The Azoic interview
By Casey Blakeney
Peon Culture
3 independently released CDs put out by a single band isn't usually an incredibly noteable thing today. How about 3 CDs and a label filled with likeminded artists?
Casey Blakeney interviews Kristy Venrick of The Azoic, as well as the woman behind Nilaihah Records, home of Null Device, Distorted Reality, Fiction 8, and much more. Find out more about the group as well as this pioneer of the independent movement. Peon = Casey Blakeney / K = Kristy Venrick |
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Peon: For those new to The Azoic, can you tell us a bit of background now how you formed?
K: We formed in February of 1996 as a trio and have released 3 albums thus far: the divine suffering (1997), Where Broken Angels Lie (1998) and forward (2001). This July (2003), we are releasing 'Conflict', a multimedia CD single with 8 tracks and video.
Peon: How did you decide upon The Azoic as the moniker for the group?
K: Shawn originally chose another name that we all felt could be misconstrued so I came up with the Azoic one day. It means 'without life' which fit better with our gothic sound in the beginnings, but I think the name is unique enough that people will hopefully remember it. :)
Peon: Currently, there is a wealth of female fronted acts dominating electronic music. How do you think the Azoic makes itself stand out from the crowd?
K: I never thought of it that way, but I would have to say our endurance in the scene helps and the fact that we are still one of the few EBM/industrial female fronted bands out there. I think any band will stand on it's own merit/music if they are talented enough and I hope that is what separates us more than just having a female (myself) in the band. :)
Peon: Your music has stylistically made a fairly drastic change on your latest effort "Forward" compared to previous material. Why did you decide to alter your musical course?
K: After Shawn left, Steve and I decided to take our predominant influences, Industrial and Trance, and create music more in that style/vein. Shawn was into the darker gothic and metal side of music and brought those influences. Although Steve and I still like darker music, those sounds no longer reflected who we were as a group. |
Peon: Primarily the two members handle everything within a release from The Azoic. Kristy even did the graphics and layout for "Forward". Why is this important to you to have a hand in everything?
K: I think a lot of it isn't that we need to have "control" per say, but
what you have to work with at the time and who you trust working with. And, it also helps carry your concept through. On our upcoming CD single and full length, you'll see additional designers and musicians help us carry our ideas through...
Peon: You also head up Nilaihah Records, which showcases likeminded acts such as Null Device, Distorted Reality, Dissonance, etc... What were the motivations behind the |
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K: I started it in June 1999 only going on blind faith and a suggestion from Oneiroid Psychosis that I actually thought about for a year, built up resources, and followed through with. If it had not been for their suggestion and faith in me, Nilaihah would have never started.
Peon: Are you ever afraid of it taking too much time away from the creation of your own material?
K: Yes, at times. People are always asking why we (The Azoic) are not more prolific, but you have to think of all we do outside the band. But, I wouldn't still be running the label if I didn't enjoy helping amazingly talented bands release their music. :)
Peon: Quote from the liner notes "Forward...is The Azoic's three year learning process and musical growth since their last effort". Three years of learning yet their are only 7 new tracks featured on the CD. Why so few?
K: Well, it's hard to refocus your style, work with someone who lives over 1000 miles away, and "rebuild", in essence. We weren't even sure The Azoic would continue at times. It took patience to find who we were musically, feel comfortable with that style, restructure how we worked, and live our day to day lives with jobs and other responsibilities.
Peon: Unlike a lot of modern groups that are comprised of primarily electronics and not typical instruments, you actually have a high reputation for a great live show. How do you approach playing live? And how do you try to make sure that fans leave with a positive experience?
K: I feel we are there to entertain, first and foremost. The dynamics of a live show can be so powerful that it's hard not to get wrapped up in the songs/music or moment and really release all of your positive energy, especially when you have fans singing and dancing to the music. :)
I've also been told that live we come across genuine and down to earth, which I think helps the fans feel a connection towards the band. An audience embraces those qualities.
Peon: What tactics have you used to "spread your own madness"? Any tips that you would like to pass to other bands just starting out?
K: Promotion is essential! You need to promote, without being too pushy, in many areas - web, clubs, dj's, magazines, sound clips, newsgroups, etc. The hard part is taking the time to develop these contacts and relationships. Another thing I've learned from experience is don't just release something to get it out there. Take your time to release the best you can at that point in your career. Really push yourself without loosing the passion and drive that make you want to create.
Peon: Name some other artists that you think people should check out.
K: Oh dear! I can think of so many, but a few come to mind quickly...
Negative Format, Iris, Hungry Lucy, Android Lust, SD6, etc. And, don't
forget all the amazing Nilaihah bands also - Backlash, Distorted Reality, Fiction 8, Null Device, and Dissonance. :) |
