So how has your latest album/EP gone so far with fans then?
Ok so, my very last EP is “VERRTRANDT-SUTURE MIX” https://bleedingraven.bandcamp.com/album/verrtrandt-suture-mix-ep and I have heard this comment consistently… “Powerful! F’n Powerful!”! So, probably the reason they say that is because it is a very “in your face…blow your socks off” type track. The ‘Suture Mix’, which is the final and best version of VERRTRANDT is called ‘suture mix’ because I had to completely redo a lot of the track AFTER I had released it as “VURRTRADT”. I was so pissed when I listened to “VURRTRANDT” the first time in my SUV (I have very limited hearing) and it just didn’t sound strong and it needed to be for the sake of the message and the story to be told. So I performed ‘surgery’ on the track. Some may think ‘suture’ mix has something to do with the content of the story, but it really doesn’t refer to that, though it could be a double entendre. There was actually also a sample that was misplaced and it was very noticeable to me. Mind you, I’m fussy. But as I was listening to it over and over again to try and see if I could salvage this track, I got the idea of adding some sort of ‘chant like’ vocals and that’s what I did. The other reason why the track has been called ‘powerful’ is because of the story and the message and as well the way that story is relayed –almost ‘rap’ style. (though this is not Hip Hop/Rap)
Tell us something about the release no one knows?
Well, probably worth noting… this song’s revenue will mostly all go towards “The Trevor Project” which is an organization that helps/supports LGBTQ2 people, especially youth who are struggling with suicidal ideation or at least deep depression…like the chap in the song. Also, I would have called it “Bertrand”, which is what I wanted to do, but that is a common name in French speaking Canada and, well, in the French speaking world in general. I didn’t want to risk people thinking it was about someone actually called “Bertrand”…because it isn’t. So I came up with VERRTRANDT. I sort of made up a name the way many young parents make up names today for their children. (fuck, someone might call their child Verrtrandt someday…lol) Back to the Trevor project, I am still working on the kinks in the legal and practical sense so…we will keep at it.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Oh dear. I don’t know. I’d have to say that doing something with Gary Numan or Black Veiled Brides or…actually, with Johnny Kelly and Josh Silver and Kenny Hickey from the now non-existent Type O Negative.
How has your latest release been received?
It’s still too early to tell, and it’s very difficult to get promo done because I am an indie and THIS EP is not on Cleopatra Records. I didn’t want to bother them with it, even though once I was told, “Cleorecs is your home”…but they’ve been good to me and I didn’t want to push it. But also, because I want this to be aligned with a non profit organization (The Trevor Project) So, it’s still early, but I have received good feedback. Now with all of my music, as “Bleeding Raven or Gnostic Gorilla” …it’s always a bit on the bizarre and dark side.
Can you tell us about the meaning behind the track?
Best I just share here the write up on the Bandcamp page. This song is a true story told in lyrical fashion about a young suicidal gay man who reached out to a help-line in desperation. The operator who took the call proceeded to tell this man that being ‘gay’ was a serious sin and that he needs to come back to ‘Jesus’ and repent of his evil ways. Needless to say the man was even more distraught and it took…dare I say…a ‘miracle’ to finally get proper help but it came close. Other LGBTQ2 people in his situation have not been so fortunate and in fact have ended their lives, some as young as 12, perhaps even younger. It boggles the mind that we are STILL here in this modern day and age.
What tours do you have coming up, and what can you tell us about them?
I’m not a live act and doubtful I ever will be.
What venue are you most looking forward to playing the most, and why?
Wembley. Hahahahahahahaha. No. See above.
What else can we expect from in 2020?
I only plan on promoting what I have now and especially VERRTRANDT. I’m working on a video for that track.