Tristan Shone, American Drone Machines, Dub Machines, Bass Guitar, Vocalist for Industrial Doom band Author & Punisher. Interview June 20, 2013
How was it recording the latest album for the Author & Punisher album Women & Children?
The recording process was a bit different in that I didn’t use machines for everything, as I included some synths and more standard controllers in the mix. I also wrote a lot of the songs in different settings and circumstances; I did an art show for my electromechanical masks at a library in La Jolla and they happened to have a nice Steinway grand piano, so I decided to keep the performance acoustic and write a couple songs for the piano. These songs then developed into the 2 piano tracks on the album. Miles from Home and Melee were written during an artist residency at my friend Judith Pedroza’s art space/house called Sala de Espera, where I sat with a couple keyboards and controllers and wrote some very bassy stuff. Another trackFearce is a cover song of the band Ejaculoid associated with Ed Luce who writes a comic the Wuvable Oaf…that was fun.
Where did some of the influences music or otherwise come from for writing Women & Children album?
Musically I would say for new contemporary stuff that I like: Andy Stott, Flying Lotus, Deadbeat, Pole, James Blake. Otherwise I would say I am sort of working in a vacuum in this one! Scott McPherson did the art for the album which I think really captures the grim and devastating tone.
I am sure touring the Technicians of Distortion Tour with Phil Anselmo is gonna be awesome. What’s your thoughts on that?
I am super excited, to say the least. I really appreciate him reaching out to me and bringing what I do into his spotlight. We are ramping up the live set for this with cameras, video, more sound, power, might. My van is in the shop getting all tuned. I am not used to touring with anyone in the van with me, so to have a crew will be a treat and maybe I can pass off a few hours of driving.
Would you say Social Media Online has changed the Music Industry for the good or the bad?
So far so good! I think I am a digital age kind of musician and I Am able to pay some {not all) of my bills through music sales. You also need to make videos and update your status and all that which is annoying…but hey when the alternative is actual work, you will gladly type or code away…
What’s your vision on the Internet as a way to releasing Music Online now days?
I have some ideas…for example it would be cool to have a radio station that always plays music form a live club, somewhere in the world. You could turn it on and listen to a punk band in Malaysia or an all night rave in the Netherlands…That would be cool and would open things up beyond the painful painful pop radio world. You could also do pirate wifi radio hotspots.
What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Let’s see, for vinyl: George Michael, Handel’s Messiah, Joanna Newsom, Otis Redding, YOB,…
Where do you see the future of music going in 100 years?
I think we will, through technology keep pushing boundaries with human computer interaction which will make the music seem more organic…who knows maybe it will be more organic, with bacteria or cell cultured based controllers.
Any words for future musicians?
Don’t get caught making music for specific genres and don’t just rehash your favorite bands! Play the sound that you like even if it’s never popular and play it really loud with a tall San Diego IPA.
Extra questions for Tristan Shone from Author & Punisher
Life without music would be: more sober
Favorite movie: valhalla rising
Favorite sport: soccer
Favorite food: fried clams
Favorite drink: IPA
Favorite saying: you can only flip the couch cushion once
Favorite car: vw rabbit 1984
Favorite book: industrial ventilation 4th edition
Star Wars or Star Trek: star wars
PC or Mac: PC