Can you give a brief introduction to Cindergarden?

Hmmm…  raindrops on black roses and whiskers on demonic kittens?

Actually, I’ll leave that to the clever folks at Cyber Angels :)

I will say however that the new full length album (unreleased) sounds worlds apart from the first. It's much more densely  layered,  more experimental and ambient than the first. It has a completely different mood. I think it's strong, but it's really not for me to decide. I have to let it go.

What does the name Cindergarden mean, it sounds like a mix of Cinderella and Kindergarten?

Not really into the Cinderella thing. More like a garden of cinders. I like that it sounds like Kindergarten but only because now it might be burning down to the ground.

In the studio Cindergarden is only you but live on stage you have an entire band, can you introduce the live line-up?

The line up seems to be constantly changing.  I have been lucky so far to have people who believe in the project enough to dedicate their time. Also, I have some really amazing players here!

Right now it consists of two drummers (alternating) and a keyboardist.  Nick Liberatore has been playing drums with me from the start. Recently joined is Chris Ridenhour on synths and second drummer is Anotnio Dillehunt.

There is an energy that simply wouldn’t exist if I was up there alone with a keyboard and a laptop. It definitely sounds more organic but I don’t think it takes you too far away from the original intentions. I’ve got really exceptional musicians around me and so they can just make it happen properly.

What instruments do you play yourself?

Piano, which easily translate into synthesizer.  It’s amazing what you can do with a simple midi keyboard.

What made you decide to start a career in music and is it still the main drive?

Making art is the only thing that has ever had consistent meaning in my life. Music is definitely my main medium and so following a path into the music industry is only natural. However, I do have other career ambitions as well.  I teach yoga and hope to own my own studio one day.

 
You released the album “underground light machine” last year, how were the responses on that and how do you look back on the album?

I couldn’t believe how positively it was received. I got a lot of support from DJ’s and music reviewers from all over the world. They really made me feel like something was happening, and that it was important to keep getting it out there.

No. Just keep moving forward. That’s life.

The album is really diverse, does this reflect your personality and your music taste?

Thank you… and absolutely. My music collection is ridiculously eclectic. I think there is something good to come out of just about ever genre….except ska. haha

What are your lyrics about and what inspires you in writing them?

I don’t stay with any one particular subject matter. Whatever is in my gut at the time is what you get. However, I am always interested in dark themes. ….and it keeps getting darker.

You just released the ULM remix ep, why a remix ep of some songs, did you felt they didn’t have reached their fullest potention? What do the remixes add to the originals in your opinion?

I’m not even sure what my expectations of the remix EP were but I do know that the end result far surpassed any I could have had. To me this Remix EP is a real celebration of Underground Light Machine.  

How this project was realised, did you asked friends to do a remix or was it more of an open competition?

Dan Gatto from Babyland originally suggested to me that I do a remix album one night. And, with that I volunteered him to be the first remix artist to sign on. He released it to me under the name The Marching of Tulip which is his new side project.

As far as getting it together…it just kind of worked itself out. I was open to receiving as many remixes as possible from very trusted sources. A few of them got cut in mastering with the prospect of being released in a second volume. It was just a matter of the flow being right between them all. I think the album couldn’t possibly have a better fluidity to it.

Well I was definitely surprised when Sascha from Neuroticfish and Dee from Penal Colony agreed to do remixes at all because they are artists that I already greatly admired from a distance. But I am certainly not surprised that they came out so good. I was more surprised by the ones that came from my friends. I mean, who knew!? Seriously though, I knew everyone involved was very talented but I had no idea what anyone was going to do to my little songs. They all made me proud.

You are also in the live line-up of System Syn, how did you join them?

I have been friends with those guys for a long time now.  I assume that Clint just decided one day to bring a new element into his live show and voila!

Is it different to be a part of a band instead of being the “leader”like in Cindergarden, in what way?

Being in System Syn is like hanging out with friends and playing music at the same time. I love doing it of course, though ultimately being the leader is more essential to me. Playing as a hired gun is still very rewarding but I love knowing that I also have my own project where I get to be in control.

You also run your own label “Looking Glass Records” what kind of label is it and what are your goals?

I have a few different acts signed now besides Cindergarden and they are all very different genres. Ghostlight, Skitch, Julia Dream, and Fact Pattern are all on the roster. I believe in them all and I would like to see everyone do well.  Pretty basic goal, but it’s a good one.

What are your dreams for the future?

To keep making more art while expanding my knowledge.

Any last words for the readers?

Vegan power!

http://www.myspace.com/cindergarden
http://www.cindergarden.com/