What was the beginning point for your music career? How did it all start?
For the most part I’ve always been into music. I’ve always been into it and learning how to make it has been a natural thing to me. It’s been a slow process from having ideas to learning how record, learning how to put everything together. I’ve always just loved it, and slowly over time tried to figure out how to make it.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Not really. The way I look at it, everything happens the way it’s supposed to. There are challenges sure, but it’s all apart of the process. With anything in life you just jump in and start figuring out how to do things that you don’t know how to. When you figure those out, that leads to new things.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
Releasing our latest album “Gwenda.” I was really happy with the way it came out. It was exactly how I planned and envisioned. It’s the first in a four album concept, so it was important that it be right. Going back to the first question it is the culmination of my musical life up to this point, and I’m really proud of it.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
We play death metal with elements of spoken word, new wave, classical, but for the most part just straight up death metal.
What is your creative process like?
Basically, I need the album art to start with so I can get a sense of the sound of the project. After that I try to gather all the sounds, amps, keyboard instruments, etc. I try to plan what I’m going to use. I usually have Shane get a batch of drums done. I have him recording ahead of me so I always have drums to work with. When I get working on a song I record a drum track in, and start writing, and arranging. Once I have everything set I’ll start laying everything down. I’ll do that song front to back and move on to the next until the album is finished. Hopefully everything has a unified feel to match the art. If it doesn’t I’ll tweak certain things, or re-record before release.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Personally on the level Void Collapse is on, I don’t really think about it that much. Meaning when you’re a smaller band you can only do what you can to get your music out there. Everything is pretty much how it’s supposed to be, and it always takes time and resources. So, if you’re your own record label it is what it is, you just have to figure out how to navigate it.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Just be yourself, and keep at it. Make music for yourself, and have fun.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
Unfortunately, we don’t play out. Shane lives in Texas, and I live in Michigan, so it’s just too far of a distance. We both work full-time also, and I have a family. We would if we could, but it’s not in the cards.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
Well musician is the hobby. I work at a chemical plant, and raise two girls with my girlfriend, so Void Collapse is sort of my labor of love get away, which is sort of the way I want it to be.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We are just about release a split single with Before the Storm We Flourished, and a Guns N’ Roses cover. We are also working on the next album. Check it out if you get a chance to, we really appreciate it.
