Hi! Can you tell me about CRYPTIC CONFINEMENT and your previous musical experiences?
Well, I started Cryptic Confinement because I wanted a way to get some of the music that I had written out there for people to listen to. I played in several local bands in Dallas as a live member, but never had many opportunities to participate in the songwriting process with those bands.
Why did you choose your band name, how did you form, and what led you to play the genre you do?
I just really liked the way the name sounded and couldn't think of any other names that weren't already taken haha. Cryptic Confinement didn't really form per se, I had just been recording music in my home studio and decided one day that I should just start publishing it. I had always been kind of skeptical about putting the music out there without a way to perform it live, but I finally decided that performing it live was not as important as getting it out there for people to listen to. Metal music is really all I have ever written. I like other types of music, but when I write that is just how it comes out.
Can you tell us about Tempestuous Demise?
Well, similar to the previous two albums, the guitars were all recorded at my home studio where I wrote a lot of the music. One thing different about the album was that I did a lot more collaborations with other musicians this time around.
What kind of feedback are you hoping to receive for your album?
Any feedback seems to be good in this day in age, but I certainly hope for lots of positive feedback as well.
Do you plan to embark on a world tour in the future? Do you think touring the world is an option available to every band, or what does a band need to do to achieve this opportunity?
It's definitely not an option for me right now and I wish it was an option for every musical artist. But the logistics of doing something like that are quite complicated.
Do you believe in a heavy music scene without money?
I would like to believe in a civilization without money, but we all know that's what makes the world go round.
What are your thoughts on online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free, and if so, why?
I have given music away for free as a way of promoting the project. But artists such as my self sacrifice a lot of time and resources just to put music out there, and if people want artists to keep doing that it's got to be worthwhile for all involved. I suppose online music sharing is a lesser evil compared to streaming. The streaming services are the ones making things more difficult for artists than anything else.
Who are your musical influences? Did you ever imagine your band could become as famous as your favorites?
I have too many influences to mention. I derive inspiration from almost anything I hear. Even if I don't like it, it kind of inspired me on what not to do. Fame is nice I suppose, but I would prefer recognition over fame.
Have you received formal music education? Do you think it's an important factor?
I was in the school orchestra for 3 years and I also received about a year of classical training on the guitar. It's not necessary, but certainly helpful in a lot of ways.
How do you balance your music with other obligations such as family, job, etc.?
Well, I'm very adamant about setting boundaries when it comes to my time. I can only afford to give so much of it away, and I just communicate that to people as best as I can.
What's next for your band?
Another album I suppose haha!