Starchild Interview

GB: A few words for the history of the band.

Starchild came together in 2002 once we were inspired to go in a heavier direction than our previous band.After seeing High on Fire and Jucifer live we switched instruments and brought in a new bass player.Three months later we recorded a demo and got picked up by 12th records(High on Fire,YOB) who released our full length debut in late 2003.In 2004 we released a split EP with the band Rebreather,played the Emission from the Monolith festival and toured the U.S. that summer.We then started writing and recorded in May of 2005 for this newest release."Born Into Eternity" was finally released in early 2006 through Twin Earth Records(Malefactor,Valkyrie) in the U.S. and on PsycheDOOMelic in Europe and Asia.

GB: How would you characterize the your music ? What are your main musical influences?

You can easily hear the heavy influence of Sabbath and Ozzy,so people usually describe us as doom,but we are also big fans of Led Zeppelin,Pink Floyd and lot of new bands like Dead Meadow,Torche and Witchcraft.I prefer to think of us as having more of a "drone" sound and style because we are comparably less doomy than most bands you would think of from this genre.


GB:Tell us about your lyrics. What are they about?

God usually.Even if I start out writing about something else I usually change them to have a biblical theme.

GB: Why do you think that Doom Metal doesn't have a wide acceptance in the h.m. audience?

I'm not sure.I love it and I can't imagine why other people listen to the "mall metal" stuff I hear on the radio all the time.When I check out the roster of artist on labels like century media I wonder who those bands are.I've never heard of most of them and I don't see why bigger labels are promotiing them instead of bands like Floor or Torche.


GB: Have you ever thought how far can the band go? Apparently you will not be a mainstream band, but do you think of advancing to a higher level of publicity and commercial acceptance?

I think the longer Starchild is around the bigger the audience will grow.It takes a lot of time to get your name out in the underground scene.I'm just trying to make the most of the opportunities this band has provided.I've started my own label now and helped out some friends i've made through touring.I'm just having fun and not worried about "making it".

GB: What else do you do for living apart from the band? I am sure that all our readers are searching to find a way to leave their regular jobs, but in the same time to live with dignity!!

Well,I bought into a comicbook shop a few months ago,and things are really looking good.My wife and I run it and we also have a skateboard park around the corner.And like I said,I have a record label that earns some money,so bills get paid and I am my own boss,so you can't beat that for dignity!



GB: What are your future plans?Any concerts arranged?

I'm putting together a new line up for the band,so no tour plans right now.I've written some new songs and I've demoed them with the help of some friends.I'll hopefully record soon and release something later this year.If by then I have a solid line up I'd like to make it to Europe for a small tour.

Interview by Nick Stilides for GB issue #06_2006