Interview with September Mourning Vocalist Septmeber

May 14, 2020

Interview with September Mourning Vocalist Septmeber

Photo by Jeremy Saffer 2020

By Mick Michaels

The Cosmick View: Hello, September and welcome to The Cosmick View! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us!

CV: What led the band to decide to include makeup as part of their stage persona? Was it more than just a way to stand out?
September: September Mourning is a transmedia project. It's music, artwork, video, and the live show. We play the characters from the Graphic novel so the make-up is more about transforming into the characters.

Photo by Curtis Noble

CV: How is September Mourning different from similar type acts, such as Evanescence, Within Temptation and Marilyn Manson that used theatrics and makeup as part of their artist persona and fan appeal?

September: As mentioned above - September Mourning is a transmedia project. Everything started with the graphic novel and grew from there. Our songs are part of the overall storyline, and we incorporate that into the live show. So the experience isn't just about a Rock band wearing make-up. It's all part of a more immersive experience at the live show.

CV: Do you feel the band's music would have the same impact as it does now with fans if the makeup and theatrics were not present?
September: The music is impactful on its own – but it makes for a more entertaining experience because it's being presented and performed as part of an ongoing storyline. That's what draws our fans to us.

CV: What are your thoughts on bands using pre-recorded material and backing tracks? Does it diminish the band's abilities and mislead audience's expectations in any way as some critics have stated?
September: Critics can say whatever they like – but we are in an era where so many bands use backing tracks to enhance the live show. The audience comes to a show with a certain expectation and sound systems vary greatly from venue to venue. We all want to give our audiences the best possible sound at a show. We are still playing and singing, and it has nothing to do with a band's abilities and everything to do with giving the fans the best show possible. Many bands that are popular these days don’t even write their own music, let alone use backing tracks. There will always be musical "purists" who don't like it – but the fact is playing live without some enhancement barely exists anymore.

CV: September Mourning has spent the COVID lockdown preparing the release of a “Madness,” an anime-action video. Tell us a little about the video and the song which appears on the EP, “Volume III.”

September: We actually had this video done before lockdown and have spent lockdown working on a new album, but “Madness’ is a song about being in a place of insurmountable, illogical thought towards a situation that basically holds your heart hostage. We have all been in the position of dealing with a relationship with something or someone that has driven us mad. But what we sometimes don’t like to admit is that the process of driving us mad makes us feel alive.

We sometimes choose that over the logical choice of ending such a relationship. In this song the narrator is convincing him or herself or that of a partner to once again make that illogical choice – to feel alive. There is a sense of masochism to the song, and one can say that love in itself can be just that: that time and time again we cower to the masochistic instinct and bleed our hearts dry for situations that leave us feeling crazy or driving us into madness.

CV: How has the COVID pandemic affected the band’s daily routine? Do you see such a worldwide situation changing how bands will conduct business and fan interaction in the coming future?
September: Until it’s safe to do so again, we cannot tour and projects like ours rely heavily on touring - so we have to adjust our way of thinking about how we are going to get our music and story out there. 100% the industry will change… it already has. Virtual content will lead the way from here on out.

CV: Are following musical trends the best way for a band to plan their career? What are your thoughts?
September: That’s the worst way for a band to plan their career, in my opinion. Musicians should write songs and make music that is personal and speaks their truth. A lot of bands don’t write their own material anymore… Following trends has become the norm for some – but trends always change. You have to make the best music you can that YOU want to make – and the rest will take care of itself.

CV: With over 25,000 new songs releasing daily, does it almost constitute that a band have a gimmick to get an audience’s attention and have their music heard?
September: I can't really speak to that, as what we do is not a gimmick to get attention. I think audiences see right through something that isn't genuine. To me, I wanted to create a project that wasn’t just a band. I wanted to do a transmedia project and change the musical landscape. I just speak my truth in the songs. At the end of the day it comes down to writing good music and in our case having a good story to tell as well.

CV: Can a band today survive without social media? Is it possible for a band to have an audience without Facebook or Twitter? Are they really that valuable to success?
September: Social platforms are more valuable today than ever because of the lack of touring. Some bands were known mostly as live bands and they would draw and sometimes not have a viral audience - but now you have to have both. To be a successful band, a lot of factors come into play – social media is certainly a very important part of it, as the music business continues to evolve.

CV: How would you define being a “cutting-edge band" - Is it pushing the artistic envelope in sight and sound or is there something more to it?
September: It just comes down to owning your truth… to the point of being brave enough to express it, especially if it is against the norm. You have to be yourself and put yourself out there. And not be afraid to fail.

CV: What can fans expect to see coming from September Mourning as 2020 continues?
September: We are working on a new album. There will be more singles and videos that continue to grow and expand the September Mourning story. And we can't wait to get back out and play live again – once we can safely do it.

CV: Thanks again September for taking some time and talking. It is greatly appreciated.

Check out September Mourning at:

Official website: http://www.septembermourning.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/septembermourning
Twitter: https://twitter.com/septmbrmourning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/septembermourning /
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theseptembermourning
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1FjmcJhd7moIysZVGBZ21J
Apple Music/iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/madness/1486198302?i=1486198364

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@septmourning

Physical store: https://september-mourning-merch.myshopify.com/products/volume-iii

Bands In Town: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/241760

September Mourning upcoming tour dates

Saturday, June 6th – The Machine Shop – Flint, MI

Sunday, June 7th – Metal In The Mountains – Pipestem, WV

Saturday, July 4th – Anime Midwest (Chicago, IL)

Saturday, July 11th – Inkcarceration – Mansfield, OH

Thursday, July 16th – Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI

Saturday, Oct. 31st – Arctic Comicon – Anchorage, AK

Like The Cosmick View on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/TheCosmickView

My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.