I:Scintilla is a post-industrial electronic rock project formed in Chicago in 2003 with a diverse fusion of genres. They performed Wave Gotik-Treffen in May 2007 & toured with The Cruxshadows & Ayria for the U.S. stretch of The Crüxshadows' Immortal Tour in 2008.
Discography:
The Approach (2004)
Havestar (2006)
Optics (2007)
Prey on You (2009)
Dying & Falling (2009-2010)
Line-up:
Vocals: Brittany Bindrim
Guitar/programming: Jim Cookas
Drums: Vincent Grech
Guitars/programming: Brent Leitner
Lets start with your new album Dying & Falling. What was your inspiration?
BB: The songs on Dying & Falling were written during a time of immense change and growth for us as a band. Additionally, during the past couple of years, I have grown more comfortable with my own belief system. Yet I still have an insatiable desire to better understand the world we live in through all its beauty and brutality, its good and evil, and its life and death. Dying & Falling captures this exploration of religion, societal norms, and psychology in a raw and biting manner. The idea behind this examination is to praise open dialogue on such subjects that are often seen as taboo to discuss and, thus, better understand.
For example, I believe that organized religion can do quite the damage to society and that it is important for people to examine their belief systems with an open mind, especially if it was one they were instructed to follow unquestionably as child. It can stunt modernization, progression, and peace. If you explore the lyrics on the album, you will find such themes in songs like “Face the Kill”, “Prey on You”, “Dying & Falling”, and “Omen”. The album title itself is toying with the notion of resurrection or “dying and rising”.
These notions are further explored in the album artwork. The reference to depictions of purgatory and hell are to compare self-inflicted and societal punishments people often endure for their beliefs. The paintings for “Dying & Falling” are of metaphorical purgatory and aim to deconstruct the myths of eternal damnation by contrasting images of reality and satire. In the end, I hope that our listeners will see that the message behind all of this as a positive one and to cherish the little time we have on this earth.
What is your favorite track on this album?
BB: The last track on the album, “Omen”, is one of my personal favorites. It explores a very deep bond I have with someone and the feelings I endured as this person attempted to end their life. While this was occurring and without any outside stimuli, I felt an overwhelming sadness overtake me, almost like I sensed that the person was in imminent danger. I felt a strong instinct that I cannot explain, as many people do at some point in their lives. Could these instincts be remnants of our evolutionary ancestors or just coincidence? This specific event challenged my beliefs, but also made me realize how just how deeply connected we can be with one another and how important it is for us to trust our instincts.
You recently did a cover of “I want it all” originally by DEPECHE MODE, are you interested in doing any covers from other unlikely genres?
BB: We covered “I Want it All” for our label’s Depeche Mode tribute compilation. We wanted to choose a song that hadn’t been covered to death, so we covered one of our favorite newer Depeche Mode tracks from Playing the Angel. We don’t have any plans to do any recordings of covers in the future. But when we play acoustic gigs, all sorts of unlikely covers pop up such as Nick Cave, Alice In Chains, and Johnny Cash.
What words would you use to describe your music?
BB: I would describe our sound as metal-infused electronica. Our music is quite diverse with industrial, rock, synthpop, trip-hop, and indie electro influences.
How do you compose your songs, develop concepts? Considering such a strong vocal presence & character, which comes first, the words or music?
BB: It really depends on the song. Jim (programming/guitar) and I are always writing, often independent of each other. Sometimes we bring independent ideas of ours together, other times we will inspire one another. Often times I have lyrics or a melody already written that I rework and shape with the music. Other times the music helps inspire the words.
How did you get involved in the music industry and what music did you grow up with?
BB: Music has always been in my blood. My grandmother is a gifted pianist and my father is a talented singer, guitarist, and programmer. I have always been around music growing up and it has been a vital part of my life. I began writing and singing as a young girl, but really didn’t get involved in the industry until college when I met up with Jim and the rest of the initial band members. Some of my inspirations growing up were Tori Amos, Skinny Puppy, Soundgarden, Bjork, and Bad Religion.
How do you think you think you differentiate whether something is a hobby or a life-long passion & pursuit?
BB: A hobby is an activity you have a lukewarm interest in that you enjoying doing to pass time. A hobby you do for pleasure, for leisure, or to make a few bucks. You know something is your life-long passion when it is something deep; it’s down in the marrow. It’s a driving force. It is what keeps you breathing, reaching, pushing, and breaking boundaries. It is an unruly love and a romance that will live inside of you your entire life. There is no stopping a life-long full-blooded passion. It knows no limits, no monetary value, and no end. This is music for us.
What has been one the most important influence in your life as an artist unrelated to music?
BB: Poetry and literary works are major influences of mine. Some of my favorite authors include Charles Bukowski, William Burroughs, Nichole Blackman, Pablo Neruda, and Hunter S. Thompson. I also find major influences from fine art, film, and travel.
What was the first song you wrote, individually & as a band? Did you have any formal vocal training or education in music & how important do you think that is for artists?
BB: When I was a kid I used to make up silly little songs all the time, I can’t remember what the first one I wrote was, but I’m sure it had something to do with jumping on the bed or catching snakes and toads in my backyard. Some pretty poignant stuff I tell you! The first song that I wrote with the band (or any band for that matter) was the song “Imitation” on our first album The Approach. I remember being so very nervous revealing it and singing it in front of my bandmates for the first time! Oh how things have changed.
I never received formal vocal training. I just learned through listening to my dad and the singers that influenced me as a kid. I think it was an advantage because it helped me form my own vocal style and allowed me to remain experimental and creative in the writing process. I follow my instincts more and sing with my heart. I’m sure there’s a tradeoff and I have since worked on vocal and breathing techniques myself. I’m not sure that everyone would feel the way I do, but I’m just saying that it is not necessary for all vocalists to receive vocal lessons to become successful.
What made you gravitate towards electronic music? You recently did a performance as a guest vocalist for The Atomica Project, are you presently working on any side projects?
BB: I tend to gravitate to the darker and harsher side of art and music. Electronic music was just the natural direction for me. I very much love working with a variety of artists. You can learn so much from different minds and ears. Besides The Atomica Project, I am currently working on a few tracks for iVardensphere, Broken Fabiola, and a track with industrial pioneers Die Warzau.
You have energetic stage presence / How do you get into the zone & engage with the audience?
BB: I’m just a naturally intense and energetic person, so performing live came pretty natural to me. I don’t force it; I just let the music drive me. I’m also fairly athletic and love to run races and half marathons, which helps quite a bit with the endurance aspect.
What advice would you give to an artist &/or band about to do their 1st live performance?
BB: Let go of your inhibitions, be yourself on stage, and just have fun. People will follow suit. Don’t worry about messing up. If you fuck up, then hey! It’s a live show, no big deal! People love to see the wheels come off the wagon. It’s all in the recovery. Just remember to remount with grace.
Any upcoming tours or festival performances?
BB: We are looking to tour the U.S. and/or return to Europe this year, so stay tuned. At the moment we have dates booked in the Midwest in April, the East in May, and the West Coast in June.
Favorite gear?
BB: We use a Shure wireless in-ear monitor system for shows which we have really grown to love. It guarantees a great monitor mix onstage that we have control over.
Artists are people too! Do any of you have any unconventional interests, unique talents or skills?
BB: I am a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer by day. I have an undying devotion to fine art and often find that my art and music influence one another or help me delve deeper into a particular subject.
Off the top of your head, quick! Name one song to describe how you feel today.
BB: Cocteau Twins – Heaven or Las Vegas because I’m all up in my head and dreamy today with a tinge of wanderlust.
Guilty/secret pleasures we may not expect to find in your music library?
BB: Let’s see here… some of my guilty pleasures include “Freedom” by George Michael, “Bad Romance” by Gaga, “Groove is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite, and crappy early 90’s dance music.
Do you have a favorite compilation?
BB: I’m always a big fan of the Advanced Electronics compilations. But my favorite compilation CD has to be the moody and terrifying soundtrack to Lost Highway, including Angelo Badalamenti, Bowie, Lou Reed, and Nine Inch Nails.
Can you recommend any up & coming artists/bands you like that we should check out?
BB: Studio-X is a great new Australian band that has a lot of potential and talent. Voicians as well. Both are quickly becoming one of the most sought after remixers in the scene.
Resources:
Official site
Myspace
Twitter
Interview made by Precious Little