Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
SYNICAL’s last album, ‘This Will All Happen Again’ came out a few months back in 2023. The fact that the album took eight years to make adds a bit of mystique to its creation and we wanted to find out more about it. We’re happy that founding member, Brian Haught could answer a few of our questions about it.
Your latest album, This Will All Happen Again has an incredibly eclectic sound. What styles outside the goth/industrial arena contributed to this?
Synical occupies an exciting area of electronic music – darkwave but we have always been interested in absorbing other areas in electronic styles such as funk, alt rock, and new wave. The ability to hear so many different types of music now allows a much greater influence to be introduced.
Can you discuss any concepts that weave through the tracks on the newest album?
When Brian Haught, the founder of Synical, was on tour in Germany in 2012, he saw a death camp from WW2. The horror of man’s inhumanity toward each other is evident but if humans forget these atrocities- history has shown that this will all happen again. The album topics seem ripped out of the current global events. This is a very timely album indeed and the songs revolve around this main central idea.
Do you think that you will adapt to this trend of artists releasing more singles?
It took quite a few years to do the last album so do you feel you might change the pattern of releasing? The length of time for this album was delayed mostly by the band members being on various tours and having to wait for the right time to record. The pandemic also caused massive delays but we feel this album is very special and worth the wait. Synical is honored and ecstatic about being signed to Cleopatra Records – the premier gothic and darkwave music label.
Did any of the guest artists have any lyrical contributions on the latest album?
Our friend Groovie Mann from My Life WithThe Thrill Kill Kult sang on the track “Different Then” and did change and contribute new lyrics on that song. Kevin and David J from Bauhaus also played on the record and changed the arrangement of the song as well. But all the album lyrics were written by the founder Brian Haught.
Let’s talk for a moment about the last song on the album, “Autumn of Discontent”. It begins with a very poignant lyric, “I was born in the summer of love. I will die in the winter of hate”. Where did that line come from?
Artists of my generation like NIN, Manson, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. were children of the 1960’s. In my case, I was born in the summer of love so that is autobiographical. Unless something changes dramatically, I will most likely die in a figurative “winter” of hate. But I hope not. Time will tell.
In regard to recording or playing live, do you engage in any sort of rituals or practices prior to starting?
Good one. The live show has many layers involved. The cabling, digital mixers, and speakers all need to be working first. Second, the huge 10k projections have to be sorted out. Third, the MIDI computer controlled lights have to be addressed. And then the fun begins. We get to play the full concert over and over until we are having the most fun legally possible – and sometimes not so legal. But Synical presents an unforgettable experience for our fans and music lovers alike.
Do you have to be in a certain mood to create and do the words or lyrics come first?
On this album, the band members were in the same room at the same time writing most of the songs. We didn’t want to cut and paste or email each other’s parts and I think the record has an old school charm because of that. Lyrics usually come quickly but over time, the words are changed and arranged in layers that often have two or three meanings. In the present climate of song lyrics like “big spending” or “where my ladies at”, it’s nice to have thought provoking lyrics as an alternative. In a world full of plastic, sometimes you need a piece of wood.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to the ‘This Will All Happen Again’?
The majority of popular music is centered round good times, love, romance, partying, and happiness. But most of the world is not that way. Synical’s music lets you feel good in feeling bad. The listener can dance or lose themselves in those dark emotions. Let’s not pretend about or ignore the tragedies of life, but realize you are not alone. There are others who feel out of place and time. This is an eternal drama that will always be with humans and Synical’s music is the perfect soundtrack
Thanks for your time. Where can fans find you online?
You can check out our videos on our amazing record label Cleopatra Records you tube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CleopatraRecords
Www.SYNICALMUSIC.com https://www.facebook.com/SYNICALFOREVERhttps://twitter.com/SynicalBand https://ww
