(Samantha): Requiem - mezzo forte is the second album (released
first) in a series of three.
We wrote our own requiem mass. Three albums, written together. The first
in the series is Requiem - pianissimo, and entirely classical
album, no band, featuring The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, spectacular
choral arrangements, and tenor, soprano and mezzo-soprano solo voices.
The third in the series is Requiem - fortissimo, the heaviest of
all three. Much more aggressive. The three albums thus progress in sonic
intensity. A requiem is a piece of music written for someone who has
died. Often, they can be very sterile, very religiously stern, and
almost unsympathetic to the torn human soul.
This is our own requiem. We respected tradition, but also respected
those who need to grieve.
Who is responsible for song writing?
Rowan (singer/piano) and I have written everything on all of Virgin
Black's releases including the Requiem albums. I find him very easy to
work with, probably because we seem to naturally think in a very similar
manner.
How did you proceed for the composition?
We had an inordinate task. All the scores had to be written perfectly
for the orchestra. Every detail, every feel, every dynamic, every single
note had to be documented perfectly because there was no rehearsal. The
day of recording was the day they saw the music. It was enormous
pressure.
Can you speak to us about the recording sessions?
The work leading up to recording with The Adelaide Symphony
Orchestra felt endless. Actually, being able to record with them was a
miracle in itself. If it was not for the conductor's love for the music,
I don't think it would have been possible. Rowan and I worked very hard
and as you can imagine were extremely nervous on the day as we did not
know if it would be a complete disaster. We still had not heard the
music in its full form, so there were a lot of unknowns. But they sat
down. We were the audience, they began to play, and it was the best day
of my life. That experience is beyond words.
What are the lyrics talking about? Where do you find inspiration?
A requiem is a piece of music written for someone who has died. It
was something that lay in my heart for many years but I never imagined
would be possible to do. I don't understand why it was there, but it was
something that I carried with me, and finally released at the right
time. Some things are just meant to be. The music means so much to me.
When writing, I wrote it as if no one else would ever hear it. I wrote
it to comfort my own soul.
For you, what are the biggest differences between this new album and the
previous ones?
Virgin Black still exists in the current releases, but in a much
more grandiose manner.
Who created the artwork?
We have been known to do everything ourselves. We have always
photographed our own artwork, up until now. It felt like this was a new
era, so we went to other sources for the artwork. There will be a
running theme, though subtle, on the three albums.
What are your favourite songs out of this new album? And what makes them
so special for you?
I don't actually see them as separate songs because for me it is a
single piece. I'm not just saying that to avoid the question either! If
I had to choose, I would say perhaps "
We recently played one
exclusive European show, in Switzerland. We hope to do more extensive
European touring next year. As for the immediate future, we are due to
go over to the U.S., Canada and Mexico for quite a few shows there.
How do you prepare yourselves either mentally or physically before you
enter on stage?
Nothing too mysterious. I just like to have my own space and time alone.
This is all I need.
Do you have any funny or strange stories about the band you can share
with us?
A lot of funny moments, but they're usually things where if you
repeat them they don't have the same impact. I love the boys I'm with.
They're really good guys and I feel honoured to share this with them
As for strange stories, I hope to acquire a few on our next journey…as
long as they're not too strange!
Thank you very much for according time to me, and as a conclusion, can
you say some words for my radio show Metal Choc?
Thank you Corinne, really do appreciate it. I guess it's only apt to let
people know some details.
For those interested, you can find out more on:
www.virginblack.com and
www.myspace.com/virginblackofficial
