Interview with Mike Churry (D), Tim Ninerell (G,V), Josh Perrin (V), Colin Tarvin (B) of Deform by Lady Kat Chaos (and guest appearances), January 28, 2014
OCZ: Hails & Welcome! Tim, why don't you give a brief history of Deform.
Matthew Burton (Josh): What's up, everyone, it's Josh. This is my super underground Facebook alias.
Tim Llerenin: Hey, Kat thanks for the interview. Myself and Mike formed the band in 2007 in Hainesport NJ with the intention of playing "true" death metal and we've been doing it ever since.
OCZ: Now, you let the secret out, Josh!
Josh: Yes, this band is full of secrets. And for the record we're all straight! Now I'll let Tim continue.
Tim: You did say to make it brief.
OCZ: Indeed, I did! That was the shortest one I've ever seen. Are you fans of the old school ways of releasing your material on cassette? Have you thought about reissuing "Nefarious Impulses" on vinyl?
Tim: We are fans of the oldschool ways. Our "Nefarious Impulses" demo is being reissued on tape through unholy domain records soon. We're open to release material on cassette format in the future as well. No, we don't care to have it reissued on vinyl, we're focusing on other things.
Danny (Strings Of Distorted Doom): Question, will shirts and merchandise be available soon to us listeners? That's all I got, for now. Continue.
Michael: How we doing? Mike here.
Danny Distorted Doom: Shirts? Shirts!
Tim: Yeah we have the "evil eyes" T-shirt available, designed by Derek Waugh. Great artist. Also did the "Nefarious Impulses" art cover
Ron Kaiser: Does Deform have shirts that will fit fat assholes like me?
Tim: XL big enough for ya Ron? that's the biggest size we have.
Ron Kaiser: That means I gotta start eating more salads.
Chris Meyer: Just been checking out some videos on your page and I can say with some certainty that you have a new fan! I really dig the old school style sound. Who would you list as some of your influences/inspirations?
Tim: Thanks Chris. For myself, I am heavily influenced by death metal bands from the early Wisconsin death metal scene like Accidental suicide, Viogression, Dr. Shrinker. Also big into the (early) Finnish scene and other stuff too of course but those are the big ones.
OCZ: Patrick Leis, is another kick ass artist who did the cover of yours and Mortuous 7' split. Will you use him again for other releases?
Tim: Patrick is a great artist, I contacted him after I saw his early work he did for Clive Barker novels in the early 90s. I like his airbrushed style and thought that would be appropriate for that split art cover. Not sure if we will use him again or not ya never know.
OCZ: Many have been wondering if your split is still available and where can they purchase it?
Tim: The split isn't out yet. Mortuous just finished their track, and it has been sent to the label. Not sure when that will be out. It will be released through Unholy Domain Records though. For now we are rehearsing the material for our upcoming EP "What Lives in Shadows?". The track "Behind the Mirrors" (which will be on the Mortuous split) will be re-recorded for the EP.
OCZ: Currently you're in the process of a creating a new release, what details can you discuss thus far?
Tim: Help me out here, Mikey and Josh.
Josh: Mike go for it. I'll follow up with any extra info.
OCZ: Josh, what inspired you to write "What Lives in Shadows"?
Josh: I wish to help with production on What Lives In Shadows. Well I have to admit that the upcoming album is not of my doing. It was written by the other members of the band. Mostly Mike and Tim, as far as the music goes. Some lyrics were later added by Alex and Colin Tarvin. I will not be doing vocals on this upcoming album as decided by the whole band. For now, I am front-man for live performances. But, later on, we can discuss some SECRETS as far as a full-length album goes, because we are in the beginning stages of writing new material.
Michael: "What Lives in Shadows?", our next release, will be released hopefully somewhere between April and the summer 2014. Behind the Mirrors like Tim said, will be on the WLIS EP as well. As you can tell, the song is sick in my opinion, and very obscure (like your name) haha. Actually each song that you will hear on the EP will throw you off with very different elements of Finnish, Swedish and more of a classic death metal approach.
Tim: We are in the process of a new release. For now, all we are doing is rehearsing the fuck out of it, getting it real solid. all the music is already written.
OCZ: Why has everyone decided not have you on the recording of the upcoming release, Josh?
Tim: I don't know where Josh got that from, I said I want to do most of the vocals not ALL! You can do some man!
Josh: Well, along with everyone else, I feel like the lyrics are more catered to Tim's style of vocals and WLIS should feature Tim's signature voc-AH-ls. The lyrics that I did not partake in writing that is. But I will indeed write the fuck out of the following album...
OCZ: What songs have you written lyrics for Josh?
Josh: None. I am on no recordings for Deform thus far.
OCZ: Tim, how would you explain Josh's vocals?
Tim: Interesting, Kat. Well I first heard his vox on a Basilisk track "Sculpting Whores" and was impressed by his capabilities as far as power goes, and he has a very aggressive tone. He is like a hybrid of black and death metal vocals, leaning more towards the death side with Deform.
OCZ: Josh, how would you explain Tim's vocals?
Josh: Tim's vocals go with the "foreign" death metal style. He has this accent, for example in Repulsive Deformity (off of Nefarious Impulses) he's like “There AH/Individuals/Who/Possess/A sick-NEYYSS!
Colin Tarvin: Both sound sick! The New York show has a good representation of Josh's mean vocal style.
Michael: COLIN!!!
Josh: Yes, this is not my first rodeo. I have done vocals for Black Metal projects and Death Metal projects. And my personal project, Basilysk.
Colin: Basilysk is a great band too.
Tim: What's up dude? Colin is our bassist by the way.
Josh: Thank you, Colin. Everyone welcome Colin, a great multi-instrumentalist and bassist in Deform. Hailing from CA.
Colin Tarvin: Sup!
OCZ: Welcome, Colin! Who are some of your influences as a bassist?
Colin Tarvin: Lets see, I would say Steve Digiorgio for all his work in Sadus, Autopsy, and Death, and also gotta say Doug Keyser of Watchtower.
OCZ: As vocalist who are some of your influences?
Michael: Josh or Tim?
OCZ: Both.
Josh: So I have to give a great deal of credit to Chris Barnes AND George Fisher for their work in Cannibal Corpse. I first began with Chris's style of very low/gutteral and then later moving on to George's fast multi-range style. Also, I have a strong Chuck Schuldiner influence. But whenever I have to warm up for studio sessions I ALWAYS go with Cannibal Corpse.
Tim: I don't consider myself a vocalist, I only did it on past recordings because I had to. On early recordings it was just Mike and I, so if I didn't handle vox we would have been an instrumental band. But, my main influence is Ed Jackson from Accidental Suicide when I have to do them. I also like to say lines in a European style with accents. Also the weird ghost from Poltergeist III as odd as that sounds... very creepy voice.
Colin: "Burned to death" was my first exposure to Deform about 5 years ago, I thought Tim's vocals as well as the riffs and drumming was so spectacular that Deform (Tenebrous at the time) instantly became one of my favorite new bands, and it's a big deal to me to be able to play with these guys now.
Josh: Colin's a very grateful dude. He is by far the most positive attitude in the band. You can spot him with a great big smile from far away. Also I would like to add as far as my aggressive side, the great Phil Anselmo is a BIG influence! AND STEVE TUCKER! ok I'm done with my question closed captions!
Colin Tarvin Thanks Josh, haha. New Jersey is a great new home sweet home for me.
Ron Kaiser: Will Deform ever go real old school an release an 8track?
Josh: Haha. Tim take that one.
Tim: We are planning on releasing our debut full length album on 8 track, limited to 16 copies.
OCZ: Indeed, 8-tracks are old school. These days most people are downloading music and many don't have cassette players. So, what other options will you be releasing your music on (itunes, soundcloud etc.)?
Tim: Yeah me and Colin first started communicating a few years ago on Myspace when he was in Funerealm, and when Deform was called Tenebrous. Little did anyone know years later we would be jamming together it's a real cool thing. Burned to Death is an early track me and mike recorded summer 2008. We still play it at rehearsal and might include it in our live set. I was kidding about the 8 track Kat, haha.
Michael: CDs all the way to vinyl!!
Josh: Honestly, I am very fond of vinyls, but I believe a good old CD should be the first option for release. Everything else is like a novelty for hard-core collectors. Until we have a die-hard fan base, I think we should stick to CD. (Except for the Mortuous split, that is for super underground kvlt fans).
OCZ: Mike, doesn't it suck that drummers always have to be the first one to lay down the tracks when it comes to recording? How do you feel about drum machines and who are some of your influences as a drummer?
Michael: If a drummer is impossible to find maybe, I can accept it... But over all, my main influences of drum set operation are The god himself Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Matt Halpern of Periphery, Sam Inzerra of Morpheus Descends. I'm sort of a leech of endless influences of many different genres even jazz fusion, math metal, classic rock and roll, grunge and old school hip hop and most of all pure death metal!! \m/
OCZ: These days, most aren't buying CD's because they skip too much and just want to download it into their phones or ipods. I rather have the physical copy in my hands. How do you feel about individuals sharing your music on free sites without your permission?
Josh: FUCK THAT. I am vehemently opposed to pirating music. That is for pussy poser fans, like fans of rap because they have no strong following. Any REAL fan would SUPPORT a band and BUY the album.
Josh: I, too, enjoy collecting and having the physical copy.
Tim: Well, you have the choice. A, be a computer metal head or B, be a real fan and support the band.
OCZ: Some are even uploading them on you tube channel's before the bands are. Has this ever happen to you yet?
Tim: Nah we're not big and famous enough for all that.
OCZ: Do you also feel that it's hurting the bands?
Josh: Yes. Absolutely. Especially DIY bands.
Colin: I'm gonna have to disagree with you josh, I believe everyone will find a way to hear a band, so why not just let the music be available to put on your phone or computer and buy the album if you like it (or of you can even find it). Don't worry everyone, I'm the balance-out exact opposite of josh so best of both worlds with opinion
Ron Kaiser: What are some other local bands you all enjoy?
Josh: Sacrificial Blood, Sapremia. Can't say there are too many... sadly. Hammer Fight is pretty badass.
Colin: Local bands out here: Scolex, Necrot, Limbs, Augurs, Vastum, Cyanic, and really this list goes on for days...
Tim: Not too many around here Ron, Sapremia, Lesch-nyhan, and Solum Mortum to name a few. Looking forward to your new project Ron, I’m sure that won't disappoint.
Ron Kaiser: Soon enough.
OCZ: Years ago, Lars bitched about Naspter and people called him all sorts of names but yet today it's still happen through other outlets. I agree it has it pros and cons. One way it hurts the bands because its hard to release another album, EP etc. because of the lack of income to help put out another release and then again it opens the doors for people to hear the bands. But maybe posting one or two songs but not the full album.
Colin: Believe it or not, I've dealt with someone who had taken the first Mortuous demo, upload it on YouTube and gave a link to download each track for a dollar, that shit didn't fly at all. Now THAT I disagree with, making money off someone else's outlet of pain, fuck that person. Super dumb because it was the easiest thing to download for free, I had a direct link. But the worst part has yet to be mentioned... The versions of the songs that were uploaded on YouTube were all tuned up about a whole step and a half and sped up like the dude tried to change it ever so slightly. Still though totally for free downloading, No one should have to pay a cent for something they want to hear, truly.
Josh: Well, to me, it's like this: I work hard and diligently on what I do in music. The fact that someone would be so lame as so completely DISREGARD the work I put into something completely pisses me off.
Tim: I can only speak for myself. I might discover a band on youtube or whatever, but if I like them I contact them for their CD or tape. I like to get it directly from the band if possible, if not I’ll get it from their label. but I am not satisfied with just listening to it on the computer or whatever. I don't even own an ipod either. I like listening to entire CDs and tapes.
Josh: And it's not about the money at all. But we, as artist, are trying to make this a living. If you STEAL my work, that leaves me stuck working some shitty construction job all while trying to put out great fucking music. Fuck that! I will not stand for someone shitting on me like that.
OCZ: That's fucked up. I have seen others do that. Did you contact that person?
Colin: Just reported the guy to YouTube and that was that.
Tim: Damn Colin that is fucked.
OCZ: Do you have an entertainment lawyer to handle that?
Colin: Actually just gave me a good laugh honestly, like who has that much time on their hands. haha
Josh: As far as LISTENING for free, yeah, its called Youtube.
OCZ: He got off lucky. Many bands today are doing the poor mans copy writes. How are you protecting your music and lyrics?
Colin: Yeah mail yourself a copy? I've been doing that hahaa.
Josh: So on a smaller scale its like. Here, I'm going to grow my own weed, take great care of it, pay to make sure it is great, nurture the fucking plant and then...Here just take it. No, no you can have it for free...WHAT THE FUCK WOULD BE THE POINT OF THAT?
Colin: YouTube is definitely the go to for hearing new music/watching live shows.
OCZ: Have you guys ever posted your live shows on Rock Tube?
Tim: Never heard of Rock Tube.
OCZ: It's just like You Tube. Speaking of shows, how do you feel about other recording you live?
Josh: I'm cool with it. At least it means they paid to get in...
Tim: I’m all for that, no problem with it.
Josh:Then when we kick ass on stage others can see that thus compelling them to come to the next show...
Colin: Live recordings capture the band pretty well. Deform has an electricity with the music that is very alive itself. I was addicted to just the rehearsals Tim posted a few years ago.
Michael: Once we finalize or song writing we put it on a little handy dandy hd recorder our rhythm guitarist Alex Dobran supplied and when they are ready to be recorded in studio we (like Colin said) upload it to YouTube and post the artist, album and title in full detail.
Josh: I have to say, I believe we are a VERY strong live band,
OCZ: These days when you attend shows more people are interested in recording the bands instead of moshing (slam dancing), do you miss those days?
Tim: Yeah we actually went through great trouble to record our show in NYC, haha. rented a camera and everything. would be cooler if someone else just did it for us then sent us the tape/file. Actually Colin took care of all of that, haha! nice work.
Josh: Keep an eye out for the Delaware show too, people.
Colin: Shout out thanks to Shawn Eldridge for taping us that night too.
Tim: We don't have good audio from that one Josh apparently the sound is all blown out
Josh: It should still be put out. You get to see the whole band in that one. Great filming job by Allyson Churry.
OCZ: Sometimes you get good and shitty recording depending on the sound of the venue and where the person is standing. Speaking of shows what do you have coming up or in the works?
Josh: Tim, you wanna take that one?
Tim: We don't have anything booked in the immediate future. we have one in August of this year but that is way down the road. We will most definitely play shows before then though. Colin comes back to NJ end of march and we will be doing shows in the spring and summer. we're also planning on recording the EP in April.
Michael: From what I know we have a show in Connecticut on August 16th and 17th, death fest gonna be sick
OCZ: What fest would you like to play this year?
Tim: The one in August is a fest, "Pray for Death Fest II" that's about all I really know of. There is the Philadelphia, but the promoter is a real tool bag and wouldn't respond to my emails.
Josh: Haha! Yeah, by the way the Pray for Death Fest we are on is in Connecticut. And I just want to say FUCK THE PHILLY SCENE.
Tim: The Philly scene absolutely sucks. Bunch of bullshit.
Colin: Haha! Yeah I'll be back east after the Disinhibition tour from March 14th to the 21st up north visiting bands like Trepanation, Bone Sickness, Chronic Tomb, Warpvomit. Hoping these bands and Deform will play together sometime this year as well.
OCZ: Have you thought about doing the Maryland Death Fest?
Tim: I have thought about playing MDF, of course! That would be cool.
Colin: MDF is unlikely, it's too money driven at this point. Either the promoters know your band rules 'cause you've been around for 20 plus years, or you won't hear back much for the newer bands (I've heard some even pay to play) but contacting those dudes never makes it that far even. And pay to play is whack.
Tim: That is true Colin. they do have uptight attitudes but it would still be great exposure. But we will definitely not kiss anyone’s ass.
OCZ: When having more then one project, do you at times find it difficult?
Josh: For me. Yeah, I'm in like three projects right now, but Deform is my main focus. Its not too bad especially cause Deform is the only band that I will be playing live with any time soon.
OCZ: How do you work out your scheduling with each project and are most understanding?
Tim: We actually rehearsed in Philly for a few months and got ZERO support from the local dudes that hung out there. We don't play a million notes per minute ADHD bullshit and they just didn't get it. We will still play shows in the city though, fuck it.
Josh: But lets just say I have a LOT of writing to do this year. Its just a matter of taking each song at a time. Its like, I'm writing new material for Deform but its not like a rush for the band to get that done since we're still working on recording WLIS. Then I'll write some shit for Basilysk here and there. And have some work for Misanthropic Rituals coming up.
Colin: And for practice, every time we're able to meet sounded golden. I feel like we all have a set list on lock-down.
OCZ: How do you feel about playing mixed shows instead of it being just a Death Metal event or do you prefer playing with only Death Metal bands?
Josh: Only Death metal, black metal or thrash. Actually, our Brooklyn Halloween show was a mixed show. There was this kinda alternative band that was like "SHES SO MUCH SMARTER THAN ME, SHES SO MUCH SMARTER THAN ME, SHES SO MUCH SMARTER THAN ME". Then there was this elderly lady that opened with ambient vocals like "AHHH" the whole time.
Colin: All death metal lineups are the best! But any extreme music can definitely make for a killer show: grind, thrash, black, doom, punk, even noise or shoegaze bands can mix really well on a death metal bill.
Michael: Fuckin weird but I'll prefer LSD for the opening lady.
Tim: Yeah it was a strange show. What Josh said is really fucking funny. The opening act was a woman facing the wall on her ipod just going "AHHHHHHHHHhhhhhh" into the mic... and an indie band singing "shes so much smarter than me" over and over haha... disma ruled though. Got drunk as fuck by the end of the night too. Great times.
OCZ: Indeed, some venues will have you sell tickets (20-50), some will have you play a fee to perform, some its head counts at the door and so forth. What do you see most clubs in NJ doing?
Josh: We are completely against the pay to play thing.
OCZ: Your Brooklyn show last Oct. was your first show you played live together. What was that experience like?
Josh: I think when we start playing again this spring we'll stick with Sapremia and Lesch Neyan and these guys have some experience so we won't be like a lost puppy trying to find shows.
Michael: I would say NJ clubs are trying to promote a more core scene. Philly scene rather
Josh: Actually we did a mini-tour that weekend and played Delaware first which was our first show. And we kicked major ass. Nobody had a clue it was our first show.
Colin: A great weekend too.
Tim: Our first show was in Delaware. The NYC show was cool. we shared gear with DISMA. Mike was playing on a stripped down drum set. I think we did a good job with what we had. played 2 new ones from the upcoming EP.
Michael: Exactly! Our set is as tight as a Virginia.
Tim: Also I want to add, we were a last minute addition, our name wasn't even on the bill. I don't even know if anyone knew who we were or if they even cared. Oh well, we just hopped up there, banged out the 2 songs, then hopped off the stage.
Michael: I think mostly every one there was high as hell honestly.
Josh: It was fucking fun to play there though. I would like to play any death metal show in NYC again.
OCZ: NY is great for shows. There are a lot of Death Metal and Black Metal shows coming up. What clubs would you like to play in NY that you haven't already?
Josh: I'm not too familiar with places in NYC.
Colin: Also just sayin' there's this place right next door to the Acheron that had the best falafel of my life!
OCZ: I've seen bands play after poets as well. Some venues are looking for new things to try to keep the venue open. What about venues in NJ that you would like to play such as Dingbatz or the Starland Ballroom?
Josh: I believe when this happens we will kick-start a strong local following. Starland would be sick more down the line because it requires you to sell a shitload of tickets. Dingbatz is a cool venue too I would enjoy that. But yeah, Starland would be so badass. That is a REAL stage.
OCZ: I'm not aware of all the clubs in NJ these days what other venues are their that support Death Metal bands?
Josh: Haha. NJ is a joke too. But I've played at Brighton bar in Long Branch. Its a decent spot. Occasional metal shows. We would like to tear up some house shows too!
OCZ: Even though you had a bad reaction from Philly, you tend to make the best out of a show. What do you think you can do to win fans over?
Josh: Like I said, we will most likely stick with the REAL death metal veterans around here like Sapremia and get exposed to their fan base. Those guys had nothing but good things to say about our first show together. They want us to play in front of their crowd.
OCZ: Who handles your bookings and does your label help you with shows?
Josh: Well so far Tim and myself have booked the shows. But I think everyone in the band keeps an eye out for shows, for the most part.
Colin: If any of you out there reading want Deform to play your town, let us know! Give us an idea of where we should travel hahaa
Tim: Also, anyone can join in too, and ask whatever you want. Ask us some deep questions.
OCZ: Do you work with a contract and a rider?
Josh: No contracts. No riders. We are more DIY when it comes to booking.
OCZ: Did you purchase your own tour van?
Josh: Yes! to my knowledge we have a new tour van.
Tim: Colin just got a van recently and we'll be using that. also Alex has a nice sized jeep.
Colin: It was actually a 24th birthday hammy down from my aunt. I hear Alex is getting/has a big old jeep now too. There I heard it again.
OCZ: Do you swap shows with other bands?
Josh: Honestly we are still new to live shows. The band was started in 2007 but has just started playing live as of this year, Kat. Alright, Kat here is your chance for some real personal questions.
Colin: Can't wait to play more.
OCZ: Indeed, I know you just started playing in this band as of last year. But you have experience with others. How many shows would you like to play a month?
Josh: I'm going to be rolling outta here soon. I think at least once a week is a good goal for right now. A few of our members are real busy during the week with personal things and we are kind of weekend warriors.
Tim: I would like to do a show a week ideally. on every Friday or Saturday nights. maybe even double headers. we can't do anything during the week because of work schedules
Josh: If we could pull off a Friday-Saturday thing I would be happy.
Colin: Ideally any show that seems right. I enjoy when gigs get up to being like every other weekend, it's always great playing shows
OCZ: How do you feel about the Death Metal scene in NJ and NY and what do you think about new bands?
Josh: NJ is also very NEW/Core bullshit. Its sickening. Part of the reason why I moved to Philly was to get away from that garbage.
Tim: Not too experienced with the NY death metal scene, I've only been up there once for something music related and that was for my own show. NJ has all the slam core tech shit, same with Philly. There are a few thrash bands around like Sacrificial Blood, and (just recently discovered) Paralysis. But for the most part it just sucks and is not head banging quality shit, or at least shit that I enjoy.
Colin: Rottrevore is from PA, they rule so much!
Tim: They're way out in Pittsburgh though. pretty far
OCZ: Do you feel many individuals follow trends and don't make judgment for themselves these days as far as music goes?
Josh: Ok I will elaborate on this answer but it will be my last. Yeah of course. There will always be trends and there will always be trend followers. Everyone in NJ and Philly is trying to sound like the next band. Its sad that people can't be creative and original. I consider us a very artistic band as far as getting creative and putting out something different. I personally am not afraid to do something innovative. I am always looking to do the unexpected because that gives everything a sense of heart-felt material. That is the heart-felt substance I'm talking about Most bands are putting on a front and feel like they HAVE to sound "brutal" but that is all just generic garbage. All this fake Satan shit all over the place. Like if you look at some Celtic Frost albums, you find a real genuine sound because Tommy G Warrior wasn't afraid to say "ohhhhh Mesmerizedddd". Its become a trend in and of itself to be all "666" Hail satan bullshit. I said we are just coming from WITHIN ourselves not OUTSIDE ourselves. Its heart-felt material and concepts.
Tim: I feel people follow trends. I can go on all day about it. I’m sure josh will say something excellent
OCZ: Since you guys don't leave near each other how often do you get to practice? And you share files to create your music?
Colin: Actually, when I was staying in Langhorne PA, I was closer to the practice spot than Tim or Churry. Everyone's close enough to eachother though
Tim: We don't live that far from each other. Mike lives 5 min from me, Alex lives about 20 min from me. Josh takes the train from Philly to Trenton. Not too far distance. We get together every Saturday and sometimes Thursdays.
Tim: Yeah, what Colin said.
OCZ: Indeed, many will change because of what record labels are signing and hope they get a break. What are you doing differently not to sound like other Death Metal bands have done before?
Michael: I'm hitting the hay stack gentlemen the rooster will wake me up at 5 am good talking with you all! cheers \m/ and I'll see you (Josh and Tim) Thursday. Obscure Chaos Zine I appreciate the interview and I will hopefully talk to you soon goodnight ya'll.
Tim: Alright bud see ya later.
OCZ: Thanks for stopping by and doing a live interview.
Josh: Later Mike. I'll let Tim elaborate. Cause I know he has a lot to say about this kind of thing. And then I'm going to say goodnight.
Colin: Deform definitely sounds like Deform. Goodnight Mike n Josh. See you guys sooner than you know.
Josh: Later Colin and Good to hear!
OCZ: Goodnight guys. Thanks for the interview Mike and Josh. Indeed, we'll do another interview when your release is out.
Josh: Kat, it was a pleasure. Thanks for your time (Holy shit nearly 3 hours) I really appreciate all these great questions. I hope we can work out another interview down the line when we get out of our larva stage and have some good experiences and stories to talk about! Thanks Goodnight! THANK YOU Goodnight, Deform brethren .
OCZ: Colin, Metal bands seem to have this life cycle where they start out with fresh ideas, and then become more like their influences, then get big and quality plummets after that. Have you observed this? How do you feel you will beat this cycle?
Colin: Well that's a question I've been asking myself ever since I started wring or composing or whatever this is. There are riffs that are out there, that I believe one doesn't write, but discovers. I think Tim might be able to relate with me on this, there are certain riffs/transitions that have only really one way it can go down to the ears, in that sense the song was already there to begin with, as an artist it's just taking the time to translate this thing in your head to others. I feel like all the Deform songs have this predictable why-didn't-I-think-of-that kinda feel that I really admire in Tim as the riff writer he is. Back when I had only written 3 songs for Funerealm, I was at a point where I couldn't determine the rate of which a song is produced, but a few years later, a few more songs seems to come together. Now going from being 18 to 24 I see how it works a little clearer, so I don't worry how things come out in the end, the song is a thought or an emotion, that can be said many different ways depending on the person, and most def heard differently by each set of ears. The things I write now happen to either be grind or acoustic, I haven't written a death metal song in about a year. Riffs just find their brothers and sisters to eventually form a family.
OCZ: Indeed, I agree you should create what you enjoy playing weather people like it or not. It's what you're about, if others like it great and others don't that's their choice. When you were starting out with Deform, did you ever experienced a good deal of personal doubt and uncertainty and if so what factors helped you overcome those?
Colin: Basically, I feel the cycle can be beaten, as long as I continue to grow and remain open minded. How do you feel about it Tim?
Tim: I guess honestly I have felt personal doubt at times with my song writing. like, "is this cool enough?" and shit like that. but I just keep pushing myself to write as depraved and heavy and obscure as possible, without being boring. hard to put into words.
OCZ: Colin, no matter how long you've been playing each year your skills and techniques grows and there is always room for learning from others and on you own. Even the "legends" still learn today. Are you self-taught or have you taken lessons?
Colin: I think uncertainty follows the start of anything, but doing things for you and fulfilling your passions, even if it seems to you like an obsession, leads to the proud result that you can stand behind. I feel proud to be in Deform, and honored! I could say self taught with the help of my friend Erick in high school by putting all his CDs on my computer like Obituary Death Metallica ect. My dad's a musician too so he's helped me to pick it up as well.
OCZ: Tim, I think all musicians have self doubted themselves one point or another, we can be our own worse critic. What was the first song you have written and did you change over the years?
Tim: the first song for deform (when we were called Desiccation) was called "addicted to killing" then we wrote "flesh eating disease" and recorded those 2 tracks in December of 2007. Addicted to Killing was later re-titled to "My Morbid Lust" and can be found on the "Nefarious Impulses" demo. The lyrics were also changed. I have changed a lot with my writing, musically and lyrically. When we first started, it was pretty thrashy and had the typical gore death metal lyrics. Now, musically it's much more detailed with different kinds of chording, and the lyrics are more in depth. The 3 tracks on "Nefarious" are very sick, but that fit the concept of the release. Each of the 3 tracks could be summed up to and boiled down to a nefarious impulse. Now, each of our releases will have a concept, and we will deform into a certain niche depending on what we want to elaborate on. the upcoming EP will be about the supernatural.
OCZ: Colin, how has your father influenced you as a musician and do you have jam sessions with him?
Colin: I suppose we've jammed before, but I'd say the biggest influence would be from showing me bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Led Zep. PF was probably my favorite.
OCZ: How important are the lyrics to you? Do think individuals are interested in them or care more about the atmosphere, speeds and technical skills the band has?
Tim: Everyone is different. but I appreciate well written lyrics. I mainly listen to a band for their music, but if they have great lyrics it is icing on the cake
OCZ: When you write songs, do you start with a concept for the whole song, or do you accrue riff ideas and fit them into a narrative? Do you conceptualize the song in lyrics first, or write music and fit lyrics to it?
Colin: Wow that's a good question, Tim?
Tim: It's a hard thing to describe it's what Colin said sometimes the song is already there and I just keep working until it is put together. I don't really have one method. I usually start with a captivating intro riff, then build off of it. I usually have a concept of what i think an album should be about and the general feeling, then just keep playing until i go "that's it"
OCZ: Do you start writing to draw the emotion within yourselves first, and hope the fans understand yours ideas and concepts?
Colin: Sometimes riffs come with an attached story I suppose, others you just have to use your imagination. I really dig Tim's lyrical themes a lot, and the actual word choice/rhythms
OCZ: What is the difference between technicality, progression, pretense and good Death Metal art, in both of your opinions?
Colin: Tim pulls from obscurity, and really puts a nice philosophical kinda edge with his writing, I would say.
Tim: yeah, the song dreamlike existence has some really weird things going on, but I enjoy it. Of course I hope fans like it. also, I feel my style is pretty easy to grasp and isn't way out there, but has a certain flare, I don't know I don't want to start sounding arrogant.
Colin: To me this sums it up: Simple = Heavy,
Tim: Yeah that's how I see it too, somewhat simple, but play the riff an odd amount of times and do different things to it the second time around, etc.
OCZ: You mentioned that you next EP will be about the supernatural, what effect do you hope it will have? What have you learned on your own about the supernatural that grab your own attention?
Tim: I can't really break that question down easily. show me a death metal album and I’ll tell you exactly what i think of it. Not really a fan of the gore stuff anymore.The new material is much faster at times, and conveys a dark vibe, but still headbangable (is that a word? who cares) i am just fascinated with supernatural stuff. The concept came to me one night when i was staring into my back yard into the woods, and I wondered, what lives in shadows? and was inspired
OCZ: Why did you loose interest in gore?
Tim: Of course I like the classics by Death, Broken Hope, etc. but I’m just bored with it. i enjoy gory movies and stuff, but not so much in death metal (for the most part). I prefer bands like Cartilage (fin) and Phlegethon and stuff like that now. But I listen to stuff in cycles.
OCZ: Will you be using metaphors, or are insights into psychological and occult topics with in your concepts for the new EP in the works?
Tim: 90% of the lyrics are written for the EP. Colin says it seems like it was written by Edgar Allan Poe. I wrote it from "the visitor's" perspective.
OCZ: Do you think its possible for bands to change both outward (style) and inward (content) without outward/inward influencing each other? Do you think that people use categories like genre names (black metal, death metal) to obscure the finer details of experience itself, like saying 'that experience was bad' or 'that experience was good'?"
Colin: I think influencing each other is inevitable and I am pleased to have worked with everyone that I've had a chance to work with over my musical career.
Tim: For that last question I would say that there are good and bad bands in all genres. I like all kinds of extreme music and I think when a band is good you don't even have to know more then what their albums called. My memory's pretty shitty so when a band is bad I usually don't remember them. There are a shit ton.
Gene Olivarri: What are your favorite guitars you use, what is your amp of choice: solid state or tube, and what are your feelings on those 2 different worlds of amplification?
Tim: My 2 main guitars are a B.C. Rich Gunslinger, and a Charvel model 4. I have 2 amps, a solid state Ampeg ss-150 and a mesa/boogie mark V (tube). I use the Ampeg at rehearsal because I want to save the Tubes in the Mesa. But, i prefer the tube amp, much smoother and rich sounding.
Colin Tarvin Hey Gene! For bass I use an Eden tube amp. The bass I have is an old Washburn.
OCZ: What companies would you like to be endorsed by?
Colin: Hahaha uhh huh huh, Tim?
Tim: It would be awesome to be endorsed by B.C. Rich.
OCZ: Did you always use a B.C. Rich and what other guitars have you tried out?
Tim: I've tried out a lot of guitars, but I think the old charvels and b.c. rich play the best. pick ups are important as well! in my gunslinger I have a bare knuckle Blackhawk, in the charvel I have a dimarzio super 3.
OCZ: Colin, how long have you owned the bass you are using and what do you like about it most and if you could upgrade it what would do to it?
Colin: I love the bass I have! It's lasted me since high school, I used it for pretty much every Bruxers gig. I love my pedal too, it's actually for guitar. It's an old digitech rp50
OCZ: Do you think that a Dimarzio super lead pick up and Seymour Ducan invader is a great match for tone on the guitar if you plays straight through a tube head it might help your tone?
Tim: I've never tried out any Seymour Duncan pick up. I chose the super 3 because it is a pick up that no one in death metal (or at least that I have ever heard of) uses. Its great for midrange, and I’m all about mids, I think that mids= great tone. My amp settings are not the typical "V" in equalization. Same with the black hawk, put that in the gunslinger with the maple neck. Very bright and cutting sound
OCZ: Have you ever scooped the mids for that old Slayerish tone?
Tim: Slayer actually are known for their mid range sound. the scooped mids sound isn't appropriate for my playing.
OCZ: Okay, I must have misunderstood your last answer, "I've never tried out any Seymour Duncan pick up. I chose the super 3 because it is a pick up that no one in death metal (or at least that I have ever heard of) uses. Its great for midrange, and I’m all about mids, I think that mids = great tone. My amp settings are not the typical "V" in equalization", can you elaborate on your mid's?
Tim: aw, I can't give away my secret amp settings! haha.. Let's just say that the mids are past the 5 mark on the dial and are definitely there and prominent. I like to have every string ring out with richness and clarity through the thick distortion.
OCZ: Maybe I'll show up at band practice. What strings do you like using? and what gauge?
Tim: haha. I use 12 gauge d'addarios with a wound G.
OCZ: I know that you and Colin both have to head out. As we agreed we'll leave the interview open for others to ask questions when they have a free moment. I would like to thank all of Deform for this interview... would you like to leave any last words for now?
Colin: Simple=Heavy. Thanks Kat.
Tim: Thanks a lot for the extensive interview, thanks for the support, I appreciate it. I also appreciate what Obscure Chaos Zine does here on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/deformnj
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