He is a good-competent muscian who has the ability to be successful off of his own merit, and I don't think he needed to use Christian Death to be successful.
I think alot of the anti-valor Rozz fans wouldn't feel so hateful towards him if he did that, but he didn't.

 Vyle : I hope he dies screaming in a pit of fire ;)

 xgn : That would be too kind. l) So, filesharing is a harsh reality for any group these days. Some say it provides a lot of exposure to unknown groups, yet the downside is that fewer people buy cds. Many people complain about spending $15 on a 8-song cd with teeny inserts and next to no artwork -- which costs next to nothing for larger labels to produce in the first place. Is the only solution heavy-handed policing of the net by the RIAA or should bands accept that p2p networking is here to stay and offer more merchandise to entice support from their fans?

 vISION : Well for us, we're not making money off our music. So, it's obvious there is one thing that remains the most important to us... getting our music to people, changing lives, adding lyrics and music to this life's expierence.
I don't care whether some one who loves us bought our CD, or downloaded our CD off something like the now dead Audiogalaxy.
Getting your music out there, having it available to intrested fans is the most important thing. If you are financially supported by it, fine, but if your not that's fine too, cause the real reason about being a band is to make music and have people listen to it.

 Vyle : I see both sides of the coin.

 Stich : If by any case someone gets hold of a Tragic Black cd for free then great! All I want to do is sharing our music and as well as our message. At the moment, money is not a issue to me , This does not mean we are rich by any means and in the case we ever make some money by doing what we love the most it would be a dream come true. If someone wants to download our music then please feel free to do so!

 xgn : Cool. We dig Tragic Blacks image almost as much as your music. How did you get in touch with Arsenic Fashions to distribute the PVC shirt that you designed?

 vISION : Veil, the girl started that store was my girlfriend. I would ask her to make me custom things I wanted from time to time, and that was one of the things she made me. I wanted to help her site, and since she made it for free, she is using the design on her site.

 Stich :The two girls who run Arsenic Fashions are very good friends of mine! They are amazingly talented and I fully support them as well as their products.

 xgn : You guys have some of the raddest hair I've seen in a while. Who's the band hairstylist?

 Stich : Thanks! each of us could be the band hairstylist since we all sit around and help each other out! I have had a mowhawk since I was in Jr.High and I have had loads of time to practice.

 xgn : How long does it take to do your makeup.

 vISION : It doesn't take me long at all. I'm an artsy boi, and I usually do Vyle's make up, I'd say it takes me about 10 minutes.

 Stich : About 10 to 15 min.

 xgn : Cake or liquid foundation? With or without arsenic?

 Vyle : I like cake with arsenic :-)
 vISION : Ivory foundation, Ivory powder, then white podwer.
 Stich :I wear liquid foundation (ivory) then put on white powder over the top. But on stage it is very hot and it comes off quite easily.

 xgn : What do you like to listen to when you're getting ready for a show?

 Stich : MOTLEY CRUE!
 vISION : afi
 Vyle : Specimen

 xgn : Crue kicks ass. How do you afford to rip all of that fishnet?

 Stich : Friends give us tights some times. But most of the time we recycle the same pairs , and never throw them away no matter how shattered they get!

 xgn : Well we're out of questions for now. Thank you so much for finding time in your busy schedules to speak with us. Any final words you'd like to leave for your fans?

 Vyle : Rancklewanky

 Stich : Thank so much for your time as well. As for the fans a big THANK YOU goes to you. And anyone who has ever helped Tragic Black, just a final word "we love you all and we truly appreciate all your support" And to Barb she is with me (kind of) making sure I spell right thank you !!!

 vISION : You are most welcome and thank you for giving us this opportunity!
We are working really hard right now, and we'll be releasing our new music soon as possible.
We'll keep updating our website www.tragicblack.com with those updates as they come. Come see our souls on tour when we pass through yer town, come be a part of this Decadence we call Tragic Black.

Official Tragic Black website featuring music, photos, merchandise, biography, press reviews and more! http://www.tragicblack.com

Tragic Black yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tragicblack

Unofficial Slovakian TRAGIC BLACK website: http://www.multiweb.cz/tragicblack/welcome

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