Interviews: Ghostbound

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal/Rock/Avant-Garde band, Ghostbound from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Hello, new special internet friend! The name "Ghostbound" was originally planned as a song title for a long-since-aborted attempt at an acoustic solo EP I attempted to write many moons ago. Incidentally, this same song would later be re-worked into what is now "And We Are Already At Sea" off of our brand new release, Extended Play For My Sweet Mary Thyme. I came up with the term after mishearing a lyric; I cannot remember whose lyric it was or what band. I loved the sentiment of it, I loved that it could branch out in all directions, and I loved the concepts I could derive thereof.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

What genre, as such? I've always thought of us as a band that exists outside of genre. I suppose we could be considered some manner of rock or metal band by virtue of the fact that we employ guitars, bass, and drums in a somewhat "heavy" manner, but it was always in the cards for me to play what could be considered challenging, atmospheric music that is beyond easy categorization. I never questioned this. I just know that I have to do it.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Of a sort! Noah and I were friends first, and we had later played together in a short-lived indie rock project that was helmed by a work-friend of mine. Dave and I had actually met in the most embarrassingly "Brooklyn" way possible in the form of a yoga class. I believe we were each wearing some manner of high-contrast, black and white metal shirt and got to talking. Talha we met via "Ye Olde List O' Craig", but he has fast become a good friend and stalwart presence within the band.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Dave - Boards of Canada

Noah - Primus

Talha - Opeth

Alec (myself) - Killing Joke

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The great vastation of existence, dear sweet new internet friend! I am inspired by any and all things. Generally, there is some manner of image, concept, and/or "landscape" I will want to capture, and then I set out about how to best evoke that image with sound.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was on February 9th of 2020, where we shared the stage at Saint Vitus, Brooklyn's metal mecca, with Drownyard, Moron, and Savage Youth. 'Twas an excellent show and much fun was had by all.

7. Where would you like to act?

I am afraid that I do not fully understand the question. If you are referring to my moonlighting as a semi-working actor, I will do pretty much anything as long as it pays. If you had a location in mind, I daresay that I would lovelovelove to do something in Copenhagen, as I am in love with that city.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

In terms of sharing the stage, I would love to play a three-band bill with Ashen Spire and Dawnwalker on a European tour.

9. Whom not?

I will be explicit: literally any right-wing or fashy band can go fuck itself, and I would sooner drink my own pee than share the stage with any band that harbors intolerant views of any kind.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I cannot speak for the other members of the band, but I have a lot of experience in being in front of a crowd, and I feel that such a place is very much "my safe space" in that I am remarkably comfortable and happy up there. One thing I will say is that being nervous before having to take the stage is a very natural thing, and that even the most seasoned performers suffer from it, myself included. Own the nervousness, whatever that may mean to you, and know that as soon as you strike that first chord you are about to have the time of your life. It is a true joy to be able to share your art with people in a physical manner.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ahhhhhh the dreaded "influences" question! If I had to distill it down to its core essentials, I would say that Faith No More, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Ulver, Arcturus, Dodheimsgard, Ved Buens Ende, Killing Joke, The Smiths, Scott Walker, The Cure, Thought Industry, Fields of the Nephilim, The Waterboys, Breathless, Jeff Buckley, Voivod, Immolation, Alcest, Agalloch, Edge of Sanity, Darkthrone, Dissection, Depeche Mode, and entirely too many others to mention all had a remarkable influence on me. Additionally, I am voracious in my pursuit of new and hitherto undiscovered (to me) music. I will always be inspired for as long as I live, and possibly after that, as well.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Fan? Who is this fan you speak of? In all seriousness, I suppose it was when someone asked me to sign their copy of All is Phantom (our debut record). I didn't think (and still do not think) that we had that manner of pull or fandom.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We certainly wish there were more of them.

14. What do you think of our site?

I love it! It is remarkably well-designed and comprehensive.

15. Something to add?

Many thanks for having us on your site, sweet new special internet friend!