SPIRIT IN THE ROOM merges gothic noir with raw energy, creating music that’s haunting and introspective. Founder Dennis dives into dark themes, Louisiana influences, and the creative freedom behind Passengers.
1. SPIRIT IN THE ROOM has a
distinct, noir-inspired sound that feels both unsettling and evocative. How did
your Louisiana roots and your life in Los Angeles influence the sound and
vision of the band?
In regards
to Louisiana roots, I think more than anything it’s just affected the way I
play and the way I feel music. My internal clock, the way I count etc.
I don’t
care where I’m at. I just want to make and play music that I love. At the core
of it all, that’s what make me happiest. I love what I do.
2. The
Passengers EP is described as embodying “drab,” “bleak,” and “haunting”
qualities. What personal meaning or experiences drove the creation of these
particular songs? You’ve mentioned that the songs on Passengers aren’t
“drivers” but more like “passengers.” Could you explain how that idea plays out
in the EP, both musically and thematically?
This is
basically considered a compilation EP. It consists of 6 songs. 3 were
unreleased up until this point. And 3 had been released on various platforms
throughout the years. These aren’t new songs to us.
The
“drivers” comment was me trying to be funny. I laughed. The songs are all kinda
moody and mid tempo. They’re more like companion songs I suppose. Not very
driven.
3. The
track titles alone — “Creepy Phone Calls,” “Show Me You,” “Covenant” — evoke
strong imagery. Can you share the inspiration behind these songs and the kind
of story or feeling you hope listeners will experience?
The
Inspiration is rhythm and memory. I’d hope that the audience would experience
an understanding of consciousness. Time, space and memory.
4. From
Flamingo to Passengers, SPIRIT IN THE ROOM has continually
explored darker, more introspective themes. How do you balance this gothic,
noir feel with the raw energy of your live performances?
I’m not
really sure to be honest. I just play what I feel and I make it top priority.
Im a terrible salesman
5. Every
track on Passengers was written, recorded, performed, mixed, and mastered by
you alone. What does this level of creative control bring to your work, and how
do you keep yourself creatively fueled through the entire process?
It’s just
easier to concentrate when I’m alone. My imagination works best in that way
sometimes. Caffeine helps.
6. You’ve
described SPIRIT IN THE ROOM’s sound as a “collision of gothic
vocal hues, alternative architecture, and metallic catharsis.” How do you
approach blending these elements, and what’s your starting point when writing a
song?
I’m not too
sure it was me that described it that way but it is what it is. I usually start
with a click track and play a beat or a bass line to it and build the song from
there. Or maybe some sort of sound fx. It’s hard to stop once it starts.
7. Supporting
Pantera on their recent tour must have been an intense experience. How did that
opportunity come about, and how has the reception been from Pantera fans?
That was an
incredible experience with some really great people. Thanks to Philip and Kate
Anselmo and the Housecore family. Definitely a highlight in our lives.
I think the
audience was cool.
We didn’t
have any trouble.
8. You’ve
released some of these tracks on YouTube, Bandcamp, and SoundCloud before but
not as a cohesive collection. What prompted you to revisit and collect these
songs together on Passengers?
We haven’t
put anything out in 2 years so we figured this would be cool. I love the songs
as well and there’s plenty more where they came from.
9. What
can we expect from your upcoming shows in support of the Passengers EP? Are
there elements of the live experience you emphasize to immerse the audience
in SPIRIT IN THE ROOM’s atmosphere?
We’re not
really focused on playing right now as we’re in the studio working on the next
record. Passengers is just some ear candy for the time being.
10. Your
music has been described as an “anachronistic fever dream” full of paranoia and
obsession. How do you tap into these emotions, and what do you think draws
listeners to these darker emotional spaces?
I think
we’re all just a little fucked up. Some more than others. I just be
myself.
11. After
the release of Passengers, what’s next for SPIRIT IN
THE ROOM?
We’re
working on a full length. It’s a lot different than Passengers. More guitars
and stuff like that.
12. Are
there more themes or stories you’re eager to explore on future projects?
Absolutely.
Lots.
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