INTERVIEW: SEPTEMBER MOURNING

September Mourning is much more than just a band. It’s a transmedia project based on a storyline inspired by dark culture, or the way we like to call it at Rock Revolt, the ultimate artistic dark culture project of this century…that’s still pretty big, isn’t it? But I guess it’s just because we got really excited to hear about such a cool artistic idea.

The project started when September (Emily Lazar), contacted Marc Silvestri of Top Cow Productions on Myspace and he decided to get involved in it.

First, the musical side of the project was in focus, the theatrical stage presence of it and the formation of a band. Followed by a concept story, webisodes and online comics (in that order). Which was followed by tours, and after a lot of fan requests, the studio album is finally coming out, this time with the record label Virgin Records. And we got the chance to chat with them to talk about everything related to this rocking Project.

Hi. How are you?

I’m doing great, thank you!

September Mourning has gone through a brief lineup change. What have these changes brought to the table in terms of musicianship and performance?

As a whole I would definitely say September Mourning is at the strongest it’s ever been right now. The musicians we have involved are talented, driven, artistic performers who work so well off of each other. We have a united vision for this project and all of us embrace the theatricality and purpose of the project so well. I have some of the best Reapers by my side right now! (laughs) The future will tell us what these changes will bring but I see it being very positive.

What can you tell us about your upcoming album coming out this Spring?

We intend to start releasing music during the Spring/Summer. Each song…. each piece of art, is a way to further the story as a whole. The entire project is meant to take you on a musical journey, if you will…. and we intend to do just that. Sonically, there are heavy dark alternative rock elements mixed with melodic hooks in some songs and some more pop elements mixed into others.

How was it working with Howard Benson and what would you say he brought to it?

Howard brought a different perspective of what the songs should be and his way of recording and editing them – each producer does in his or her own way. He has worked on many albums in his career and has a very unique and specific take on how to make albums.

Your new single, Children Of Fate, has just come out. How have fans responded to it?

Our fans seem to really enjoy it. We call them our “Children of Fate”, and this song was written for them. They are the most important thing to us and we thought it would be appropriate to lead with the song.

You are about to release a comic book. Tell us about this experience. Why did you choose the graphic novel as a vehicle to deliver the September Mourning message?

It is almost ready for release. The project started with a story at its core. Marc Silvestri was one of the first people I worked with on the September Mourning concept. He is a mogul in the world of comics and we have always wanted to bring this story to the world through comics. The project as a whole as you know is very visual…. a visual storyboard in comic book form seemed like the most appropriate way to go.

I have read somewhere a description of the band that says “If Marilyn Manson and Lady Gaga had a kid, it would be September Mourning”. What do you guys think about this description? Accurate, totally inaccurate, or slightly bizarre but in a cool way?

Slightly bizarre in a cool way! (laughs) But I also hear elements of Paramore, Motionless in White and My Chemical Romance in there too.

You guys are much more than just your music, I mean, there’s a whole visual and theatrical thing involved. Where did the inspiration come from to incorporate this aesthetic not only in your music, but in your show?

The project came from a storyline I developed and grew into the musical side from there. Theatricality and visual art were always a part of this since the beginning. I think that’s what makes us unique. Nothing is added onto the band to make it more sell-able. The theatricality is there because it has to be… It has a specific purpose… It’s who I am, heartfelt and authentic. I see a lot of bands that change their image because they see what sells and try to mimic it… or they become more theatrical after a while because they weren’t selling in tee shirts and jeans. I don’t know how to fake it like that. I never have.

Interview: Tony Dolan of VENOM INC

Your fans are called “Children of Fate”? Where did this nickname come from?

It came from the story… The character of September Mourning is a human-reaper hybrid, who feels the need to give some human souls a second chance at life, and thus disregards the direct orders of Fate. Each soul on this planet is a product of fate…. thus coining the phrase, “Children of fate” ….. On a deeper level, it is meant to be empowering. To remind us all that we have the power to forge our own future and destiny… that nothing and no one can stand in our way of what we want to become.

SEPTEMBER MOURNING – CHILDREN OF FATE

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Do you guys intend to go on tour for this album?

Yes!

Would you like to say anything to our readers before we finish?

To all of our Children of Fate… thank you for accepting us and our story into your lives, our music into your hearts… for daring to be an individual, facing your fears, conquering your doubts, being proud of who and what you are… we love you all.

Thank you for the interview. Good luck on the release of your new album!