Hi Paul, congratulations on the release of “Gynosko”! You must be excited. Firstly, can you tell us about the formation of the band? When and how was it formed? Do you believe the band name Gynosko perfectly describes your music and philosophy?
Hello, I am very excited for the release of my music. Gynosko was formed by myself when I was playing around on guitar making riffs here and there. Eventually, I would be able to form songs and I would take the initiative to start creating music around those songs. I’ve been a drummer and a bassist so I’ve always wanted to create music, but seeing how it was difficult to surround myself with artists who had the time, I took it upon myself to learn guitar back in 2019.
I believe Gynosko does fit with the music and the lyrical themes because Gynosko means to know on a deeper and personal knowledge. It’s more than just knowing facts, but includes why something is true.
Now, can you tell us about “Gynosko” and the lyrical themes behind each track? What are the ideas you wanted to convey?
The theme for Icarian Pursuit is questioning what you once believed to be true. The opening lines are from Aristotle and then I added a line to showcase my personal struggle. In the story of Icarus, the sun is truth and the glue holding Icarus’ wings were my justifications for my beliefs; it wasn’t strong enough and the rest of the song continues that motif. This song utilized a lot of time signatures to connect with the chaos of a destabilized foundation.
The theme for False Dichotomy was that the other side was just as shallow. My favorite lines include “O wicker man” because I have seen a lot of people look at suffering of other people as an excuse for doubt. It’s kind of dark to benefit off of others pain to remain comfortable with whatever we believe in. I wanted the music to be more aggressive to fit with the disappointment the other side offered.
Of Mead and Wells is my resolution song and I wanted to juxtapose the story of Thor drinking Utgard Loki’s horn with the woman at the well. A lot of stuff is out of our control so what are we going to do about that? I wanted to use peaceful atmospheric guitar so that it could resemble someone finding peace.
Where and when did you record “Gynosko”? Are you satisfied with the final product?
I recorded my EP here in Sacramento area and it happened between 2022 and 2023. I am very satisfied with my final product, though of course I have learned how to grow as a musician for any future releases.
Do you have any plans to release official band merchandise?
I do once I get a full album released. As of now, I am independent and it is a lot to do things on your own. For now, I am just making sure that I get some good material for future releases.
What are your musical and non-musical influences?
My musical influences include classic black metal bands like Emperor, Enslaved, Immortal, Windir, and Darkthrone with Windir being the biggest. However, I’ve also been into bands like Furia, Mgła, Saor, and Vukari to name a few. Outside of black metal, I’ve been influenced by folk metal like Eluveitie, melodic death metal like Insomnium, classic rock bands like Chicago, and music outside of rock like classical, folk, and jazz.
My non-musical influences would include a lot of books that I have read. Thus Spake Zarathustra by Nietzsche is great, Critique of Pure Reason by Kant is fantastic, and Dialogue with Trypho by Justin Martyr is one of my favorites. I love studying history, philosophy, and religion and i try to find ways to incorporate them into my music. Nature is another non-musical influence for me as my local Tahoe mountains always provide great spectacle. Providing music that pairs well with hiking or driving in nature has always been important for me.
Could you please share your personal views on religion and god?
Religion is simply an understanding of life through supernatural understandings and the rituals it entails. I am a believer in God and I think it shows in my lyrics, though not in a clunky and cringey way. There is much that can be said on the topic alone, but I would just direct people to a work of Plato’s called Euthyphro. I would ask whether the dilemmas brought up in that short book challenge one’s world view or if the their world view answers the dilemma. That is just one topic and I find conversations like these are best in person.
Can we expect to see some gigs across the USA or Europe in the near future?
Not in the near future. I would need to make a live lineup with the right people. Although shows and concerts are a goal of mine and meeting fans across the US and in other continents would be great to do. A band is nothing without the fans.
Lastly, when can fans expect something new from you? A music video, single, or documentary perhaps?
I have works for a new album, but that will come within a year and recording maybe 2 or more. I plan to put in a lot of work during this winter break and I want to make sure the songs are as best as they could be. Once I get some new material, I’ll promote a single.
Thank you for the interview. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans, supporters, critics, and our readers before we wrap up?
Find me on social media and if you are in the Sacramento area, send me a message and I would love to meet up in person if time allows. Maybe we can have some good deep conversations!