Interview With The Black Lanterns
September 25, 2011
The Black Lanterns are an energetic band that fuse punk rock, heavy metal and a liberal dose of unbridled rage into a highly potent amalgam of furious commotion. Their self-produced debut EP has all the hallmarks of a band that is coming into it’s own. They hail from the somber, stormy plains of Northern England and bring that darkness to a sound that could only be described as violently enthusiastic. Blood or Love got a chance to sit down with them last week and discuss life, music, and even pastries.
I wanted to ask you at least one or two normal questions before this thing goes off the rails. What sort of stuff do you listen to when you want to get inspired?
Mark (bassist): Personally, I’m currently listening to anything from Unsane, Ministry, Godflesh, Swans, Fugazi, Helmet, Jesus Lizard, Birthday Party, Public Enemy and other stuff like Fennesz, Final, Sun Kil Moon.
Donny (singer): I listen to Nick Cave, Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, Husker Du and recently a lot of Flaming Lips. Not punk at all. For fun, I listen to Fugazi, Jesus Lizard, Gallows and Fucked Up. Inspiration normally comes from things that happen through the day for me lyrically, and fuck knows what goes through the other guys heads to come up with those riffs. They are sick!
Jonesy (guitarist): Everything from The Damned, Bad Brains, early Discharge, Poison Idea, to The Gallows and Fucked Up.
How do you feel punk rock has changed over the past 30 years? Do you care?
Mark: Here in the UK, you still get the old school punk bands knocking about. I think the scene is more diverse now, but there is a lot of crap out there. The real music fans always find the good stuff but the dying corporate music industry has a lot to answer for.
Donny: I just care that people think Blink 182 is punk rock.
Jonesy: I'm not sure it has changed that much, to be honest. You need to stick to the underground scene and avoid all the commercial shite and don't buy designer punk clothes. Keep it DIY.
In an ideal world, where do you see this project evolving towards? Where will The Black Lanterns be in 10 years?
Mark: I’m for the here and now, you cant expect anything for the future, so enjoy it while it’s here! We do try to do everything ourselves. Our new album was recorded and mixed in the rehearsal room. Maybe some tours and a few more albums...alternatively the Zoo or the Morgue.
Donny: A really successful pet food brand.
Jonesy: I'd just like to do some good gigs, sell a few CDs, get free beer and I'd be happy!
In an ideal world, where do you see this project evolving towards? Where will The Black Lanterns be in 10 years?
Mark: I’m for the here and now, you cant expect anything for the future, so enjoy it while it’s here! We do try to do everything ourselves. Our new album was recorded and mixed in the rehearsal room. Maybe some tours and a few more albums...alternatively the Zoo or the Morgue.
Donny: A really successful pet food brand.
Jonesy: I'd just like to do some good gigs, sell a few CDs, get free beer and I'd be happy!
If you had a choice of visiting the zoo or the morgue, which would you go to? Why?
Mark: Both. You need the light and the dark....Hang on....that’s a zebra.
Donny: I would go to the zoo. I am sick of the sight of morgues.
Jonesy: None. I don't like seeing caged animals or dead humans.
What is your creative process in writing music?
Mark: Someone will come up with a riff and we will jam that for a while that usually stems more ideas. It’s a collaborative thing.
Donny: I show up, they have written riffs, I scream loads of gobbledygook over the top of said riffs. Finished. Jonesy: We throw some shit and see what sticks.
Who is more punk rock Mussolini or Jerry Lee Lewis? Why?
Mark: One had his balls on fire and the other liked tea...
Donny: Jerry Lee for being unhinged and not giving a shit about anything. Mussolini was better dressed though.
Jonesy: ...the one who liked tea.
What the hell is wrong with Americans anyway?
Mark: Exactly?
Donny: Diet.
Jonesy: A lot of American people are cool, but American politics are dodgy (Bush/Ronald Reagan/Schwarzenegger).
Describe what it's like to be on stage for you. When you look into a packed house filled with crazy kids jumping and screaming what does that feel like?
Mark: The crowds we have had have been great, were still waiting for the 'Hello Cleveland' moment though!
Donny: Pleasantly uncomfortable….. for them!
Jonesy: When it happens I'll let you know!
What pastry is the most punk rock? Why?
Mark: The Cornish Pastry because it has a Mohawk.
Donny: Baclava. It’s just whatever you feel like putting in it coated in honey! Magic!
Jonesy: Puff 'fucking' pastry. What you gonna do about it?!
Why do most things suck?
Mark: Cos otherwise they'd blow! Commercialism has given rise to a whole load of shite, from lifestyle to the arts to clothing. There is a distinct lack of quality control.
Donny: The things I like don’t.
Jonesy: Commercialism and greed.
Keith was one of the original singers for The Temptations. In high school, he accidentally invented penicillin. He collects possums. If you see him on the street, don't try to apprehend him. [Part-time writer]
