Entrevista com Zero Signal

Entrevista realizada pela Rádio Darkzera, como parte da série Revelação Sombria. Respostas por Zero Signal.

How did Zero Signal begin — or become what it is now?
Zero Signal arose from a mental need to keep positive during the COVID lockdowns here in the UK. The second lockdown of Winter 2021 was a dark and depressing time, and I needed something to channel that negative energy.

When did music first become real to you — beyond sound?
1991 was my awakening to music, ignited by Nirvana, The Prodigy and The KLF. I was 13 years old and felt a surge of inspiration to make sounds of my own to give others an experience of the feelings I had when I heard these artists for the first time.

What moves you to keep creating — habit, urge, need?
People motivate me. I love to be inspired by, and to inspire people to write music with. The shared energy that shapes music is a beautiful thing. I have played in bands all my life.

What sounds or scenes shaped the project early on?
“In The Shriek of What Followed” was inspired by a chance conversation with Mimi Nyx via a musician’s forum. I had wanted to write a catchy, industrial EDM / goth album that had depth and dynamics. I cannot deny the influence of The Prodigy on this album, they create moments that charge your soul with energy and I wanted to recreate that feeling, to make hairs on peoples’ necks stand up!

Where do you feel Zero Signal belongs — inside or outside any “scene”?
Zero Signal is unique. It will fit where people like it, it’s that simple!

Was this album built to be heard as a whole — or did that come later?
“In The Shriek of What Followed” is definitely designed to be heard as a whole from start to finish. The ends of some tracks run in to the next to keep the album flowing. By all means people can listen to select tracks in isolation and enjoy them, however I feel they can appreciate them more in sequence.

What was different for you in the process of making this album?
The Goth & EDM scene was quite alien to me when I started writing. Mimi Nyx helped me understand that scene a bit more, which aided me in writing material that was different to what existed already. My own favourite bands in that envelope are more ‘industrial metal’ than EDM, such as Rob Zombie and Fear Factory (their song Zero Signal is where I took my name).

What changed in you once the album was finished — if anything?
I believed in myself much more! I learnt so much about production and song construction whilst making this album. It took six months to put together.

Is there one track on this record that holds something others might miss — but you still feel?
“Unfairground” was written as a bridging track, to tie the two halves of the album together but in hindsight it has so much energy! I could see it on a horror film soundtrack!

How did Mimi Nyx’s presence shape this album?
Mimi’s vocal style fitted perfectly with my vision for the album. She came up with ideas regarding structure and I wrote parts that specifically complimented her voice.

Was there something in her input that challenged or surprised you?
She certainly deepened the path and gave me ideas that I had not previously considered, helping create a positive irresistible energy in making the album.

What’s quietly approaching in the future — a sound, a shift?
I have two projects in the pipeline plus a few remixes I have done for people. I love making remixes! I will also be involved with a soundtrack for an upcoming UK independent horror movie which I am very excited about!

How does it feel knowing your sound plays through unknown speakers, in unknown places?
It thrills me greatly to know that there are people who might listen to “In The Shriek of What Followed” and feel the same energy that I felt when writing it!