God Is An Astronaut
We had the honour to interview Torsten from irish postrockers "God Is An Astronaut". Here´s what he had to say about the new album "Epitaph" and the recent tour.
We understand that the new album was composed
with some heavy hearts. How did you feel recording the new album?
This is by far the darkest and most personal record
we have ever written. Overall, I
would describe our feelings as being in a constant state of mourning.
The album is written in memory of our 7-year-old
cousin whose life was tragically taken. The album is dedicated to him and is our way to say goodbye and for us
to try and come to terms with this most tragic incomprehensible loss.
You tell stories without words. Is there a
concept on this album or did the songs take on their own lives and
shapes?
The record was mainly written and recorded in the
immediate aftermath. All of the songs are about the different aspects of the
tragedy. It’s both dark, sombre and reflects on those moments we lived through
and was our way of dealing with feelings of helplessness, despair and dread.
This year you will be back touring. What can the
audience expect for this tour?
It’s a much darker melancholy set, we chose older
songs that we felt suited the mood of “Epitaph”. For example, we chose “Frozen
Twilight” to be in the set, it’s the first time we have ever played that song
live. The dark winter mood really sits well with the new material.
Obviously you have many different elements in
your music. From calm passages to up-tempo rock-riffs. How do you balance these
elements?
It’s more of a natural organic process then
something that has been carefully thought out. Each song represents a feeling, an
emotion, a snapshot in time that we needed to express. Once the initial spark
of an idea has been created, the song seems to essentially write itself from
there.
How would you compare the band with when you
first started?
I guess it’s like comparing myself today and who I
was back then. We are more experienced, more capable on our instruments and
superior in our recording techniques. When we began it was really an electronic
project, Lloyd hadn’t yet joined the band. The writing still has a similar
ethos as we did back then and we are still proud of each release.
When you choose the setlist for a tour, what
goes through your mind?
It’s important for the songs in the set to flow
well into each other, tunings have to be taken into consideration too. We have to make tough decisions and drop some big
tracks if they don’t suit the concept of this album/tour. We want to play as many songs as possible but I
think 90 minutes is about our limit or we would have to have a larger
production to keep everyone’s attention.
What are your hopes for 2018 in general?
We hope 2018 will be a good year for everyone and
for us as a band to continue to reach wider audiences.
Thanks to Torsten and "God Is An Astronaut"!
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