Who is Stacey Campbell?
I’m the creator, leader, and lead singer of the Spider Lilies.
To what kind of music did you listen as a kid and when did you get in touch with goth/electro?
I grew up in a small, conservative town, so there wasn’t really a goth scene at all. I loved music for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would sing and dance to records and tapes (remember those?!), and whatever was playing on the local pop-rock radio station. I grew up in the 80’s, and I loved Madonna, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Blondie, Stevie Nicks and other new wave artists. When I got older, it was Depeche Mode, the Cure, and Dead Can Dance. Then came metal, industrial and alternative music. Anything with emotion in the vocals, and usually with the sound of heavy distorted rhythm guitar! I listened to industrial bands like Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, and Front 242, as well as well as metal bands like Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Slayer. The music which excited me most was always of a darker nature. So when I moved away to college and was introduced to goth clubs, I felt very comfortable there.
How did you get involved in the music scene?
I was kind of pushed into it, actually! I always wanted to perform, but never considered it a real possibility until I met people in college who wanted to work with me. My first real band was called Shih-tzu Marmalade. It was a project put together by a co-worker of mine and myself. We would sit together in his dorm room writing for hours after work and class, scouring my poetry for lyrics, and writing melodies on guitar. We put a band together, started practicing, and played some shows around town and around Florida.
Many people will remember you as guitarist for The Crüxshadows, how do you look back on that period in your life and what is your best memory about it?
It wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! I learned a great deal during my time in that band! My best memory is probably all of the wonderful people I met – some of which I still keep in touch with! The fans are the best for the support and love they give. Because the Cruxshadows tour so much, I have lots of stories from being on the road. So many places! So many new experiences! Even the most difficult parts of touring were worth it to me, because I feel stronger for having gotten through it. Like playing sick, or traveling for long periods of time without rest or sleep. Today I don’t worry so much if I can do something because oftentimes, I’ve done it before! I hope it makes me a better leader for the Spider Lilies too, knowing exactly what I’m asking of my band mates.
You now have you own band called Spider Lilies, can you give a brief introduction to it?
Spider Lilies is electronic goth rock with female vocals, guitar, and synthesizers. The project called Spider Lilies really started back in 1999. Rogue from Cruxshadows produced one song with me, called “Sand,” and we released it on the internet. Circumstances shifted, and I soon ended up being hired to play guitar for Cruxshadows. After leaving the band, I wanted to develop more of my own ideas.
You play many instruments like synths, guitar, bass, drums, did you have leesons in that or mastered it yourself?
I took guitar lessons as a teenager, but most of everything else I’ve taught myself, or learned as I go along! I also pay attention and learn from other musicians when I can.
Is there any instrument you would learn how to play?
There’s so many that would be cool to learn! I haven’t stopped learning about the instruments I already play! There’s always more to learn.
When you compare the new album “cyclogenesis” to “In the light” in what way does is deviate, what progress did you make?
The music from the first album, “In the Light,” is probably more moody and rock-based, compared to “Cyclogenesis.” I wanted to make “Cyclogenesis” more danceable and energetic, while still expressing a dark, emotional feeling. The sound itself is colder, and more electronic. The music from “In the Light,” is predominantly performed by me. William Smith took a very active role in the recording of “Cyclogenesis,” as he recorded guitar for all of the songs, and did some of the synth programming. I enjoy collaborating with William, and we seem to work well together. We’ve gotten good reviews from both albums. “Cyclogenesis” includes more club-friendly beats, so it has the potential to reach more people through club play.
Can you explain the album title “Cyclogenesis” what does it mean to you?
I studied Meteorology in college, so the title relates to me personally in that way. A definition of the word is “the development or intensification of a violently rotating windstorm.” The spiral pattern, found in hurricanes and other natural formations also inspired the Spider Lilies logo. Also, sometimes getting through life can feel like you’re trying to make it through a storm! With the album “Cyclogenesis,” I hope we are developing and intensifying what we’ve begun with “In the Light.”
How did the recordings of Cyclogenesis go, what can you tell us about the “making of”
The first few songs came slowly. We put them out on the internet, and for a while we just planned to release one song at a time. But some exciting opportunities happened this year, like being invited to play at Dragon*Con, which led us to really step on the gas and get an album out. Normally, you’d think the art would suffer, but we were highly inspired the whole time, and I think the excitement of it spurred our creativity. It was a great ride, and I think the album turned out exceptionally well!
On some songs Rachel (ex The Crüxshadows) play some violin, aren’t you afraid that this will make people compare you to The Crüxshadows?
I’m sure people would, compare Spider Lilies with the Cruxshadows anyway, as it was something I did before which was popular. Rachel is a very talented and highly trained violinist as well as a dear friend. I see her fairly regularly anyway, so when the topic came up, she offered to record violin for some Spider Lilies songs. We had some new songs that would sound great with violin, so there was no reason to turn down the offer, or ask anyone else! Besides, I already knew she was great to work with, and I trust her ability completely.
What is the hardest for you to do when it comes to songwriting? How do you compose the songs, how do you start?
Sometimes I start with lyrics, a vocal melody, and a general rhythm. When I have an idea for a sound, a beat, or a melody, I work mostly with computers and guitar to get that sound, and bring the idea to reality as closely as possible. However, sometimes I just play with sounds, brainstorming, until an idea forms. After that point, you just keep building and tweaking until it’s done.
Rumors are that there will be a remix album, can you confirm this and if so, what can you tell us about it?
Yes! This should come out in Spring or Summer of 2010. We have already gotten some great remixes, as well as rough drafts from artists I really admire! So far we have tracks from Clan of Xymox, Ego Likeness, Imperative Reaction, XP8, Espermachine and… you may be surprised to hear… remixes from Valerie Gentile and friends in New York City, and George Bikos! They were both guitarists for Cruxshadows after me, and also great friends.
MTV has a program called Cribs, what is the best or funniest part of your “Crib”?
Hmm. I’m glad to be renting a house now, because that works best for band practice! It’s not in the best shape, but it works. The driveway is cracked and broken, and the kitchen sink shoots water sideways sometimes. Sarah Poulos used to be our roommate, and I took care of her dogs when I was home writing, and she was on tour dancing and singing with the Cruxshadows. Yet another tie to them, I know! Ha ha! Well, her dogs could be little terrors, and one time the littlest hyper one jumped into my face and actually broke my nose! That was pretty funny. I was angry, but it was still funny!
If you could be a different person for one day, who would you like to be?
That’s a hard one. Does it have to be a person? Could I be an animal? How about a super-hero? I’d like to be able to transform into anything I want. Other than that, maybe Madonna. Or Chuck Norris.
What are your goals and dreams for The Spider Lilies?
I would like us to tour more. I’d like for my band-mates to experience some of the good experiences I’ve had on the road, which one can only get by being there. And with Spider Lilies, it will be a whole new kind of experience for me too! I want to keep writing music that people love, and get better at it in the process.
Any last words for the readers?
Don’t ever stop learning, trying, and creating what you wish for.
http://www.myspace.com/spiderlilies