Angel Theory

Tell us more about you, Charles Fenech, and Angel Theory.
- "I began making music back in the late eighties, and didn't stop. Angel Theory was as a music project I started late in 2002, and I liked the material so much I thought I would hunt about for a recording deal, and found GUP Records... or they found me."

It is quite unusual with an EBM act from Australia, where and how do you find inspiration and do you think it's harder for an Australian band than a band from Europe in this genre?
- "I think it really just boils down to personal listening that's where I get my inspiration. I listen to a lot of electronic music, with lots of other styles mixed in. I get tired listening to electronic music all the time, that's when I turn to my other CDs. I think in some aspects it is very difficult for an Australian band to get noticed in Europe, as I can only get there once a year at best for shows. If I lived in Europe I could be playing allot more shows throughout the year. But the flip side of that is, when Angel Theory does come to Europe, you take the opportunity then to see them, because you don't know how soon the next show will be. Also I am aware of the "novelty" aspect of being from Australia... It can work in my favour. But at the end of the day, if you don't have strong songs and ideas it doesn't really matter where you live."

How's the electronic club life in Melbourne, Australia?
- "I'm not a club person, rarely do I go to them. But yes there is a Goth scene here in Melbourne, and it seems to do quite well."

Name drop a couple of bands from Australia that you think need some more publishing!
- "Well... Tankt, Resurrection Eve (new album from them coming soon), Stark and The Crystalline Effect, they are darker trip-hop... very slick and great live."

Tell us more about your debut album 'Fatal Condition'.
- "The album was mostly written through the year of 2003, and I completed it in September of that year. It mainly deals lyrically with personal struggles, and the search for an inner peace. I try to be as honest with my music as possible. It varies from EBM to light Electronics to IDM smoothly enough. I'm very happy with it."

It's said that you try to mix the atmosphere from a movie soundtrack with EBM, what parts and feelings of a soundtrack do you think you are able to express?
- "I don't know if I'm successful at that as yet.... But I think it's definitely coming. The newer material feels allot more atmospheric already. But yes, there are hints of a soundtrack feel on the album, "Evolve" being an obvious case. But there are other tracks, which definitely have hints about them. It's more about the visual side of the music and what images they can bring up for you while you listen. "Ease The Pain" although more dance floor orientated, has a very visual side to it."

Your lyrics are described as "personal emotions across the otherwise plastic genre", tell us more about this. In what way are you lyrics more emotional and were do you get the inspiration for your lyrics from?
- "I wouldn't say they were any more emotional than most about, but a lot of it has to do with how you analyze the lyrics. While some tracks maybe obvious in subject, others aren't. I've had some interesting interpretations about the lyrics for "Cold Fire" from the album, very different from what they are actually about. The inspiration does come from personal experiences though. For me it's very necessary to feel connected to the words somehow, whether positive or negative in nature."

Tell us the story about how you got a record deal.
- "I sent out about 30 demos world wide and GUP in my hometown was the one that picked it up. I had a deal no less than 2 days after sending it out."

In an interview you have done you listed your 10 favourite albums ever. There you listed bands like David Bowie, Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk. It's not quite in the same style as your music. Where does your EBM-inspiration come from?
- "Although the styles aren't the same, you can see the influences I think. Some Bowie atmospheres and definitely Depeche Mode's style and arrangements on the last part of "Panic Attack" being a prime example. But as far as direct EBM influences I would have to say there's allot to choose from and I listen to quite a lot of it. Bands like VNV Nation, Haujobb, Foma Tadre, I really like. I'd like to be a cross of those three styles."

You have done some remixes of songs made originally by bands like XP8, Psyche and Metallica(!). Any new cool remix jobs in the near future?
- "Nothing in the immediate future, but a couple might happen later this year."

The Swedish well-known band Covenant have made a remix of a track on your "Transmission E.P", will we see any Angel Theory remix on a Covenant track in the near future?
- "That would be nice, I wouldn't say no to that. Stranger things have happened."

What are you up to now when the album is released? What's the plan?
- "Well, we just finished a European tour that went quite successfully. Now I'm home with a little time off, before more writing. I have already begun writing the second album, and will continue with that shortly. I like to keep the momentum going. Also planning some US shows at some point."

Any last words to our readers?
- "A big thanks to everyone who saw one of our shows while we were in Europe. It was great to see lots of people out to see an unknown Australian electronic band play, and of course meet them. Also thanks to those you have purchased the EP, or Album. Without sales, Angel Theory has no future. Thanks!"

This interview was made 2004 and initially published on Neurozine.com