Interview with AZ
Introducing A Million Dead Birds Laughing
How did you come about obtaining the band name?
It was given to us gift wrapped in a box by a band of interdimensional alien explorers. We still can’t fully comprehend its significance in the future goings on of the universe, but was promised an answer somewhere before the end of all things.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
It reshapes your cellular structure on a sub-atomic level and realigns your soul to be in tune with the higher frequencies that inspire single generation evolution. Your first step in becoming a God.
What one thing do you feel sets you apart from the rest in this genre?
We don’t know the meaning of the word genre. We generate beings of sound for reasons beyond even our own understanding. Boundaries would be inhibiting to our cause.
How long did it take to record your latest release? And is there any particular message you are trying to relay to your audience with this album?
There are many messages, lessons, recipes, spells to ward off mind control, curses against the weak manipulative imps that prey on the self centred, incantations that allow passage to the forbidden sub-levels of the 1st dimension, summonings to destroy civilizations and other such non-sense.
I understand you released this through Welkin Entertainment. How have they been able to assist you? And do you think record companies actually make the recording process any easier?
Azazel, my demon advisor, has advised me not to answer this question.
Any plans for a music video? And, if applicable, which is your favourite video thus far?
We wanted to shoot a video of Cthulhu line dancing but we’re currently having problems getting him out of his current contract with Disney.
When you go into recording mode, do you find it easy or challenging?
One must put pressure on oneself in order to achieve something worthy of releasing to the world.
Who’s responsible for the bands artwork?
I am responsible. The art is my best visual representation of the formless energies that swarm the neverness.
How hard has it been to get to this point?
We work as a singular consciousness. Obstacles cower and crumble to dust as we walk. We have become as clockwork chaos.
Releases:
Force Fed Enlightenment - 2011
Where does your main fan base / support tend to lie?
Our disease claims more closer to home, but the cancer is spreading.
Can you recall a favourite venue?
Claws go out for The Arthouse.
What are some of your favourite Australian acts? And have you had the chance to play alongside them?
Yes, yes we have.
What do you think of the Australian live metal music scene in general? Do you find it regurgitates the same sound around the country or do you think original and new talent is still out there to be found?
There is an original spark in the collective consciousness of the country that ripples outward in spirals through the planet. I have seen many interpretations of this energy. Each from a new and individual perspective; there are those attuned to this spark. There are others who are not.
Do you think there are enough opportunities out there for local metal bands or is the international influx hindering local progress?
Opportunities arise to those who open themselves to options.
After a live performance do you tend to go and hang out with the fans or do you prefer to keep to yourself?
I need time to re-enter the body...
What would be your most memorable gig / performance to date?
We once played for seven days straight alongside the invisible emerald orchestra at the high temple of emptiness for the memory of the 55th dead king of mars. But nobody was there to hear us. Shame.
Have you got a favourite song you like to play? And is there one in particular your fans seem to prefer?
Our favourite song does not exist.
If you created your own metal festival, who would you prefer was playing alongside you and where would that be?
If I created my own festival, we wouldn’t be playing; I’d be taking it very seriously. Especially considering the intense heat of the sun’s surface, where this gig of mine would be held, alongside a single superband consisting of the zombified form of every dead musician ever. It would be glorious.
What kind of instruments do you use?
Living ones, carved from the bones of care bears; stretched with the skin of unicorns and powered by the screaming souls of dead fairies.
What have been some of the more bizarre signings you’ve had?
I once carved my initials into the skull of a live rhino. Surprisingly, not as difficult as it sounds.
Have you ever had any Mystical experiences?
No, I don’t believe in that new age hippie crap.
Where can people purchase your music and merchandise from?
Welkin Records
What was the main reason you chose this career path and has it turned out as expected?
Actually I still dream of becoming a tax consultant. But my family strongly disapproves.
Let’s pretend you were creating a tour survival guide. What would be your top three tips for surviving a long tour with the band?
Rule One. Don’t ever get wet.
Rule Two. Don’t eat after midnight.
Rule Three. Don’t expose yourselves to bright lights of any kind. Especially sunlight, it will kill you.
What words of advice can you offer anyone looking to enter the music industry?
Whiskey. Bacon. Cheesecake.
Anything you'd like to add or say to your fans?
Thanks for keeping me cool in summer.
LINKS
AMDBL Myspace
AMDBL Facebook
‘Interview with A Million Dead Birds Laughing’ by Déa di Morté © 04 July 2011
Hails! to AZ for agreeing to participate and taking the time to complete this interview
All pictures courtesy of A Million Dead Birds Laughing and Welkin Records