Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes
|
| First of all, after some research, it seems it was made known Gigan took the name from the Japanese monster in from the Godzilla-like films. Why did you guys chose Gigan of all the monsters in that and other franchies? |
|
Eric:
Actually Gigan was not based on the Kaiju, but rather the literal Japanese definition of the word "gigan"- which means "false eye". That is why our first album was entitled The Order of the False Eye. We do love and respect the TOHO Universe (where Godzilla and his friends come from) but Gigan (the band) was not specifically named after Gigan (the kaiju).
|
| -- |
| Are you all avid fans of these monster-based films then? |
|
Eric:
As I mentioned, yes, I am a fan of those; and most other monster films! I have been addicted to monsters since I was a child of four or five.
|
| -- |
| Since we're on the subject, was there much of an impact do these films have on the music you write and/or record? |
|
Eric:
None, specifically... But I am always subconsiously influenced by things I love.
|
| -- |
| Is there a specific intention to try to capture any atmosphere or no? |
|
Eric:
The specific intent is to spark and nurture the imagination. The atmosphere I go for is the sound of the Gigan Universe...
|
| -- |
| Each release Gigan has put out has been on a different label. Why have you guys been bouncing between labels, and is Willowtip Records going to be a home for Gigan for longer then just Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes? |
|
Eric:
Gigan needs different things and different promotion at different times. We will always be on the label that is best for us at that moment. We will be putting out at least one more through Willowtip and they have done well for us so far.
|
| -- |
| Why exactly did you title the album Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes? |
|
Eric:
I wanted people to know what they were getting into when checking out the album. I believe the album title suits the songs perfectly!
|
| -- |
| With a title like that, obviously the next question is whether or not there is some sort of concept behind the eight tracks of this release, and if so, what is it? |
|
Eric:
The only constant theme running through all the songs is that anything can happen at any time. Gigan is and always will be dedicated to pure imagination and self-expression.
|
| -- |
| Do you feel that Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes is more Progressive or more technical then your previous album? Maybe less? Why? |
|
Eric:
I feel all of Gigan's releases have come from the same perspective creatively- so due to that, I don't think any one release is more "progressive" than another. However, one major difference between the new record and "TOoTFE" is that the new songs are more consise and deadly.
|
| -- |
| It seems like you didn't go for a clear, sleek production style that many technical acts use today. Why is that? |
|
Eric:
Gigan sounds like the band we are: Natural and well rehearsed. I don't care for glassy-sounding, over-produced records. I prefer an organic, bassy production that let's the music speak for itself, while at the same time creating an other-worldly atmosphere.
|
| -- |
| Were there any bands or events that helped inspired the music on Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes, either in the writing or recording phase? |
|
Eric:
I am always inspired by my imagination and the world that surrounds me, both real and unreal. The first track on the new album was inspired by the mountain ranges throughout the middle of the U.S. We were on tour driving through some crazy mountains and I came up with the concept that maybe mountains are actually sentient beings that we don't understand... After expounding on the concept, the lyrics for "Mountains Perched Like Beasts Awaiting the Attack" were born.
|
| -- |
| Were there any problems that occured during the time of writing or recording this album, or perhaps an interesting story of come kind you care to share? |
|
Eric:
No problems, just a couple of injuries and a whole lot of creativity! Working with Sanford Parker again was a pleasure, as always! Everyone stepped up and did a killer job!
|
| -- |
| Did Gigan do anything unusual during the recording of this album compared to your first full-length release back in 2008? |
|
Eric:
Nope, pretty much the same except we went for a little less mud and a little more clarity. We also ran out of time before we could do another improv instrumental, but we will get to that soon!
|
| -- |
| The release date has come and passed, has the album's popularity reached your expectations? What has the reaction been from the band to it's release? |
|
Eric:
The reactions so far have been phenomenal! We shall see about it's "popularity", but the right people are having the right reactions, so far!
|
| -- |
| And the fan reaction, are you pleased with that as well? Have they taken to the album well or not? |
|
Eric:
It seems that everyone checking it out is very pleased! There will always be people that don't care for or don't understand what we do...but hey, when did I ever care about that!? *Laughs*
|
| -- |
| Do you feel that, on Quasi-Hallucinogenic Sonic Landscapes, you may very well have been a bit too technical with the music in hindsight? |
|
Eric:
Impossible. There is no such thing. Gigan does not have intentionally difficult songs. They are what they are. What does technical mean, anyway? If someone else thinks it's difficult to play or advanced it is "technical". Music is music. AC/DC is technical if you can't play an instrument! Gigan's songs sound the way they do because that is how I wrote them. I have never wrote anything intentionally difficult. It is just that sometimes the sounds I hear in my head are out of the ordinary and it takes out of the ordinary techniques to convey my ideas. In other words, what is technical to some is not technical to others.
|
| -- |
| Are there any current plans to promote the album, such as through a music video or tour in the near or distant future? |
|
Eric:
Gigan is a touring band. We love to support out releases through live performances. Our first tour in support of this new album will be in the U.S and Canada this August and September. The tour will be Grave/Blood Red Throne/Pathology/Gigan! We are very excited for this tour and have more on deck, so come check us out! As far as a video, someday Gigan will have killer videos or a DVD. But, we won't do it until it can be done right.
|
| -- |
| At the time of writing this article, it seems Gigan is a three piece with you dealing with guitars, bass and assorted instruments not including the drums. Has there been thought of including a full-time fourth member in the future? |
|
Eric:
We always have a fourth member on the bass for live shows, but Gigan will probably always be a three piece in the studio. I am open to a full time bassist, but the right person has never materialized. A band like Gigan is a big commitment. :ots of touring, big recordings and no money. It is a labor of love to be sure!
|
| -- |
| Is there anything you would liuke to mention before I let you go that I didn't really touch on in this interview, or just anything you would like to tell the readers? |
|
Eric:
Thanks so much for the interest and support! Please check us out with an open mind and try to support honest, hard working bands like Gigan! We appreciate all your attention and positivity and hope to meet you all someday! THRASH IN SPACE!!!
|
| -- |
|
| |
