Delve into the mind of Reginn, the mastermind behind the self-titled debut album. Uncover the dark themes of madness, loathing, and deprecation, as he shares insights into the creative process, influences, and the emotional journey within.
1.
Congratulations on the release of your self-titled debut album! Can you share
with us the inspiration and creative process behind the album, especially the
themes of madness, loathing, and deprecation that it explores?
Thanks!
Alot of the inspiration came from past experiences, lessons learned and looking
more inwards at the human mind and the different thoughts, feelings and
emotions we feel at our darkest times.
2. Being
a one-man band, how did you approach the musical composition and production for
this album? Were there any specific challenges or advantages to working solo?
I started
with the guitars and build the drums around that and then add in the bass and
keyboards after. Mixing down vocals would become tedious and challenging at
times, as well as trying not to be too much of a perfectionist and just letting
the music flow naturally. An advantage to working solo would be that I can take
my time with what I'm doing and don't have people waiting on me.
3. The
album has a distinct Death/Black Metal sound. What bands or artists have
influenced your musical style, and how did those influences shape the sound of
Reginn?
I've always
been a fan of the 90s Era death/black metal. The bands that have really
influences my music would be Burzum, Barnes Era cannibal corpse, Deicide,
Naglfar, Morbid Angel, emperor, Funeral Mourning, Xasthur, and Mourning
Beloveth. I think it helped shape my sound by adding a little more diversity.
I'm able to take the different things I like from death/black metal and some
ambiance and be able to write something a little more outside of the box rather
than pigeonholed to one genre or the other.
4. Tell
us about the significance of the release date, October 18th, 2023. Was there a
specific reason behind choosing this date for the debut album launch?
The album
was originally gonna be released March 22, 2023 but life happens so it got
pushed back to October 18, 2023 which ironically my first album from a previous
solo project was released October 18th, 2013. Thought it was kinda interesting
how it turned out that way.
5. In
addition to digital platforms, the album is available in CD and LP formats. How
important is it for you to provide listeners with physical copies, and how do
you think the different formats contribute to the overall experience of your
music?
It feels like streaming has taken over nowadays but I think it's important to have your music on different formats because there's still alot of people who like to buy CDs, LPs, and Tapes. Alot of people still prefer to have a physical copy over digital or both. It also helps to make your music more accessible.
6. The
album artwork is striking and complements the dark themes of your music. Can
you share the story or concept behind the artwork and how it ties into the
overall narrative of the album?
I was
looking through an artist's work
(Ukie
Bloodart) who had done some logos and art for me with my previous solo project
and came across the piece that became the album cover. I liked how it was dark and still had the gory elements to it without being over the top. I think the cover really helps set the tone for the album. It takes the dark and brutal elements of the art and mirrors it through the music.
7.
Reginn's debut album is described as a sincere exploration of darker human
emotions. Can you elaborate on the emotional journey you intended to take
listeners on with this album?
Yes. I want
it to help the listeners to explore the darker corners of their mind. The
places your mind goes when in that intense feeling of anger or disgust. The
intrusive thoughts that creep in when you're alone and only seem to get louder.
The frantic feeling of anxiety, and paranoia.
8. How
has your local scene in Oklahoma City influenced your music and your approach
to the metal genre? Are there any specific experiences or aspects of the city
that found their way into your songs?
Some of my
favorite local bands were huge influences on my music. I remember going to
their shows and watching them play and then later getting to open and
share the stage with some of those same people. I think some of the aspects
that found its way to my music from living in the city is the reminder of
corrupt Judicial, government, and religious organizations. Looking around you
and seeing the ignorance/dangers of heard mentality.
9. As an
independent artist, how do you navigate the challenges of self-releasing an
album, and what advice would you give to other musicians who are considering
taking a similar path?
I started
learning how to do as much as I could by myself. From album art, promotional
fliers/banners, show fliers to recording, programming, mixing and mastering.
Alot of trial and error. To anyone wanting to take a similar path I would say
be open to learning and trying new things. Find routes that work for you.
People are gonna be negative but thats what they were put here to do so just
ignore it and keep pursuing your path and vision for your art.
10. Now
that the debut album is out, what's next for Reginn? Do you have any plans for
live performances, future releases, or other creative projects in the works?
I don't
plan on playing live with this project. It's just gonna be a studio project. I
am currently working on a 3 song promo for a 2nd album which I'm hoping to have
available for free download sometime next year. I'm also working on a
funeral/sludge/doom side project with Khold from the solo doom metal band
Pale Fallen
Dead called "Kaltsørg". Our debut album should be out next year as
well.
Musique | Reginn (bandcamp.com)
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