Assemblage 23

Hi Tom! Last time we talked were in the backstage area of the club Plasticity in the early 2003. How are you?
- "I'm doing well, thanks!"

You have released your latest album 'Compass', tell us more about it.
- "Well, it's probably the happiest I've been with an album. I wanted to stretch out and expand the sound of Assemblage 23 a bit, so there are a lot more outside influences than there maybe had been in the past. So far it seems to be getting a really good response."

How would you compare it to earlier albums? It seems you use a bit more vocal filters now than before?
- "I definitely have always been working on improving everything, including the vocals with A23. With a couple of exceptions, there really isn't anything too crazy as far as effects on them; it's just the way they're layered for the most part. As for how it compares to other albums? I think it's probably the most varied album I've done, but at the same time I think it still sounds like an A23 album."

You released the maxi 'Spark' prior to the release of the album, any other single releases planned?
- "Nope. We basically did the Spark single as something extra for the fans. Singles generally lose money these days because of the way the music industry has changed in recent years. I'd love to do another one, but the fact is people just don't buy singles like they used to."

How do you create the proper portions of all the media forms you blend together with your instruments?
- "Obviously a lot of it comes with experience. I've been recording for over 20 years now, and you can't help but learn new ways of doing things that improve your sound. Part of it is the actual production and mixing, but the actual arrangement of each part is important too for the best results. You have to learn to not crowd instruments in the same frequency range."

You have an upcoming European tour in the beginning of next year, what can people expect?
- "We'll be doing a lot of tracks off the new album as well as lots of fan favourites. We're really looking forward to seeing our European fans again!"

What is your favourite song to play live, by the way?
- "Hmm. I'm really looking forward to playing some of the new songs live, but from ones we've played in the past, it's probably a toss up between "Damaged" and "Madman's Dream", although the last one is difficult to sing."

What's the status of Nerve Filter? Haven't been an album since 2005 when 'Linear' was released.
- "Nerve Filter is done. I was really proud of the album and put a ton of work into it, but no one bought it and there just didn't seem to be any interest in it. I'll probably continue to do a remix as Nerve Filter now and then, but there's not much point in putting out albums that no one is really interested in."

Last time we spoke we talked about our common history in the punk genre, had any time over to play some punk rock?
- "No, my punk days are long behind me. I just can't get into it anymore. Probably has something to do with the fact that I'm a bit older now, haha."

Any last words to our readers?
- "Thanks for your support over the years and we'll see you out on tour!"