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Behold...the Arctopus are an instrumental metal band, but they have some different elements that other bands of the genre aren't playing, including the use of a touch guitar. Their musicianship is pretty damn crazy, making the songs a lot of fun to listen to. This Email interview went down with guitarist Mike Lerner. Check out Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning, available through Black Market Activities.
1. State something interesting about yourself.
ML: I can crack just about any part of my body.
2. Why do you think instrumental music has had a surge in popularity in the past couple years?
ML: I think that there are a few reasons. First is the snowball effect - that people who have been making instrumental music for many years now continue to do it and have gotten more support and interest and have influenced more people over the years. There's also the possibility that people are growing tired of the same old stuff that has dominated the radio for the past 15 years and instrumental music has been an avenue that listeners are now more open to explore (things are pretty dire now!) - Also perhaps there are some bands today who exemplify tremendous instrumental playing in their songs with vocals. That could be the way listeners take notice of the songs behind the vocals and could be their gateway to instrumental music as a whole.
3. Whats the biggest perk of being in a band?
ML: For me its getting to meet and perform with great musicians in other bands that I love.
4. How did you hook up with Black Market Activities and how have they helped you so far (besides releasing your album)?
ML: We heard of Guy and Black Market through our friends Psyopus and had only good things to say. Also a few other people we met had mentioned Black Market so his reputation preceded him. Then as both our EPs were about to become out of print we wanted to see if Guy had any interest. He did, and thats how our first BMA release came about. So far it's been nice to work with Guy. He has helped us with marketing and publicity - 2 areas in which we were lacking. He's been supportive of all our ideas and more importantly, likes our music which helps.
5. If you could wipe one band off the planet, who would it be and why?
ML: Let's see... I guess it'd have to be "Van Halen" so I could then start "Van Lerner" and rock into eternity.
6. Is it hard to kill time on the road?
ML: No. Its hard to find time on the road. Between 10 hour drives and hardwood floors as beds, extra napping time would be welcome.
7. Whats the worst injury you've ever had?
ML: Probably when I hit my head on an ornate table stand. With 6 staples in your head you are a TRUE METAL HEAD!!!
8. Whats one movie everyone should see?
ML: "Battle Royale"
9. Whats a little known fact about Guy from The Red Chord/BMA?
ML: He can fly! Or so I'd like to believe.
10. Name one album, besides your own, that you think all kids should have in their collection.
ML: Bal-Sagoth The Power Cosmic
11. Anything else you'd like to add.
ML: Thanks for the love! Rock on.
Interview by: RF