Interviews
interview of ATRC by Martial Industrial Webzine http://martialindustrial.us/
1. Give us the history about how As the Raven Calls came about.
As the Raven Calls is a one man Project of myself, James Raven.I have spent a lifetime studying music, playing piano, guitar, and violin. I have also studied recording and engineering. A couple of years ago I started developing the idea of contextual classical music. I don’t refer to my music as ambient or dark ambient. There is more of a texture, which surrounds more traditional classical instruments, painting a new dimension to the music. After three demo albums, Perspicacious Existence is my first fully available release showcasing this new style. It will continue to evolve.
2. The tones and feeling of this release are very pagan and ritualistic am I correct in this?
I would want people to glean their own emotions generated by my music. If my music reminds people of their pagan past or a meditative ritual, I would be more than satisfied Ultimately though I think it is up to the listeners to prescribe their own imagery and emotions to the music.
3. Would this be your 1st project or do you have releases in other names I may have heard of.
ATRC is my first project of note.
4. The Nature based images and themes tie into what part of the over all view or Philosophy of the project.
A love of nature is part of my overall Philosophy of life. Besides music, nature and landscape photography are a large part of my life. Indeed, all the album artwork comes from my own photos. I want my music and artwork to represent me as a whole.
5. I love the Avant, Neoclassic and Experimental elements of the music the mysterious voices, the piano and strings all interplay so well. Did it take much time top come up with the concept?
It is a developing concept. As I have become more adept at painting the imagery and emotion in my mind, so improves my composition and sound design skills. This concept of textural classicalism has progressed in my mind for a number of years. It continues to evolve. These elements are beginning to come together in even more vivid ways.
6.What was the reason for self releasing such a majestic release I'm sure labels would have released this if shopped around.
I prefer to finance and release my own material. Especially my first release. It gives me great satisfaction to create every bit of music and artwork. If a label enjoyed my music and contacted me I would definitely consider them. But I am not going to send out a hundred demos and hope someone will respond. I work on my own terms and within my own budget.
7. If you could Collab with any artist or project who would it be and why.
In general, I do not work well with others. I have a concept in my mind and it is my way or the highway as far as music goes. I would prefer to work with a visual artist. Not doing soundtracks but a true Collaboration where music and imagery are bettered by the other, not limited by them. I may do this by myself in the future.
8. Will As the Raven Calls perform live or is it truly just a studio idea.
ATRC will not perform live at this time. It is not practical to play all the parts by myself. In the future I plan to present some of my work “live” if you will in more of an audiovisual presentation.
9. Were did the name As the Raven Calls Name come from and what’s its meaning
The Raven is a very symbolic and mysterious creature. An emissary between the land of the living and dead. Ravens exist where my spirit exist. My music is the sound of my spirit mind.
10. I maybe jumping to conclusions but I have a strong Heathen feeling coming from you are you an Odinist or Wodanist.
I have a very strong connection to my ancestry. I am Irish and German American. The traditions of my European ancestors are very important to me. I do not practice their Pagan rituals. I am also disgusted by the invasion of Christianity into western civilization. It has weakened the spirit of great peoples. I strive to strengthen my own spirit through self-examination and Philosophy.
11. Are you a fan of Neo Folk or Martial Music as I feel a strong Kinship with this band and those styles?
I listen to many different styles of music including some of the newer Neo folk and Martial music Bands. I find them similar to myself in that they are self-meditative combining elements of past and present. Thus making them complete individuals with strong spirit. It shows in their music. I try to express the same with a different style.
12. If you were forced to explain the project to one that knows nothing of you. How would you do so?
A textured classicalism, which must be heard for oneself. The Music is full of mind and spirit. It invokes strong imagery and emotion in the mind of the listener.It is the soundtrack to your Perspicacious Existence.
13. Your Web site is so minimal not really any info will this grow in time or is internet presence not important to the project.
Yes it will grow. I have many ideas for it. I have been totally involved in writing a couple of new songs. I stay away from television and the internet while I am writing.One weekend I will sit down and redesign and update it. My album is available there. Along with a couple of mp3’s.
14. Thank you for the time and but any closing thoughts here.
Existence is based on truth and mind. Of spirit we are mind in this Perspicacious Existence. Thank you for the excellent questions.