This month I interviewed TWO bands to make up for the lack of a January update, I also decided to post them early for you to read. There will be two separate threads for each interview.
Firstly, I interviewed Mikey of Erasmus. Be sure to visit Erasmus on myspace where you can listen to two songs.
www.myspace.com/erasmustn
MBR: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to interview you, would you mind introducing yourself to all the readers?
Mikey: No problem, I love what you do. I'm Mikey, I do everything in Erasmus.
MBR: You recently released your latest EP, “Sanguinus Nocturnus” through EEE Recordings. Did it seem to be received well?
Mikey: I think there was a lot of initial hype with record. It sold well as far as I can tell and got a few great reviews. Honestly, I've yet to get much criticism about it other than lyrical content....i.e. there isn't a lyric sheet, the bits of lyrics in the liner notes are vague and questionable...if anyone else needs clarification on that, ask Winter's Dawn, they've gotten my entire lecture hahaha.
MBR: Have you enjoyed working with EEE Recordings?
Mikey: Absolutely. They have an incredible catalogue and great roster. In my opinion, EEE is the most artful and interesting label out right now....secular or Christian. Lots of daring releases, great bands with fascinating concepts and sounds...I feel honored just that I'm even associated with EEE.
MBR: This was the first time I had heard Erasmus, but from what I understand, wasn’t the title-track previously released on an earlier recording? It’s very atmospheric and an enjoyable piece, its hard to believe that after listening to the song that nearly 17 minutes had passed.
Mikey: Sanguinus Nocturnus was released as a demo with just the full Sanguinus Nocturnus track on it. I think I made about 25 copies and only "sold" them at Mankind shows. I gave most of them away, really. The EP is just a rerelease of the demo combined with a new demo.
MBR: Most of the song titles on the EP are in another language, what language is this? And is there any reason why you chose not to have the lyrics printed in the booklet?
Mikey: The titles are in Latin and are excerpts from a prayer on the Benedictine Crux Sacra. I didn't want to print most of lyrics because A) They wouldn't fit on the album insert and B) They're a distraction from the overall feel of the album. I would rather a listener only be able to pick out a few lyrics while paying full attention to the music than follow along reading the lyric sheet.
MBR: I’ve wondered this for awhile, what does the name “Erasmus” mean?
Mikey: Erasmus is a saint. His story was something that really struck me as interesting and scary...wikipedia him, very very interesting.
MBR: What are your main influences in Erasmus? Also what are some of your personal favorite things to listen to?
Mikey: I'm influenced by plenty of bands also history, literature, art, etc. I think the new full length will be most likely based on Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot, for example. Lately I've been listening to a lot of abigor, wedard, frostmoon eclipse, chaos moon, and emperor. But outside of black metal, i've been listening to bands like Grouper, Fleet Foxes, Rotten Sound, The Anniversary, Cursive, blah blah blah.
MBR: I absolutely love the artwork for “Sanguinus Nocturnus.” Who did the artwork, and does it have any connection to the themes for the album?
Mikey: I'm not sure where the art came from. Joe Burgers (bass player from Mankind) did the lay-out for me. The maritime theme is prevalent in the track "Sanguinus Nocturnus" which is a song based loosely on "Rime of the Ancient Mariner".
MBR: I see your full-length album is scheduled for a release sometime in 2009, is it too early to give us any info on it? When will we get to hear something from it?
Mikey: There's not too much to report about the new record. I have 3 songs completed and am working on more as much as possible. If you go to the Erasmus myspace, you can hear "...lifeless as a means to ignore the Truth" from the new record.
I'm also going to start work on an ambient and experimental companion album. Hopefully to be released on EEE.
MBR: Your also in a hardcore punk band called Mankind, would you care to tell us anything about Mankind? What do your other band-mates think about Erasmus?
Mikey: Mankind has been around for maybe a year and half now, i just joined the band about 2 months before we played Cornerstone last summer. Mankind has plans to record a new split 7" with Wrench in the Works soon...the recording will be done in North Carolina. The rest of the guys in the band are pretty into erasmus and from time to time will contribute things (Greg will most like play a little on the new record...definitely on the ambient companion release. Thad does some vocal work and writes with me occasionally. Joe did the pressing and layout of Sanguinus Nocturnus.)
MBR: Do you see the possibility of Erasmus becoming a full band in the future?
Mikey: Erasmus will most likely play a few shows as a full band, although that won't be a full time thing. Expect to see us play Cornerstone this summer with a very very very awesome surprise guest line-up.
MBR: Aside from making music, what do you like to do in your spare time? Lets hear about the man behind the music, any hobbies?
Mikey: Well, I paint a lot. Mostly illustrations for children's books. When the weather's nice, I love to go to the city skatepark and carve around the bowls. I spend plenty of time hanging out with my beagle, my Chihuahua, and sometimes my wife hahaha.
MBR: I appreciate you taking the time to do this interview, I pray that 2009 will bring many new blessing to both Erasmus and to you and your family. Is there anything else you would like to say to anyone who may be reading this?
Mikey: Take sometime to go to Divine Metal Distro, EEE's online catalogue, and Sullen Records and try to buy something! Support your scene and the people that are making it happen. Thank you for your support of Erasmus and Be BLESSED.
Subject: February 09 band of the month part 1 - Erasmus 
Thu Jan 22, 2009 4:30 am
