Visit Bat (at) the Cyberden

This interview with Xorcist and Evoltwin was on July 21, 1999 on
Internet Relay Chat, sponsored by Last Sigh Magazine, and open to the
public. "Comments & Questions" are by those who attended. Thank you
goes out to all who attended, to Bat and Evoltwin for chatting with their
fans, and to all IRC Ops helping out, you know who you are!
Kind regards, The Editor.

Session Start: Wed Jul 21 17:40:13 1999

*** evoltwin has joined #liveonline

*** Xorcist has joined #liveonline

<sinnie> welcome Bat and Evoltwin!

<Xorcist> Glad I made it- I'm at work and borrowing another computer to do this as there is a nasty firewall on my Mac

<evoltwin> *beam* Hey Batboy!

* sinnie is glad you made it Xorcist!

Question: What do you do for work Xorcist?

<Xorcist> I've just started doing music and sound design plusweb site design for a web movie production company.

<Xorcist> Recent Xorcist is sort of a dramatic cinematic darkish ambient/darkwave thang...

Welcome everyone to the Official Xorcist/Evoltwin Live Chat sponsored by Last Sigh Magazine. This chat is now officially open to questions.

Question: So, where did it all start out, did you fall over a keyboard and think "hey this is cool" or what? :)

Comment: Hi Xorcist! Evoltwin: Welcome!

<Xorcist> I fell over a record called "Music from Mathematics". My dad had it from his DJing days. Don't know why. It was the first computer recorded music done on a computer

<Xorcist> larger then most bedrooms... the sounds scared the hell out of me.
<Xorcist> An IBM computer. Model # escapes me.
<Xorcist> From there I just got more into electronic music as it allowed me to feel much more emotion then just from a guitar/bass/drum band.

<evoltwin> That is a very very scary record.

<Xorcist> I wish I could find it again in perfect condition.

Question: Who did that album?

Comment: There's a track available at http://www.raremusic.com/5strange/lotrack3.html

<Xorcist> I grew up listening to soundtracks, bands like Ultravox, gary numan, yello, tangerine dream, eno, etc...

* Sin-tek would like to thank all of you for showing up..

<Xorcist> Wow... I'll have to check that site out. Thanks - If you ever find the actual album in excellent condition...

Question: so where did it all go from there? how did you get started?

<Xorcist> It just happened... like a writer feels compelled to write... I felt compelled to compose.

<evoltwin> Trust me.. he gets really compelled.

Question: What was the first band you were in? When was that and what did you play/type of music/instruments..?

<Xorcist> I bought a few keyboards, hung out w/some friends who were in the biz, got introduced to a lot of electronic music at an early age... etc..

Question: In what ways do your equipment differ fom the beginning to now? you use state of the art stuff or old equipment?

<Xorcist> My first real band was called Belief in Los Angeles... it was cool for the time but very very primitive. I just did music.
<Xorcist> I ended up going solo as Xorcist around 89/90.
<Xorcist> First stuff was done on half new stuff/half vintage.

Question: Do you like touring? whens the next tour i wanna catch ya at #'s

<Xorcist> I had to sell my favorite piece (PPG Waveterm/2.3/evu) but have a Microwave now which does a good enough job.
<Xorcist> Today, there's some new stuff, but I keep my eyes out for older stuff.

Question: Where r u from? How old are you?

<Xorcist> I originally grew up in Los Angeles... move there from Ohio when I was something like 6 months old.
<Xorcist> Currently Evoltwin and I are in No.Cal
<Xorcist> early 30's!

Question: What bands/artists do you listen to now?

<Xorcist> Influences: Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, eno, schultz, Ultravox, Numan, Yello, Morodor, Dolby... so many others.
<Xorcist> I've also had email from someone telling me Xorcist should of been in the Matrix soundtrack... It's something I hope to have happen in the future... get Xorcist into movies.
<Xorcist> Sound design is always fun.

Question: Would you have problems clearing samples if your work appeared in a movie?

Question: I wanna know where xorcist got the sample for the song Crack

<Xorcist> That Crack sample was from some public service announcement I video taped in the middle of the night...

Question: How do you feel about Metropolis taking over Pendgragon, since you signed to them recently. Are you going to ride it out with Metropolis with your future releases or?

<Xorcist> Metropolis bought Pendragon and all backstock of 21st w/exception of Covenant licenses.
<Xorcist> While I like Dave and Metropolis, only time will tell how much they will support Xorcist.
<Xorcist> As it stands now, they are basically letting the Pendragon name stay and just seeing what happens.
<Xorcist> I've already hit some brick walls in that it seems there is possibly no more advertising / promo of Nomad which would not be a good thing.
<Xorcist> They will release backs of Covenant I believe as well as sign them up on Met.

Question: At what age did you start composing your own work, and what compositions of yours do you enjoy best?

<Xorcist> I started composing when I was around 19 or so... at least w/a computer.

Question: Have you ever toured / played live outside Europe, and what kind of names have you played with?

<Xorcist> We wish to tour Europe. It's something we haven't had a chance to do yet. We've had offers from France, Germany, Europe, Italy, etc... but don't have the funds to pull it off...

Question: Is iron helix a decent game? i mean, is it worth buying?

<Xorcist> When Helix came out it was... these days? Sheesh... one word... Hotline. :-)
<Xorcist> It's not an action flick if you gather my meaning.

Question: Okay, so what kind of names have you played with in the states so far?

<Xorcist> Sheesh... names? We played with Bile once on the tour... Cassandra Complex back at Usher... Opened for Sleep Chamber long ago...

Question: Any side projects going on we dont know about?

<Xorcist> There are two new Xorcist tracks that were going to be on the Pendragon sampler coming out but now that the sampler is no longer, and metropolis won't release a comp this year, I may end up MP3ing them or looking for another label to put them on.

Question: As a musician, how do you feel about mp3s?

<Xorcist> MP3's are a blessing and a curse... I think in the long run, they will be beneficial in helping unknown artists get exposed.
<Xorcist> Then it's just up to the fans to support it or not.

Question: What is the one song you would love to cover the most but for some reason dont?

<Xorcist> .... Hmm... The theme song to Barney and Friends? Don't because I'll get sued no doubt?

Comment: hahaha ok

Question: What is the most exotic country you have travelled to and where would you live if you could chose any country ?

<evoltwin> I would live in Ireland for a year if I could.

<Xorcist> Exotic? hmm.... Merida in Mexico... wasn't incredibly exotic anyways... I'm saving that for Evoltwin. My current kick is to live in Ireland for a while.

Question: What entices you to go to Ireland?

Action: Bigbird Hugs Xorcist.

<Xorcist> Someone gave me a Big Bird once after a show in L.A. - Cool guy.

Comment: Ireland is beautiful, why would anyone _not_ want to go there?

<Xorcist> Ireland - Beautiful, plentiful with technological jobs, but moreover, just the beauty of it. I've also heard many things from people who /have/ lived there already...

Comment: I've heard that the "scene" there is really lacking though. Even in Dublin.

Question:: Are you working on a new release? you have a couple tracks done, any ideas for a Label?

<Xorcist> As I mentioned, there are two remixes off Nomad done but no where to release them yet.
<Xorcist> I may end up MP3ing the remixes... we'll see.

Question: What is the last book you read?

<Xorcist> Just finished 3001 last night.
<Xorcist> It was "ok" - I thought it would of been a bit more in depth though...

Question:  Movie seen?

Question: Hey Bat, what reasons do you cite for the lack of support for your recently defunct club night? any suggestions for those in your area for improvements?

<Xorcist> San Francisco's club scene is simply changing... venues are harder to come by...
<Xorcist> Those clubs that are around simply aren't gettting the crowds they used to 3-5 years ago.
<Xorcist> Where it was once 300-800 a night, now it's 80-200. 300 tops.

Comment:  It seems people don't want to come out for shows in the usa

<Xorcist> People grow up.

Comment: Maybe it's the music;

Comment: not the music

Comment: People get bored of Djs after some time. Especially if they play the same crap all the time.

Comment from Denmark: hell you cant even gather 30 people for an Industrial night around here

Comment: they are lazy

Comment: or people dont wanna promote for shows

Comment: Americans seriously need to go to more shows.

Question: Other than electronic releated genres, are there any other genres you enjoy? metal, punk, classical, r&b, gangster rap, porn jazz, etc?

Comment: You could get 800 in 88/89.

Comment: I think it's the lack of quality in the music.

<Xorcist> When running Usher, towards the end we found that people we're more interested in dancing then live shows.

Comment: Its a promo problem mainly. I think labels and bookers want the cash but dont wanna invest any....

Comment: Exactly

Comment: There was like all of 15 people at the austin numb show last year. and more like 50 at the dc one two days later.

<Xorcist> 80% of the music coming out may of been poorly produced, but all the DJ's in SF were good enough to work around that. The people simply lost interest.
<Xorcist> I wish Yello would tour.

Comment: Aren't they retired now

Comment: Yello havent been the same since Carlos Peron left

<Xorcist> I never thought that was official.
<Xorcist> I thought he just did solo work.

Comment: Carlos Peron did better on his own.

Comment: Who the hell is carlos peron?

<Xorcist> (The other half of yello = Peron)

Comment: No, the last third :) .. Dieter Meier + Boris Blank = "modern day" Yello

<Xorcist> Oh yea - I stand corrected - He did leave the band.
<Xorcist> Hmmm.. I never heard his solo stuff - Guess CD-NOW will have to be my new friend again ;-)

Comment: I liked Peron better in Yello, it was weirdder :)

Question: What did you listen to when you were growing up?

<Xorcist> The usual... Puppy, Thrill Kill, Ministry, RevCo, 242,

Comment: Just like the rest of us then :) Good start though. Do you still listen to your roots?

Question: What do you think of 242's new remixes and live album?

<Xorcist> I haven't heard it yet... I've tried to follow them all but so many times, I lost interest in the new direction. I haven't even heard Filth Pig or the newer Ministry wish is supposed to be more a return to the past.

Question: Hey evoltwin, you ever consider doing any solo music? perhaps to go along with a series of paintings?

<evoltwin> I would love to but time is not necessarily something I have in abundance... I do plan to do stuff on the up and coming Xorcist album though... my hiatus is over :)

Question: What do you think of the new technoish direction parts of the genre have taken?

<Xorcist> While all change is good, sometimes that actual work isn't which is the case sometimes in these new hybrids.

Question: Do you dont see bands like 2 Unlimited and Technohead as the new revolutionary thing ? ;)

<Xorcist> Revolutionary? That's a marketing term. I haven't heard these bands either.. I rarely get a chance to listen to a lot of new music due to working on my own, working in general... etc...
<Xorcist> I think all industrial/gothic/etc/ music has always been changing... it's real easy when you're 16-21 to think that's the only representative of the spectrum... time always shows that things evolve... no matter what.

Comment: hey 2 Unlimited is gonna come bustin out hardk0re again!

Comment: hahaha

Comment: I find it hilarious how much one Download song sounds like No Limits :))

Comment: 2 Unlimited are not far from Front 242. what's with the numbers in belgian bands anyways?

<Xorcist> Most people can listen to music at work - I can't do that as, well, for obvious reasons...
<Xorcist> I'll have to give them a listen.

Comment: It's at least refreshing to see a band that doesn't hate the music they play. Feels very fake.

<Xorcist> I knew a band like that once...
<Xorcist> I heard the new Art of Noise (another band I grew up admiring) and it sucks...

Comment: haha Art Of Noise have gotten Lol Creme from 10CC with them damnit! :)

<Xorcist> They wrote 100 songs every six months or so, so they could pop off what the labels wanted to hear... they were so far from being into their music...

<evoltwin> Ooh.. money to be made.

Comment: Money doesnt matter when whatever u create is shit... its much better when what you work on is what you like.

<evoltwin> Well.. this is true however there are a lot of sentimental people out there who will buy it just because of the name. That is what those people are banking on. Squandered riches need replinishing.

Question: How do you view the current situation about every fucker and his dog all of a sudden reforming? I mean come on, the last i heard was that Gene Loves Jezebel reformed! ... and Art Of Noise and Propaganda.

<Xorcist> heh - actually, those 80's bands? Excellent. Why not? A lot of people want to relive that shit and it's not bad either. (well most of it!)
<Xorcist> Bands back in the 80's were much better at the act of writing a song then most bands today...

Comment: I shuddered when seeing Blondie three weeks ago.

Comment: What's she look like now?...

Comment: She looks VERY tired... huge fuqn shades on.

Comment: Don't she realize huge ass shades went out in 86?

Comment: She's not realizing that SHE went out in 82 ;)

Question: Yeah but how about bands reforming just to make a Greatest Hits, touring like 60 year olds and then gliding into obscurity again? like The Damned did?

<Xorcist> Well, as ET said, There's money to be made. If it makes a few fans happy to see them before they die (both fans and band) then so be it!

Comment: Like "im NOT doing drugs to stand up straight on stage, oh, no"

<Xorcist> Gary Numan fits in with this conversation, yet that show sold out and was one of the best shows I've ever promoted.

Comment: Xorcist, but youre a huge Gary Numan fan arent you?

<Xorcist> Sure I am, but then again, so were 1100 other people plus others who got turned away at the door.

Comment: Xorcist, tell us your funniest experience when playing live.

<Xorcist> Oh sheesh...
<Xorcist> Well.... um... ok...
<Xorcist> It was at Biomech in Sacremento (I think that was the name of the club- - Luxt's club)

Comment: Luxt is pretty good... or from what i heard on 21st circuitry comp

<Xorcist> I was wearing this rubber dress thingy and for some reason, the zipper down the front was scratching the hell out of me..

<evoltwin> Oh no.. not this story :P

<Xorcist> Before the gig, I took a giant wad of toilet paper and stuck it between the inside of the zipper and my crotch... oh well... into the 2nd song I think I moved a bit too fast and this big wad of TP comes flying out from under me. Well, I laughed my ass off thinking what everyone else was wondering...

Comment: LOL xorcist :P

<Xorcist> Luckily it flew towards the back of the stage.

Comment: ohmigawd thats so embarassing :P

<evoltwin> *snicker* How Rock Star of you, dear.

Comment: Xorcist: hey i remember that.

Comment: I would have picked it up and thrown it out to the audience.

Was it smooth or chunky?

Comment: That's definitely cock rock.

Comment: hahahahaha

<Xorcist> I did get electrocuted doing a new years eve gig in Hawaii

Comment: Sounds like fun.

<Xorcist> The promoter wrapped a wire cage I played in which was 20 feet off the ground with christmas lights strung in it. I grabbed the mic and then touched the cage and learned, there was a short somewhere in the christmas light the hard way

Comment: lol xor! yer quite the lucky one eh :P

Question To Evoltwin: Is it you who do graphics for xorcist?

<evoltwin> Yeh... I do some of them for the albums. Bat picks them out.

Followup Comment to evoltwin:: ok nice pic and animation on scorched blood ;)

<Xorcist> She's done Nomad and the inside of Scorched Blood.

Comment: Nomad is pretty good!!

Question: Why is there never any vocals in ur songs? [Besides the samples]

<Xorcist> There are tons of vocals in earlier Xorcist.

Comment: nomad rools

<Xorcist> New Xorcist: More into the cinematic vibe - Let the listener take the trip _ Vocals can take away from a song sometimes.

Comment: it is pretty cool to go sleep on the last song of nomad

Question to Xorcist: Whats yer fav band?

<Xorcist> Hmm... right now? (It changes day to day) - This week it's (What's the name of that band from CMI in our CDplayer dear?)

Question to Xorcist: Have you heard The Protagonist on CMI? Friend of mine..

<evoltwin> Yes, CMI sent that... nice militant beats.

Comment: The protagonis's ARebours is really nice.

<Xorcist> Yup - I dig all CMI stuff.

Comment: Cool. He's gotten very nice review's so far.

Question: xorcist: Have u ever heard of BambooCrisis or BozoPornoCircus out of Houston? They are on the label ToneZone.

Comment from Denmark: Protagonist is nothing next to L'Orchestre Noir.

<Xorcist> I've heard of them - haven't heard anything from them.

<evoltwin> I dig raison d'etre.

<Xorcist> ET: What's that band in our CD player?

<Xorcist> Was that the new raison?

<evoltwin> Bat: yes.

<Xorcist> (I keep calling them Raison Brand) - Yes, if I had to pick a band consistent of being very good: raison d'etre would be them.

Comment: Arcana's Dark Age of Reason is good.

<evoltwin> Along with Brighter Death Now! Yah!

Comment: mmm raison brand... ur makin me hungwy

Comment: BDN are very good

Comment: Roger Karmanik once did a cover of a Sam Fox song

Question: Xorcist: If i asked you to join me in world domination - What would you say?

<Xorcist> That would take a lot of laytex.

Comment: Playtex... you mean?

<evoltwin> Latex. Yes. No tampons

Comment: Thas no fun.

Comment: the CMI nights of the Abyss III fest is happening this coming weekend i think in belgium and they are going to be in greece in sept i believe, CMI artists/Athens

<Xorcist> Tampons as world domination? Michael Jackson has that avenue covered already.

<Xorcist> (So I hear...)

Question: What do you think of Y2K if anything?

<Xorcist> Bring it on!

<evoltwin> LOL

<Xorcist> It's 2001 we have to worry about ;-)

<evoltwin> Y2K... well I think many people will die that night because of the frenzied crowds. I am taking stock in canned foods and planning my escape to the mountains, personally :)

<Xorcist> Right now, I'm right smack dab in the heart of it. We live 11 miles north of it.

Question: and are you at all prepared for any live inet broadcasts from your club?

<Xorcist> Not my club... don't run one anymore.

<evoltwin> We've shifted focus.

Question: you arent dj'ing at a club? or?

Question: xorcist, did you ever play at quebec city?

<Xorcist> Nope - black lodge is history. (read it at Blacklodge )

Comment: Ja ok

Comment: pfff Quebec city tcheke l'autre :)

<Xorcist> Nope, just Ottawa (YEA!!!) and Montreal.
<Xorcist> We want to go back to Ottawa when we have the time and $$$.

Comment: oh! Mtl.. at foufounes?

<Xorcist> Yup - The Electric Butt... gota love it.

Comment: you guys are ALWAYS welcome...you know that!!!

<Xorcist> DJ Leslie runs a bitchen club - fun fun fun fun fun
<Xorcist> We do miss The QE2 in Albany :-(
<Xorcist> That club was /vibe'n/ with cool spooky vibes.

Comment: yeah, it sux when a good, indie-supporting club goes under...

<Aquiline> greets to Xorcist

<Xorcist> Greetings Aquiline!

<evoltwin> Well.. the sound system wasn't so hot (at) Qe2 but the people were nice.

Question: Xorcist: for the last time is noise music or not?

<Xorcist> Of course it is!

Comment: thanks you

<Aquiline> and to evoltwin, thanks for chatting with us

<evoltwin> No problem, Aquiline.

<Xorcist> Evoltwin trained me in my noise acceptance threshold ;-)

Comment: I'm just so pissed off that people can't accept the fact that "music" is NOT a subjective word, but whether you like the music or not is subjective

<Xorcist> I was listening to odd experimental stuff (Sound of Pig, etc), but ET showed me the light of the more sonically abusing melodies ;-0

<evoltwin> Try to sleep to BDN? You go -OUT- of your body.

Comment: I've slept to the Slaughterhouse many a time, in fact, it helps me sleep

<evoltwin> Yay!

Comment: hmm, i tried sleeping to Burning The Temple Of God by MZ.412 when i was in Reykjavik, i had some WEIRD nightmares

<evoltwin> Nightmares rule.

Comments: oh, I've slept to numerous MZ412 albums. I feel asleep to Lustmord's - The Monstrous Soul and had visions of the apocalypse

Comment: falling asleep to arcana or ildfrost is nice

<evoltwin> Lustmord...Heresy? I think yes.. Underground caves and monsters. Yay!

Question: have you guys heard The Monstrous Soul? it has people chanting "It is the night of the demon" and extremely evil screams and things.

<evoltwin> I don't believe so.

Comment: Deutsch Nepal..yummy sleeps

<evoltwin> Hippy loves the system that Murders our children.

<Xorcist> ET and I are into Goblin soundtracks!

Comment: how about Arecibo

<Xorcist> Susperia

<evoltwin> Yah! Goblin!! I have to get the Monstrous soul!

<evoltwin> What about Ennio Morricone? Mmmm.

Comment: if you have the time, go to www.mp3.com/eru and download his song Autumn Becomes Winter a good friend of mine and a very smart guy. the name of the band is eru on mp3.com

<Xorcist> Any other ?'s? I'll have to be heading out soon to play wait in traffic!)

Comment: I just want to know where you can buy eye of newt

<evoltwin> Mental Destruction is sweet. I need to be taking off too...

Comment: make more tracks like Slider

<Xorcist> Probably will - For the record - Two remixes are done. Spider and Insect. Don't know when or where they will be released... check the Xorcist website.

<t23> xorcist and evoltwin, thanks for joining in and chatting with us today

Comment: Hey Evoltwin...i can get Goblins: Suspiria, Tenebre, Greatest Hits, Cherry 5, Hits Rare Tracks & Outtakes, Deep Red on CD for ya baby-cakes! Gregg says howdy

<evoltwin> I'm off to get some work done... Thanks for having us Sin! Thankyou all for coming and creating chaos.

Comment: later

Comment: Bye Xorcist and Evoltwin. TC.

<evoltwin> Drewl, Leslie. I want Tenebre.

<sinnie> Thanks for coming Xorcist and Evoltwin!

<evoltwin> Bye!

Comment: a lady called Carmel Smith wanted to say greets to you Xorcist

<Xorcist> Cheers all! Thanks for stopping by and putting up with us! (and then some!)

<evoltwin> Yay!

*** evoltwin has quit IRC (Leaving)

<Xorcist> Any other questions, you can always write to : bat (at) cyberden.com

<sinnie> or join the xorcist mail list

<sinnie> thanks bat

<Xorcist> Thanks for setting this up Sinnie!

hehe

is it last call already? pour me a Guiness

bye xor

Comments: take care

Comment: xorcist: Check ur email in about 2 mins.

<Xorcist> and thanks to all those who commented on Nomad - It's different yes... I've had some hardcore Xorcist fans hate it, but that's what happens... just like the scene - things change.. .progress... evolve!
<Xorcist> I'll be on the road so I'll check mail tonight in about 2 hours or so! (S.F. Traffic and all - ICK!)

<Xorcist> Cheers all!

*** Xorcist has left #liveonline

<sinnie> Thanks for coming in everyone

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