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London After Midnight

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Interview ReGen magazine ReGen Music Magazine, 2022.


ReGen First of all, how are you? How's your health?

You very recently released Oddities Too; what was the motivating factor for returning to Oddities after 24 years?

In the process of remixing/revising the original tracks, as well as the other featured tracks, did you find that your perceptions of the material had changed since you first recorded/released it?

After more than two decades, what kinds of surprises or otherwise unexpected qualities did you discover as you went over the original multi-track tapes?

Nostalgia has manifested in different ways, from the resurgent popularity of certain genres to many artists revisiting past material, as LAM did with Oddities Too. To what would you attribute this? What do you feel have been the key factors toward these looks back to the past?

LAM is often associated with goth/rock and darkwave, and while it's not unheard of for these genres to directly address politics, you've been one of the more visible and vocal acts to do so. A quote I love from Orson Welles - "ÒEvery work of art is a political statement. When you deliberately make it, you usually fall into the trap of rhetoric and the trap of speaking to a convinced audience, rather than convincing an audience. I donÕt think it is the duty of every artist to change the world; he is doing it by being an artist."
Especially in the modern era when everybody is able to communicate and share (or reinforce) their views and opinions, what are your thoughts on this and the role of politics in art (or vice versa)?

Similarly, as genres are often mixed and mangled, what are your thoughts on the goth and darkwave genres and how they've evolved (or at the very least changed) since you first started making music? What is the validity of "genres" in this day and age?

You've just recently released a video for "Better Off Dead (Be My Guest)," which you also edited. Despite the title, you did include the disclaimer addressing depression and suicide ideation. First of all, would you tell us about how you approached the visuals and their relationship to the lyrics? Do you have a philosophy around LAM's visual presentation and how it complements or strengthens the music?

What do you most enjoy about the process of making/editing videos?

Prior to Oddities Too, LAM released its first ever live album, which was actually created through online interaction during the lockdowns. Of course, file-sharing is nothing new, but what did you find to be the major challenges in recording in this fashion vs. how the band records in the studio? Do you feel you were successful in capturing a live energy through this medium?

Many bands turned to livestreaming during the pandemic, and while live shows have returned, we are still facing numerous postponements and cancellations - visas not being issued, health concerns still rampant, financial issues, etc. What do you feel artists, labels, venues, the industry as a whole should take away from the experience and use or think about going forward?

What is the prospect of LAM playing live and touring - do you foresee this happening anytime soon?

Not to bring the subject of age into question, but what do you find to be the major differences in your writing and working methods now vs. when you first recorded/released Oddities? What do you find personally have been the best methods to staying healthy and vital as a working musician, and in what ways do you feel it affects your creative abilities (and vice versa)?

What's next for you and London After Midnight? Any other projects you can tell us about?

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Interview from German magazine Orkus Music Magazine, 2021.


Orkus


Your new album "Live from Isolation" (released by Darkride Records, 2020) gives hope and shows that the year 2020 can also produce positive things which maybe is more than ever important. How did you get through this difficult year?

What do you do when, despite positive efforts, you feel that the ceiling is falling on your head?

What generally makes you smile?

In what way was "Live from Isolation" created under Live-conditions?

How did you go about choosing the songs?

The songs feel almost frighteningly timeless. Do you feel the same way when you listen to them?

How did you approach to the songs, was there perhaps one that has gained a new meaning for you in the meantime?

The radio promos from "Live From Isolation" are an interesting document of the times. How did you come across them and how did you come up with the idea to include them as a bonus?

I'm sure I'm not the only one looking VERY forward to the new album. Understandably, the release had to be postponed. Can you tell us anything about it yet?

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Interview from Ukrainian magazine Gothica Music Magazine, 2021.


Gothica magazine


In October 2019, you announced the start of Darkride Records. This is a label for only LAM releases or other artists are in the plans.

At the end of 2020, you published a new version of "Selected Scenes from the End of the World: 9119". Do I understand correctly that 9119 is an inversion from 1991? Or is there another meaning in this? And what can fans hear on this release?

And also it would be interesting to know the details about "Live From Isolation".

What was the gothic music scene like when you started in the 1990s? And what changes, in your opinion, have happened to this day.

?What are your personal favorite London After Midnight songs?

I've seen you discuss a lot of global issues on your social networks. What is the model of ideal world for you?

Tell us about your favorite and interesting places in Los Angeles.

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Interview from the Alliance for Animal Rights website, Autumn 2010.


Alliance for Animal Rights


Why did you go vegetarian? What's your motivation?

Is there any connection between human rights and animal rights? Do we have to point out some facts about it?

Can we ever say it's 'too late' for changes that can be reached in defending animals and the environment? And what actions should we take to make humans live without all forms of animal exploitation in the future?

What do you think about the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth First! (EF!)? Should we accept their radical tactics?

Should we blame others for not being radical enough?

Do you think it is "too late" for changes that can be reached in defending animals and the environment?

What actions should we take to make the human live without all forms of animal exploitation in the future?

What political party do you support and why? What are your political views? Should people be more politically active?

Why should people vote?

What inspired you to write "Violent Acts of Beauty"?

What are current and future plans?

Any last words?

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Interview from the R.I.P Magazine issue #25 (Russia), July 2009.


R.I.P. Magazine


What reaction to your music are you expecting from people?

Your music changes with the times. Do you like to sing your old songs or you prefer new ones?

How do you usually create songs? There is a one-piece picture, appearing in your mind or it's like a puzzle-game with many parts?

What usually inspires you to create?

Are you satisfied with the new album? And what way will you choose in your music in future?

Recently you began to look at the piracy problem more closely. In your opinion is there a way to fight with piracy correctly? What do you think about such resources as www.thepiratebay.org ?

You follow world's events intensively. Could you recommended to our readers three events they should pay attention to?

Which of your past concerts do you remember most of all? What public do you like to perform in front of?

Do you believe in the love existence and what is the meaning of "love" in your songs?

When you look back, do you have any regrets about past?

Do you have in view any groups or persons with whom you want to create something together?

One of your songs called "Your Best Nightmare" sounds a bit similar to Edward Gorey. In your opinion, what literature or art seems alike with your songs today?

How do you see the world as a whole? Is it may be said that in our reality a very little part remind of the light and good feelings?

If you can choose, what will be your choice: our reality or imaginary world, created by your own? What is the ideal world for you?

Remembering your songs like 'A Letter to God' (from the CD "Psycho Magnet") and 'Nothing's Scared' (from "Violent Acts of Beauty"), I have such a question - what is God for you, is it somebody higher than humans or only some kind of "addressee" for your lyrics?

Is the duality a usual thing for your music? Or it seems like art with a lot of meanings?

What things can make music and songs meanings more bright and understandable? Something like video or special effects?

Do you have in your music something that never changed?

If you can paint your own music, what colors you'll use in this picture and what it will look like?

What was your attitude to Gothic culture in 1990s and what is it for you now?

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From Rock Oracle (Russia 2007): What philosophy is in your music and your new album's name, Violent Acts of Beauty?

ELEGY MAGAZINE (France, 2007): Before even listening to the music, I was impressed by the cover. I find this imagery very close to the old Communist/Soviet propaganda. Do you agree? Can you tell me more about it and the artist that created it?

Is this artwork an answer to the current American government that you call fascist on the album?

Some songs are clearly against the current American government, like "Feeling Fascist?", "Republic" or "America's a Fucking Disease". But, isn't it paradoxical to release this album now, as Bush will soon not be president anymore?

Also, "The Kids Are Wrong" seems to be a reference to The Who. Right? Why?

Tell us about the new songs. What is "Nothing's Sacred" about?

Sideline Magazine (Germany, 2007): LAM was featured on the SAW II Soundtrack. What are your thoughts on the trilogy?

LEGACY MAGAZINE (Italy, 2007): Why is America a fucking disease? Please tell us more about these lyrics!

Would you say London After Midnight is a political entity, caring very much for society's problems?

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(Gothic Beauty Magazine, USA, Autumn 2005.
The interview Gothic Beauty Magazine printed was severely edited, so here's the complete version, which is MUCH more interesting, and makes more sense!)

First of all, who are we speaking with today?

A lot has been happening for LAM since your interview in the very first issue of Gothic Beauty Magazine! What do you feel is one of the more important moments in recent LAM history?

So tell our readers the latest news about LAM and Hot Topic!

What are your tour plans for early 2006?

What new recording plans do you have?

Let's chat a bit about your music. While I understand that the music of LAM is unique and varied, what would you like to say about your music to anyone who may not be familiar with LAM? (influences, etc.)

Please give our readers a bit of insight into the song-writing process.

What are your personal favorite LAM songs?

Please tell us a little bit about the Trisol re-releases.

Speaking of iTunes, I have seen LAM listed on several websites and web stores with some rather bizarre biographical information, which seemed inaccurate to say the least. One website had LAM as being a 1970s band and listed the band as having been formed by someone other than yourself. How did that happen?

And now the all important fashion question for Gothic Beauty readers... do you have any particular designers that you like to work with? What do you like most in regards to on-stage costuming?

According to the LAM website, you are extremely pro-animal rights. I would love to know about any animals you currently share your homes with.

LAM recently reached out on the web to MySpace. What is your MySpace link, and how do you feel about this particular forum for reaching out to your fans? Are you directly involved?

I notice that you often answer questions directly posted by fans on your message board- The LAM Online Community What is the strangest or most interesting thing you have encountered on your message boards?

Is there anything else you would like to tell Gothic Beauty Magazine readers?

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(From Orkus Magazine, Germany, September 2005. As usual, the European magazine translations differ significantly from what Sean actually said, so read the real interview here)

In an earlier interview for Orkus you wrote your favorite word was "Vote". What did you mean, the possibility to vote in ALL phases of life about everything? Or to vote about something special? Or to give himself the chance to vote for all what will be done at next? Or something completely different? Or is it just the spoken sound of the word that fascinates you?


The next question also refers to our conversation of 2003. In March 2003 you told that you have enough songs to fill two new CDs. Is the new release far off?


We can listen to three new LAM songs on www.myspace.com/lam. Are there any other songs ready yet?


Please some words to the genesis of the new song "Fear" that we can hear on LAM's MySpace page. What things/animals/situations/persons do you fear and why? And are there any things you don't fear but other people do?


Please some words to the genesis of the (wow!) song "Nothing's Sacred". What is sacred for you personally - some objects, jewelry? Or do you live the "nothing's sacred for me", punk thing?


Please some words to the genesis of the song "Love You To Death". How deep have you loved in your life (someone or something)? That deep you didn't re-identified yourself, made things you never thought of doing them for yourself? And if I may ask, what about your love to your family, the - widely-used and usual - roots to your own past, the past of the roots?


Can you perhaps tell us some news of the tracklist of the new album? some kind of concept, straight line, thread perhaps? And a name/title and a date of release?


Have you found a producer yet with whom you're satisfied enough that he can produce the album? Or are there any other plans (self producing)?


Are there any plans for new sound (add-ons in music) or do you prefer to play the good old LAM-style?


What about the actual line-up of live members? Has something changed?

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(Jan 2003)
In August 2002 you performed at the M'era Luna festival in Germany as one of the headliners to approximately 25,000-30,000 people. How was that?


In mid 2001 London After Midnight returned from an international tour, which took you through South America, Mexico and parts of the USA. You were featured on Via X (the rock MTV of South America) and audiences were exposed to new songs, which are slated for your upcoming CD. How was the response and that experience?

LAM released Selected Scenes from the End of the World in 1992 (then on CD in 1995), "Psycho Magnet" in 1996, Oddities in 1998 with your music video. Fans nationally and internationally are anxiously anticipating the release of your new CD and follow up tour. What can we expect from the new CD and when will a tour take place? What is the title of the new CD?

The title of the new album needs a bit more explanation. It combines violence and beauty, an uncommon combination. How should we interpret this? Is there a concept behind it. What does "Violent Acts of Beauty" deal with lyrically?

Can you explain your favorite "violent act of beauty"?

In what direction do you see the music evolving? Do you believe that your current fans will evolve with you?

You've just re-released some of your CDs with Trisol records Germany and Iron D records in Russia? Are they import only or will they also be available in the USA? What titles? Will there be any new songs included on these re-releases? Why did you decide to present fans with these special re-releases?

Does the usual inverse correlation between success in the public eye and people of substance concern you or influence any of your goals?

What is your opinion about the current atmosphere in America?

What is your opinion on the common edict of sex, drugs, and rock and roll? In other words, do you find these items inextricably intertwined?

What have been your latest musical influences or inspirations?

What do you think about having your music labeled?

After reading some messages in the LAM Online Community condemning people spreading rumors, what are your thoughts on the term "mainstream" in relation to LAM?

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(Autumn 2000)
What do you think of the E! special that was filmed at your 2000 Hollywood concert?

Everyone was there to see your show, there was a line almost around the block to get in which is typical at every LAM show I have ever been to. If you didn't play its doubtful there would have been many people in the club that Monday night. Especially since no one wanted to be filmed by the E! Channel (except those weirdoes) and Coven 13 doesn't often draw much of a crowd- so much so that they closed earlier this summer (NOTE: they re-opened the club for this one night event). When you asked people on stage "Why are you here" they all said "London After Midnight". I noticed no one paid much attention to the people E! was featuring in their special, in fact any attention they got from the patrons of the club were laughs. Last Saturday, Coven 13 opened for an event to celebrate the E! special the night before it aired, and it pulled in about 150 people, not too impressive for a Saturday. LAM filled the club on a Monday with only under 2 weeks of promotion. And they virtually cut you out of the special and allowed you to be insulted and have Rat Bastard allude that you didn't play your instruments. How do you feel about that?

Yes, the special was pretty comical. So, what do you think about "Pony Head Space"?

What is your true feelings on the Goth scene and do you consider LAM Goth?

Of the songs released on CD, which is most personal to you, or what song do you think describes you best?

Who are you voting for? What you think of this generation's lack of interest in the political process?

Who is your hero?

At your last concert you debuted two incredible new songs, "Fear" and "Nothing's Sacred". Both show a growth in your sound and certainly a more advanced production process. Can you describe how you write and construct a song and can you elaborate on the themes of these two new songs?

We all know you are a vegan, when did you make this decision?

We know London After Midnight has played in countless numbers of countries all over the world, is there any place you haven't played that you really look forward to, or any place you never want to play?


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