www.myspace.com/AnimusRisingMetal
www.tunecore.com/music/the-rising
HMTV Canada: Hi Animus Rising, Congratulations on unleashing
your new EP The Rising.
J - Thanks a lot Tina...we’re stoked to finally get it out!
HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about Animus Rising such as the
concept of the Album song themes and any guest appearances?
Aaron - So as far as the concept of the album.... I mean I
wouldn't say it's a concept album but as far as the songs themselves, there are
themes of isolation, mob mentality, individuality as well as some of my own
perspectives on things I've witnessed with other people. Unseen-Unheard is
about addiction and even though it's pretty much a cliche, sadly it's still
prevalent in our society. The lyrics were written during a time when I was
living with a friend of mine and saw him caught up in that downward spiral and
when it got to the point where he was not the same person anymore.
CYHMN: This tune depicts a man at the end of his rope so to
speak. Unable to cope with his current circumstances, he is at the point where
he is contemplating suicide. Not knowing which end is up anymore and feeling
like all options are exhausted, he looks to a "higher power" not necessarily
God but just something, anything/anyone out there who will listen. Ultimately,
he realized that no one will "save him" and that he must save
himself.
Obscurity: This song talks about a man who has complete
distain for the society that surrounds him. Though he has a clear view of what
he feels is flawed with humanity, he somehow feels "evolved" because
of this. In his arrogance, he ostracizes himself from the rest of the world and
then loses his mind but not before realizing the importance of human
connection.
The Gathering: A general observation of mob mentality and belief structures and how they can drive human beings to commit horrible acts against each other in the name of that belief. To some, a collection of thoughts that they take as the incontrovertible truth is more precious than life itself.
J - As far as guest appearances....we lucked out, and got to
work with some AMAZING people. People who have influenced me for quite a few
years now. First of All, having Christian and Laz of ILL NINO, recording,
mixing, and mastering our EP is completely sick! Those are some cool cats’ man!
Mikee Goodman, one of the ex-singers of SIKTH, sings on the song “Vultures in
Suits”, and it’s just sick to have him on a track!! Also, we’ve got Davide
Tiso, guitarist/songwriter for EPHEL DUATH. He plays guitar throughout the song
“Dark Matter”...one of the more, different kind of songs on the upcoming album.
It’s just a bad ass...deep, song. And also...my beautiful wife, Seranera, does
some singing on one of the songs! She’s got a classical, operatic type of
voice. It’s dope...especially to be able to incorporate that into some really
heavy music. So yeah...we totally lucked out in the amount of talent involved
with Animus Rising. We’re stoked! That’s a nice little power house of
awesomeness, ha-ha-ha.
HMTV Canada: The sounds offer a powerful assault on the
listener, the instruments and vocals become one, creating an intense percussive
sound, there is a mysterious experimental element you describe this music
process?
Aaron- Well when we started this project, I was more or less
just the singer. When it came to the song.
J would have the "outline" written and demoed and then we go
from there. From that point on, I'd bring my ideas to the table and he would
automatically know where I was coming from and where I though the vocals and
melodies should go. We see eye to eye on most everything when it all comes down
to it which is awesome. It was pretty crazy to be clicking with someone
musically that I hadn't even met at the time ha-ha. We've just begun to share
arrangement and songwriting duties and now that we're in the same country and
can actually get in a room together, things should be quite interesting in the
future. Basically, J and I aspire to make brutally heavy music that isn't
cliche. We make the music we want to hear and it's a very organic process for
us. It's never contrived.
HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about the current lineup did
they play in former bands and do they like to experiment and try new things to
their sound?
J - Well, at the moment, the current line-up is just me
(Jeremy Hinskton) and Aaron Cloutier. Before moving to Switzerland, I was in a
metal band based out of Southern California, called AUDKIK. But as soon as I
left, and moved to Switzerland...I started writing my own music, which is what
you hear in Animus Rising. Then when Aaron hit me up on Myspace, it was on. He
laid down vocals, and some lead guitar, and basically that was the
experimentation of new music, which became Animus Rising. Aaron also has his
own independent metal project called DAVOLA. He's recently released his first
album on iTunes and is working on his next album already. you can find him on
myspace at: www.myspace.com/davola-metal.
HMTV Canada: Who writes the lyrics for Animus Rising, do the
band members contribute their ideas to the song writing process?
Aaron - I write all the lyrics but I'm open to any ideas
thrown at me and am more than happy to lend my ideas as well. That said, I feel
that Jeremy's songwriting is very strong and though I'm a songwriter as well, I
almost feel like I don't want to give too much input to disturb what has been
created. There's a very cool musical chemistry between us and it's something I
want to "protect" I guess.
HMTV Canada: How did you land the opportunity to work with
Christian Machado and Laz Pina for the recording of this Album did they help
with the mixing and mastering of Animus Rising?
J - When I was in AUDKIK, back in SoCal, my homies in Bleed
the Sky were on tour with Ill Nino over on the east coast....so they hit me
up...told me to get my ass out there, and party with them...so, I flew out to
Virginia, partied it up with all those cats...and we’ve been pretty cool since
then. I saw them around L.A. quite a bit...and then when I moved to
Switzerland, Ill Nino was on tour a few times out there...so we were chilling’
whenever they came out. Then we got to talking about their production company
“Soundwars Productions,” and I asked them if they’d be down to record us, and
mix and master our EP... but it would have to be over the internet, since this
whole thing was done between 3 different countries. And they were down...so we
did it! So, I recorded the all of the rhythm guitars, bass, and did the drums
from Zurich, and Aaron did his sh*t actually with the guys down in Jersey!!
Aaron - I came down multiple times to track lead guitar and
vocals, crashing on Chris' couch and wound up spending the night at the studio
sleeping on the floor in the live room ha-ha. Laz locked me in. Good times for
sure.
HMTV Canada: Were there any challenges in producing Animus
Rising?
Aaron - I'd say the biggest challenges in recording Animus
Rising were the fact that we were living in two different countries and there
were time and communication obstacles but nothing too severe in my opinion. I
was actually pretty surprise at just how smoothly things went.
HMTV Canada: Are any of the song tracks receiving airplay on
radio currently?
J - We’re working on that actually. Hopefully, if the cards
fall right, then we’ll be getting some airplay from some major satellite radio
companies pretty soon...but as of now, it’s still kind of in
the works.
HMTV Canada: Will the band be producing any music videos
from Animus Rising?
J - Well, I surely HOPE so. I mean, we’ve got a TON of stuff
going on at the moment...but I’m really hoping that we can get Animus Rising
off the ground, and popping’ out cd’s and videos. That would be awesome! I’m
sure it’ll go in that direction at some point.
HMTV Canada: Is the band working on a full-length CD
currently and what can the fans expect?
J - Yes, we are actually. So far, we’ve got about 10 songs,
and they are all pretty brutal. I mean, you can expect the same types of thick,
grooves...intricate structures and polyrhythms...chill, spaced out parts...I
mean...it’s just all around different. There aren’t any songs on this album
that sound the same...they’ve all got a different vibe and flavor. I can’t wait
to put it out there. And since Aaron and I both are going to the Conservatory
of Recording Arts and Sciences, you can bet we’ll be recording a full-length
album, and it’s going to sound DOPE!
HMTV Canada: Has the band been able to play live shows or
had the chance to tour yet?
J - Nope...not yet. We’re just dying’ to make this a live
show type of thing...but, we’re still looking for the right people to make that
possible.
HMTV Canada: What is the focus for 2010 career goals that
the band members are working on?
J - Well, besides Animus Rising being a career, and actually
touring and all that stuff, we both are going to recording school at the
moment...so, I guess in 2010, we’re looking to land a good gig in some studios.
I’m looking’ to produce bands/artists, and also be an engineer. Aaron has his
Davola project, but he’ll also be doing studio work. The future is very
promising!
HMTV Canada: I understand the band is unsigned are they
seeking a record label for distribution and tour support?
J - Yes, we are unsigned. Having a label could be very good
for distribution and tour support...I mean, that something we’d love to have! I
mean...as long as it’s the right deal for us...ha-ha. But for real, I think it
would be awesome to finally take Animus Rising to the next level.
HMTV Canada: Is Animus Rising Metal located on other social
networking sites like Facebook, Reverbnation, CD Baby, and iLike?
Aaron- We are currently on Reverbnation, Facebook and iLike
and when the album is finished we hope to have it in CD Baby as soon as
possible. We're also on these sites
www.skullsnbones.com/profile/animusrising
www.nonelouder.com/profile/animusrising
HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our interview does the band
have anything to say to fans and friends?
J - I just want to tell everyone, thanks for all of the
support. I mean...it’s so cliche, but I really wouldn’t even be in this
situation if it wasn’t for wonderful friends and/or fans I have around me. So,
I just want to say thank you...and continue to listen to ANIMUS RISING!!! And
always follow your dreams! Anything is possible!
Aaron- I second that: This project and the history and
circumstances behind it has been nothing short of surreal. I would not be
giving this interview if it weren't for some amazing people in my life. To all
the fans: Thanks so much for the support and please don't hesitate to hit us up
at www.myspace.com/animusrisingmetal We'd love to hear from you. To those who
dig our music and wish to support the making of the full-length album can do so
by buying our self-titled EP on iTunes right now. SUPPORT YOUR MUSICIANS.
HMTV Canada: Thank you, Animus Rising, for this interview.
Horns High You Rock.
J - Thank you very much Tina...you’re absolutely amazing and
it’s been a pleasure!!!
Aaron- Thanks so much Tina. I'm sending you massive hugs
through the internet right now ha-ha.
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