Interview

MAYHEM

Mercredi 3 juillet 2013

How are you doing ?

Attila Csihar : Oh I'm very fine, thank you. It's good to be on this tour with my friends, Vampillia

Vampillia

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. It's just the beginning of this our but anyway, it's going fine and we're having fun.
Yesterday it was a good show in Paris and tonight it was good as well. I enjoyed it.

It was quite surprising to see your name announced as guest on this tour. How did you meet the band ?

A.C. : It's an interesting thing. A friend of mine, Jarboe

Jarboe

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, is an artist. She's a great vocalist. She used to play bass and sing in Swans

Swans

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. That's how she got famous but she is a solo artist now and she invited me to sing on her record, which was a great honour, and then later she introduced me to this band, Vampillia

Vampillia

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. So we got to know each other and we made some collaborations. I really like the band and their philosophy. Last year they invited me to come and tour with them in Japan with my solo project, Void ov Voices. Then we really got to know each other and became good friends. When they planned their tour in Europe, I thought to join them for a couple of shows as I had a bit of free time. To give back what they gave me. It's a friendly thing to do, and I found it to be a great experiment. So this is how it happened basically. I think it's an interesting experiment for everybody. I really respect their musical approach and they are great people.

What is special about their musical approach ?

A.C. : I think they are really good and qualified musicians but what makes them special is that they search for new horizons. And the use of different instruments is also interesting. They have a different approach, I like it. I like this colourful way of playing and it's something new for me.

© ChamO

It seems they're always something new for you. You took part to so many different projects in so many different styles. What keeps you so motivated ?

A.C. : I think the music I'm interested in is the darker aspect of the nature, the darker side of inner nature and the nature itself. And any music which is approaching that is interesting to me. I'm a metalhead basically. I grew up with metal music, but very soon I started to listen to other things, like Swans

Swans

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, experimental music, already in the 80's. It actually really influenced me. I think it's good to be open-minded and listen to different kinds of music. And I learn. This is my life experiment. I learn from these experiences. I don't say yes to everything but I enjoy what's happening. I think it's about freedom.

It's rare to see like a cult member of the early black metal scene still being active in so many different projects...

A.C. : I guess it's different for everybody. I don't consider myself as a black metal vocalist really. I mean I did a lot in that field but it's not the only thing I like to do. It's more extreme music in general that I'm interested in, but of course black metal is a big part of my life, my soul and my heart. So I'm not gonna stop anytime soon but it doesn't mean I can't do other things. I can do anything I feel comfortable doing. It's the most important thing. And just to challenge myself to it.

So what are your current projets and plans ? I know you have a few gigs planned with Mayhem

Mayhem

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this summer...

A.C. : I don't know... We are more like working on new material with Mayhem

Mayhem

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. We don't play that much this year.
And I have another show which is interesting. It's an horror film festival organized by Phil Anselmo

Phil Anselmo

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and he invited me to play the soundtrack of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. It's an old silent movie and I'm going to do a live soundtrack.

So that's with Void ov Voices.

A.C. : Yes, it's my solo project. I just basically only use my voice as an instrument.

I remember seeing you with that project opening for Ulver

Ulver

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a few years ago.

A.C. : Yes, exactly.
And now there's gonna be one more thing later this year. We'll go to South America with Mayhem

Mayhem

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in December I think.
Those are the current plans but it can always change as I always do different things and I don't really have too many plans all the time. I like to live the moment, it's better than planning things.

© ChamO

Do you manage do make a living from music ?

A.C. : Yeah, it's basically music now. But it's been a long road in the last couple of years. There's a certain point when you have touring and doing these things, it gets hard to find a normal job. You're on tour for weeks and stuff like that. So I'm happy to say I can survive from music and I can provide for my family but it's really mid-level. I'm not very rich. (laughs)
But I had to work before, as a teacher among other things.

What did you teach ?

A.C. : Math and physics. I was a private teacher for seven or eight years. That was something nice to do but in the end I realized I couldn't agree with everything... Of course it was just what I was doing for a living, but still, I enjoyed meeting young people, teaching them and helping them.

Is it similar to the feeling you get with music ?

A.C. : A little bit, because we are bringing something to people. We're sending information but it's not like myself saying something. Music is a vibe. It's the most ancient way of communication of mankind. It's a common language almost.

© ChamO

What are your hopes for the future ?

A.C. : Erm... My hope is that this moment can remain. (laughs) That's really my hope.
I'm actually happy. I don't like to think to much about the future.

So you just want to keep things how they are now.

A.C. : It depends on what level. My personal life is changing. I think a lot of things are wrong in the world and hopefully that will change and I hope we can help that. Some things people do are crazy.

The last words are yours...

A.C. : Everybody should look into themselves, into their own hearts to find their solutions. And I'm happy to help if I can, and that's with music.
And I hope to come back soon !
Thanks everybody for coming tonight.

Mayhem

Mayhem