Formed
in 1989, the band has put out 11 albums to date that have showed
a progressive state of form as each album was released. Giving
way to a band that has thus far surpassed the their own talent
that makes their unique sound know as THE GATHERING.
Having the chance to ask Anneke Van Giersbergen some questions
I wanted to know for sometime...
Jessie:
What was the band trying accomplish with the new album Souvenirs?
Anneke: Accomplish is such a big word. We made the best
music we can make; it took 3 years to make it for it was a longtime
getting the material together, and so forth. More heavier recording
time whether it was good or bad, we accomplished what we could
and did what we can to make the album to be what it is. It took
a lot of work that was placed in the music and it was done well
when it was finished.
Jessie:
Being labeled by some other critics as “trip rock”
what is your take to that since the band is far advanced musically
overall from being labeled that?
Anneke: We see and hear not only one thing. We can either
be Rock, Dark Rock, Trip Rock, anything that has emotion to it.
But we hear other influences as well. Our music is trippy, not
dancy or else wise, more trippy cause of the emotion and how deep
the music is. More like a mind trip especially with the guitars
rhythms and music together. Our music is not one type of kind
we are more than that. Our music is what it is, even without a
label.
Jessie:
Since starting the band's own label Psychonaunt Records has it
been easier in a creative aspect to express more of THE GATHERING
artistically?
Anneke: Free to be more creative than with Century Media.
No one had to tell you how to sell it, the layout, the marketing,
promoting. Since we started our own label we are freer to do more
on our own. First thing is to make beautiful music. It is a big
job, big task, but it feels good to do it all.
Jessie:
Being picked up by The End Records is there more freedom for the
band to do more in the regards to recording/producing music than
Century Media?
Anneke: One where we have a licensed deal. Working with
Adrian (The End Records) is doing the job. Since he is the marketing
specialist he seems to really want to help the band. He sees more
into us and uses what he knows to market the band and what is
put into the promotion of it all. He is very good at what he does
and does it well. We are very thankful to have him with helping
us out.
Jessie:
Has it been to some extent of a release from ending your obligations
to Century Media and now being apart of the new label?
Anneke: Yes, huge freedom. Pressure is different in other
ways, but we are doing it for the music. There are so many bands
within Century Media that we seemed like we were just another,
how would I say…. well band [laughs]. Though we were one
of the bigger bands on the label. It was just different in a way.
The new label there is more of a personal touch. More freedom
to do more, be more creative. More for the music to expand in
other ways.
Jessie:
Having released more than 10 albums, for each album created it’s
own longevity; did the band try to convey certain emotions, thoughts
etc. in each album?
Anneke: Yes. Sure like to capture a moment in time. Every
record we make, we come up our own ideas, recording process. Some
albums worked out for the better in there own way. It is like
you take a bite out of time for every year for that certain album
there was other things that were going on that effected the mood
and feelings. More of a logical step in time. The albums we have
done tell there own emotional story.
Jessie:
Through the history of THE GATHERING albums that have surfaced,
is there a particular album that stands the test as far as lyrically/musically
that was a labor of love in the making?
Anneke: Hmm. My favorite is Souvenirs
for it is a good album but I think it is How To Measure
A Planet for it’s eerie, transparent, honest,
truly new. Lots of positive feelings cause it was a double album
that was getting used to it. Cause it was something that was not
done before with previous album material. It was a big step for
us as a band for an album like that. Really liked the fact that
the fans liked it. Gives a good feeling.
Jessie:
What is the deal with this Trickster G doing a duet with the band
on A Life All Mine?
Anneke: He is a black metal artist that was on the same
label. We are all fans of his. Hans (drummer) was the one that
was emailing him and talking to him. And we asked him to do a
song and he said yes. So we sent him a song he might like, and
he did. Tracks were sent to via email/mail since he lives in Norway.
We
then proceeded to talk about politics and the view point of California
as opposed to other places where an actor was elected a place
in congress for which lasted about several minutes.
Jessie:
There seems to be some mixed reviews on Souvenirs due
to its advanced appeal musically, do you find it somewhat difficult
when you get a review that is negatively dense in nature?
Anneke: Not necessarily when it is written good. Good
talk. We are lucky about 99% of reviews are good. If there is
a bad review it does not mean much. For everyone is entitled to
there own opinions. Maybe they are not into the style of music
or something, but for us we know that it is a good record. So
it does not really matter for we know what was put into it. Music
wise.
Jessie:
When I listened to the new material, I was taken back in a way
that the music seems to take on a form of its own. Is that what
the band strives to accomplish as far as the creative process
when the album was recorded?
Anneke: I think so. Music should speak for itself on
its own. The music takes you on a trip, a story that takes you
to a higher purpose. Definitely feeling able to make something
beautiful. One big creative thing that makes it more so than music.
Jessie:
There is a lot of depth placed within the songs that are heard
with the new material, was there anything that influenced the
sound and overall production with this album?
Anneke: Yes. Recording with producer Zlaya Hadzick for
he was very good to us. He really pushed us to be more. In fact
so more to move in a positive level. The sound was good, very
good. But he pushed us maybe a little too much. Sound came out
great, where there might have been more to improve with sound..
But we made a record that was great and we are happy with it.
Jessie:
Songs from the new album such as These Good People and
Souvenirs are very haunting with melodic tones creating
an entire mood unto itself. Was there anything that created that
theme feel with these recordings that generate such moveable depth?
Anneke: Souvenirs for instant, deals with positive
songs where we play it with a melancholy feeling. But with the
feeling of being happy and alive. We want to express life as it
is. Music.
Jessie:
Since the new released of an EP entitled Monsters for
which is a remix of the song of the same name off the new album
(that also contains some addition bonus video material), was that
something that the band wanted to release since that EP revamped
that song in 5 different ways?
Anneke: We wanted to have extra stuff. People really
liked it. It gave another creative mix, since there was a version
of the song in a rock, pop, dance, etc. it was nice to do something
to it that was different.
Jessie:
Are there any bands that THE GATHERING would like to share a tour
with?
Anneke: Since we have our own following it would be great
to do more touring. We are trying to do more with the booking
agency to do more. RadioHead would be a great band to share a
tour with as well as maybe some English transmusic bands. I love
that type of music.
Jessie:
Is there anything that the band has not done yet as far as musically
in terms?
Anneke: Love to make film music. Maybe do some music
for a soundtrack for a film.
Jessie:
Lord Of The Rings and Queen Of The Damned would be great music
for the band to do.
Anneke: [laughs] yes it would be great to make music
for a film that would have our music on the soundtrack.
Jessie:
The music seems to be getting some good reviews within the states,
any plans to maybe venture to the US again on a tour in the near
future?
Anneke: That would be lovely, had a good time in ’99.
We like the fans in the U.S. but business wise it has to do with
the money that needs to be put into it. We love playing in New
York. And we would like to tour elsewhere.
Jessie:
Thank you yet again Anneke for your time for it was a pleasure
talking to you.
Anneke: Thank you.
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