DJ-Draven: Interview with Angels On Acid

Angels On Acid: Interview with DJ-Draven

2010 Nov 18

Q: How did you meet both The Omen and Jessica?

A: I have known Damien for over 15 years now. We both grew up in the same circle. As musicians our early roots were in metal and as we got older we eventually started producing our own music. I started Angels On Acid in 2003. Later in 2005 me and Damien reunited and the rest is history. Traditionally guitars are not accepted in EBM but as a writer I have always been open to keeping Angels On Acid diverse, allowing us to progress. Me and Jessica met through a mutual friend. I lost touch with her for a few years but we ran into each other at a Ministry show and began dating shortly thereafter. She was the love of my life before she started working with me as a live member. Eventually the position was open and she fit the bill perfectly. We are a family first and foremost.

Q: Many bands have a motivation or an inspiration in their creation. Did you have such an event or person that impacted you into the creation of Angels On Acid?

A: Music has always been a part of my life. Even at just a few years I remember hearing songs on the radio and rushing over to a piano to figure out the chords. I never took classes for piano but I did take a few music theory classes that really helped out when I started wrting on my own. My brother was always a big metal fan so he was the first one to intodruce me to the classics like Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, etc. Later as electronic music became more popular in the late 80s he introduced me to artists like Ministry, Skinny Puppy, Front 242, and Depeche Mode. That was really when I knew I was hooked and that music was destined to be my future. At the age of 16 I started as a vocalist for mteal band locally but once I started going out to underground clubs I knew that I needed to start writing on my own. When I was 19 I bought my first true analog Roland TR 505 along with a distortion pedal. it helped me get my feet wet with midi sequencing and writing beats. The following year I picked up the first version of the Korg Triton allowing me to compose tracks. After about 4 years of producing on my own I officially started Angels On Acid.

Q: Have you been surprised with the response that Angels On Acid has had already?

A: Absolutely. There was never any intention for me to bring the band to the public. Any popularity we have gained has been through the help of our loving fans along with Radio, Magazines, Record Labels, Djs, Promoters, and other bands that we have been able to make slow, sure steps forward. We try to stay humble and grounded. Our fans are our inspiration to progressing!

Q: With the release of your new album, are there plans for a tour and if so, will it just be in the states or will you be touring internationally as well?

A: Due to the delay of our release we did alot of touring earlier this spring. But we have continued to play shows throughout the year. Our long term plan is to do another national tour next spring. In the meantime we have a couple of great shows coming up. We will playing with Belle Morte October 29th in Columbus, Ohio and will be prforming with Tactical Sekt in Philly November 27th. We're really looking forward to the Tactical Sekt show because this will be their first ever East Coast performance here in the US!

Q: Your music features two styles of vocals: a softer style with melody and another that is synonymous with agrotech. Have you always sang in both styles or was one developed for Angels On Acid?

A: I think my love for melody in music has always been a part of my style. But I have become more open minded to developing the use of melody in our music more as I have become older. We strive to be diverse. As we grow as artists, so will our music.

Q: Most musical artists have something that inspired their love for music and motivated the direction they took. Did you have something akin to this as the initial spark that showed you this was the direction you wanted to pursue?

A: I have always been inspired by dark music. I can also appreciate music that is rather interpretational. For me it's no surprise that family disfunction, rebellion, struggle, and spiritual growth have shaped me into the man I am today. This is something very humbling about struggle and life experience that everyone can relate to.

Q: Of all the bands Angels On Acid has performed with, have any of them had an impact on the evolution of the band?

A: Not directly. I have performed with Combichrist a few times and I have always been a big Icon of Coil fan. Most of my inspirations other than metal are not here in the US. I'm sure that will change as we start doing international shows.

Q: This is a two part question, I hope you don't mind... first part— did you originally devise and shape Angels On Acid to have the variety in styles in its music?

A: Yes, as a producer when I started AOA I wanted to explore all genres in and out of electronic music. I never want this project to be stereotyped. Like all artists my inspiration changes, and with it the music. As I get older I have learned to appreciate more classic artists' willingness to experiment.

Q: Second part— It is rare to see a band go beyond two or even three genres in their style of music. How did you gain the level of understanding and depth of knowledge that you have in music?

A: A lot of our sound has come from my live experimentation. For instance when I write a track I like to have a least 2 version of each track so I can tinker with variation. We will perform these songs live for months before we decide which one is the keeper or take parts from each for an album version. Diversity comes naturally for us.

Q: Thanks Michael for this chance to speak with you and to present these questions to you.

A: Thank you very much for this opportunity. ;) It's great to be able to communicate with our fans!