The Spiritual Machines are back with chapter 2 of their sci-fi story. This time the mastermind, producer & composer Evan has given a more atmospheric & emotional touch on the music. But better check out what Evan told Grande Rock about his new album “Awake Alert Alive Almost” and music in general below…
Hi Evan, it’s been a while since we talked. I’m content that The Spiritual Machines are back with a new studio album… how are things over there?
E: Thanks Thanos! Always busy here. Some of it is deadline oriented and some is self-imposed. I never feel finished with anything but I have to move on. There’s always some battle between excitement and frustration.
Well, it didn’t take you that long to come back with the second chapter of the story as you told me, right? So, what are the basic parts of the story’s second chapter?
E: That’s funny… it felt like forever to me. I worked for a year and a half on the new record… not solid but chipping away. “Volunteer” was the gateway into the world of living forever in the cloud. “4A” deals with the fallout of leaving our bodies and in many cases, each other, behind. The part of our identities tied to our physical being dies and we must deal with that loss. There will be those that will choose not to take the leap and that means more loss. Weakness will always exist and that is the part of the human condition “4A” deals with.
Will there be a chapter 3? Do you have any ideas for it so far?
E: Absolutely! Need is the mother of invention and out of weakness, we learn strength. The next record will celebrate the fire of the human spirit.
Which are the musical differences & similarities between “Volunteer” and “Awake Alert Alive Almost”?
E: Well, one of the main differences is the vocals. I sang 5 of the songs and my wife, Lori sang 2. James did an amazing job on the rest but I think the nature of the way I wrote some of the vocals made it impossible to ask him to cover… it wouldn’t have been right. I tried out different approaches to songwriting and palettes on this record. I’m not done with any of the colors from “Volunteer”, but I wanted to take the opportunity to widen the scope of the project.
Also, you continue the cooperation with James Grundler (Palo Alto, Goldenstate). He’s an exceptional vocalist, but I feel that there’s a deeper musical bond between you two, isn’t it so?
E: It absolutely is so! I’m a huge fan of James and I love working together. Part of my problem is that as a composer, you want to write whatever you find inspiring but you also have the instruments in the palette to consider. Many times I don’t consider them at all and it sends me down a rabbit hole. I have a responsibility to know what is native to a singer so that the vocal comes across as authentic. Sometimes I just want to chase something new and find my own way. That process can often end with a net sum zero… I’ve thrown out many ideas I was really excited about. Sometimes I sing a scratch vocal and realize there’s something in it that I’ll chase around forever if I have someone else sing it. I’ve never considered myself a real singer but sometimes I get something that works. James is a singing animal… there’s absolutely no comparison in terms of ability. Logically, it makes no sense to use my vocals but art is confounding…
What does “Awake Alert Alive Almost” declare? I like to call it the “4A”…
E: That’s what I call it too! We are moving towards a more highly evolved state of being. To me, there is no moment of arrival or a final destination. We are moving towards something we will never touch. Whatever it is, is moving too. I believe it’s an idea. As we evolve, the idea evolves too. As close to perfect as we become, we will never be perfect… the paradox of being human. The idea of being awake, alert and alive is what we are moving closer to as we evolve. There will be no end to evolution because it would null our reason to exist. It’s the reason we destroy what we love.
How and why did you decide to cover the track “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and open the album with it too? Are “Don’t Fear the Reaper pt1” along with the part 2 and “Bubble” a suite?
E: I was working on an idea for a record I started for Lori, when I realized it was the same structure as “Reaper”. That’s when I started thinking of it as a companion piece. I did “Reaper” in 2 parts and bookended “Bubble”.
Do tell us a couple of things about each track…
E: “Don’t Fear the Reaper pt. 1”: I loved how the line “All our times have come” starts the record. It’s scary but in this context, it’s a message of liberation.
“Bubble”: Represents the return to childlike enthusiasm.
“Don’t Fear the Reaper pt. 2”: As much as we romanticize it, the ultimate equalizer is no walk in the park.
“Witnesses and Criminals”: No one is innocent and more than not denying it, we embrace it as part of what makes us human.
“The Race is Still Alive”: Death is part of humanity. Knowing we will die makes us live.
“The Wreckoning”: The reminder that we are playing with a force more powerful than we understand.
“The Man Who Stole the World”: We lost so many great artists in 2016. No one personified unwavering commitment to their own path more than David Bowie. Only a small nod in the title, the song comes across like a love song… and it is… but it’s also a metaphor for our underlying belief that we are immortal.
“In the Next Life”: The humbling truth that most things are beyond our control.
“The Man is Me”: The man isn’t me. If you give me enough rope…
“If I Strike First”: Fear and insecurity are powerful forces. Much of our lives are lived in reaction to what happens around us rather than creating. We act like robots when we receive stimulus. We only define ourselves when we create stimulus.
“Anyone Can Fly (Rise Up)”: Being better than human isn’t necessary. Pushing our potential is more possible than we may want to realize.
“Never Let Me Down”: A love song to our bodies.
Where did the recordings take place and who produced, mixed & mastered the album? Do you prefer to work alone in general?
E: I have a studio where I produced, mixed and mastered the album. I don’t prefer to work alone… it’s just a function of how things happen most of the time. I love collaboration and I’ll look forward to building a larger studio again where I can have friends around to work with. Until a few years ago, that’s how I operated but I have kids and we moved to another area.
Some lyric videos are already out. Are there any plans to release any other lyric video at some point and for which track?
E: I have ideas for lots of videos but I’ll have to wait for time and money to make them properly. I do love the work that Umesh has done making the lyric vids and I’ll certainly have him do all the songs.
Do you have in mind to give any live shows with The Spiritual Machines in the future?
E: That would be fun but I have no plans. I toured for a couple years in the 90s and I discovered that I viewed it as a necessary evil to get back into a studio. When I realized it wasn’t necessary for everyone, I never thought of it again. I remember being a little kid on stage looking at my watch thinking, “how many more songs do I have to play before I can go home and record something with my 4-track?”…
What are those things that inspire you to write both music & lyrics?
E: Mostly science and science fiction. Obviously inspired by Ray Kurzweil and his work, I love Ray Bradbury as much as I Elon Musk. Ted Talks are a great source of inspiration. Even if they only talk about a single technological breakthrough, it’s enough to conjure a world of images related to how it affects lives and relationships. I really just write about the sociological implications of technology. As a concept, “making” is contagious. If I make a sound, I will write something with it. That leads to all aspects of creating. No part is more or less fun or important. There’s a gestalt vibe about how I work.
You told me that you quit the TV show “The 100”. Why’s that? Are you planning to write music for any other TV show or you prefer to stay out of it for the time being?
E: That was a particularly low point in my life. It was all so toxic and I needed out. The one thing I can say definitively is that the people are the place. I have about 10 of my friends I work with and we handle the music for a bunch of shows. Everyone from my people I’m in the trenches with to the top of the food chain is someone I’m honored to work with. It fills the well to do more creatively and to be more productive.
By the way, what’s up with Les Friction? Shall I wait for a new album at some point? Have you talked it over with the other guys?
E: Funny you should ask… I’m knee deep in LF right now. We’re having a great time and I’m proud of what we have. I’m certain there will be a record this year.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! If you could “erase” one thing from modern music, what would it be?
E: Ha! I don’t have to think about this at all… it’s that Train song “Play That Song”. That’s a new fucking low. I prefer early Bieber to that. I’d love to kick that song square in the spot where its balls should be. Even if I hear the first 2 seconds, my day is ruined. I know I live in a glass house and shouldn’t throw stones but I hate it. And I know hate is a very strong word. It’s probably genius and I’m totally missing the point.
Are “social media” a “compulsory part” of music biz these days or bands, artists & labels can do without them as well?
E: Compulsory indeed but to the benefit of the band! I suck at it but those that don’t really take their fate into their own hands. I admire anyone that can do things themselves. For me, records aren’t about making money… it’s just about making something I’m proud of. Having an audience is the only goal beyond that. I’d like to have someone as a partner who can build an audience, so I can stick to making records.
Which is that band that you’d like to be part of (any time & era)?
E: Parliament…
Which are the best 3 Rock albums according to you?
E: I’d really have to think about this because my mind doesn’t work that way. Things have immeasurable value for many reasons. Off the top of my head I’d say Van Halen – “Fair Warning”, AC/DC – “Back in Black”, Pink Floyd – “The Wall”.
Fill in the phrase… “Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
E: George Martin…
Top 3 Fantasy Movies of any era?
E: Wizard of Oz, City of Lost Children, Science of Sleep…
Beloved TV series at the moment?
E: Westworld, Stranger Things, Better Call Saul…
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: Radiohead – “The Bends”. I love the songs so much. The presentation is special and it all works seamlessly. It’s gutsy, tasteful and important.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
E: “Sgt. Peppers”…
Who is the sexiest female Rock Star of all time?
E: Debbie Harry…
Which do you consider to be the best male & female vocalists in rock history?
E: I love Chris Cornell, Thom Yorke, Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, Sting, Jason Isbell, Ray Charles and Peter Gabriel. Of women singers, I love Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Aurora, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, PJ Harvey, Kate Bush. That’s just a random sample!
Which is the composer/songwriter who influenced rock music the most?
E: Hard to say… I love Lennon/McCartney like anyone but Peter Gabriel strikes an emotional chord that I just can’t get enough of.
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
E: Definitely the future. I have faith in humanity to the extent that we will eventually learn from our mistakes. Not to say that history won’t repeat itself… just that IQs are increasing as the digital age continues on.
That’s all for now Evan. Thx for taking the time to do this interview. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care dude!
E: Thank you Thanos for having a listen to the record and helping spread “awareness”! I’m honored and grateful to have anyone willing to take these little musical journeys with me. All my best to you and yours!
E: Thanks Thanos! Always busy here. Some of it is deadline oriented and some is self-imposed. I never feel finished with anything but I have to move on. There’s always some battle between excitement and frustration.
Well, it didn’t take you that long to come back with the second chapter of the story as you told me, right? So, what are the basic parts of the story’s second chapter?
E: That’s funny… it felt like forever to me. I worked for a year and a half on the new record… not solid but chipping away. “Volunteer” was the gateway into the world of living forever in the cloud. “4A” deals with the fallout of leaving our bodies and in many cases, each other, behind. The part of our identities tied to our physical being dies and we must deal with that loss. There will be those that will choose not to take the leap and that means more loss. Weakness will always exist and that is the part of the human condition “4A” deals with.
Will there be a chapter 3? Do you have any ideas for it so far?
E: Absolutely! Need is the mother of invention and out of weakness, we learn strength. The next record will celebrate the fire of the human spirit.
Which are the musical differences & similarities between “Volunteer” and “Awake Alert Alive Almost”?
E: Well, one of the main differences is the vocals. I sang 5 of the songs and my wife, Lori sang 2. James did an amazing job on the rest but I think the nature of the way I wrote some of the vocals made it impossible to ask him to cover… it wouldn’t have been right. I tried out different approaches to songwriting and palettes on this record. I’m not done with any of the colors from “Volunteer”, but I wanted to take the opportunity to widen the scope of the project.
Also, you continue the cooperation with James Grundler (Palo Alto, Goldenstate). He’s an exceptional vocalist, but I feel that there’s a deeper musical bond between you two, isn’t it so?
E: It absolutely is so! I’m a huge fan of James and I love working together. Part of my problem is that as a composer, you want to write whatever you find inspiring but you also have the instruments in the palette to consider. Many times I don’t consider them at all and it sends me down a rabbit hole. I have a responsibility to know what is native to a singer so that the vocal comes across as authentic. Sometimes I just want to chase something new and find my own way. That process can often end with a net sum zero… I’ve thrown out many ideas I was really excited about. Sometimes I sing a scratch vocal and realize there’s something in it that I’ll chase around forever if I have someone else sing it. I’ve never considered myself a real singer but sometimes I get something that works. James is a singing animal… there’s absolutely no comparison in terms of ability. Logically, it makes no sense to use my vocals but art is confounding…
What does “Awake Alert Alive Almost” declare? I like to call it the “4A”…
E: That’s what I call it too! We are moving towards a more highly evolved state of being. To me, there is no moment of arrival or a final destination. We are moving towards something we will never touch. Whatever it is, is moving too. I believe it’s an idea. As we evolve, the idea evolves too. As close to perfect as we become, we will never be perfect… the paradox of being human. The idea of being awake, alert and alive is what we are moving closer to as we evolve. There will be no end to evolution because it would null our reason to exist. It’s the reason we destroy what we love.
How and why did you decide to cover the track “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and open the album with it too? Are “Don’t Fear the Reaper pt1” along with the part 2 and “Bubble” a suite?
E: I was working on an idea for a record I started for Lori, when I realized it was the same structure as “Reaper”. That’s when I started thinking of it as a companion piece. I did “Reaper” in 2 parts and bookended “Bubble”.
Do tell us a couple of things about each track…
E: “Don’t Fear the Reaper pt. 1”: I loved how the line “All our times have come” starts the record. It’s scary but in this context, it’s a message of liberation.
“Bubble”: Represents the return to childlike enthusiasm.
“Don’t Fear the Reaper pt. 2”: As much as we romanticize it, the ultimate equalizer is no walk in the park.
“Witnesses and Criminals”: No one is innocent and more than not denying it, we embrace it as part of what makes us human.
“The Race is Still Alive”: Death is part of humanity. Knowing we will die makes us live.
“The Wreckoning”: The reminder that we are playing with a force more powerful than we understand.
“The Man Who Stole the World”: We lost so many great artists in 2016. No one personified unwavering commitment to their own path more than David Bowie. Only a small nod in the title, the song comes across like a love song… and it is… but it’s also a metaphor for our underlying belief that we are immortal.
“In the Next Life”: The humbling truth that most things are beyond our control.
“The Man is Me”: The man isn’t me. If you give me enough rope…
“If I Strike First”: Fear and insecurity are powerful forces. Much of our lives are lived in reaction to what happens around us rather than creating. We act like robots when we receive stimulus. We only define ourselves when we create stimulus.
“Anyone Can Fly (Rise Up)”: Being better than human isn’t necessary. Pushing our potential is more possible than we may want to realize.
“Never Let Me Down”: A love song to our bodies.
Where did the recordings take place and who produced, mixed & mastered the album? Do you prefer to work alone in general?
E: I have a studio where I produced, mixed and mastered the album. I don’t prefer to work alone… it’s just a function of how things happen most of the time. I love collaboration and I’ll look forward to building a larger studio again where I can have friends around to work with. Until a few years ago, that’s how I operated but I have kids and we moved to another area.
Some lyric videos are already out. Are there any plans to release any other lyric video at some point and for which track?
E: I have ideas for lots of videos but I’ll have to wait for time and money to make them properly. I do love the work that Umesh has done making the lyric vids and I’ll certainly have him do all the songs.
Do you have in mind to give any live shows with The Spiritual Machines in the future?
E: That would be fun but I have no plans. I toured for a couple years in the 90s and I discovered that I viewed it as a necessary evil to get back into a studio. When I realized it wasn’t necessary for everyone, I never thought of it again. I remember being a little kid on stage looking at my watch thinking, “how many more songs do I have to play before I can go home and record something with my 4-track?”…
What are those things that inspire you to write both music & lyrics?
E: Mostly science and science fiction. Obviously inspired by Ray Kurzweil and his work, I love Ray Bradbury as much as I Elon Musk. Ted Talks are a great source of inspiration. Even if they only talk about a single technological breakthrough, it’s enough to conjure a world of images related to how it affects lives and relationships. I really just write about the sociological implications of technology. As a concept, “making” is contagious. If I make a sound, I will write something with it. That leads to all aspects of creating. No part is more or less fun or important. There’s a gestalt vibe about how I work.
You told me that you quit the TV show “The 100”. Why’s that? Are you planning to write music for any other TV show or you prefer to stay out of it for the time being?
E: That was a particularly low point in my life. It was all so toxic and I needed out. The one thing I can say definitively is that the people are the place. I have about 10 of my friends I work with and we handle the music for a bunch of shows. Everyone from my people I’m in the trenches with to the top of the food chain is someone I’m honored to work with. It fills the well to do more creatively and to be more productive.
By the way, what’s up with Les Friction? Shall I wait for a new album at some point? Have you talked it over with the other guys?
E: Funny you should ask… I’m knee deep in LF right now. We’re having a great time and I’m proud of what we have. I’m certain there will be a record this year.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! If you could “erase” one thing from modern music, what would it be?
E: Ha! I don’t have to think about this at all… it’s that Train song “Play That Song”. That’s a new fucking low. I prefer early Bieber to that. I’d love to kick that song square in the spot where its balls should be. Even if I hear the first 2 seconds, my day is ruined. I know I live in a glass house and shouldn’t throw stones but I hate it. And I know hate is a very strong word. It’s probably genius and I’m totally missing the point.
Are “social media” a “compulsory part” of music biz these days or bands, artists & labels can do without them as well?
E: Compulsory indeed but to the benefit of the band! I suck at it but those that don’t really take their fate into their own hands. I admire anyone that can do things themselves. For me, records aren’t about making money… it’s just about making something I’m proud of. Having an audience is the only goal beyond that. I’d like to have someone as a partner who can build an audience, so I can stick to making records.
Which is that band that you’d like to be part of (any time & era)?
E: Parliament…
Which are the best 3 Rock albums according to you?
E: I’d really have to think about this because my mind doesn’t work that way. Things have immeasurable value for many reasons. Off the top of my head I’d say Van Halen – “Fair Warning”, AC/DC – “Back in Black”, Pink Floyd – “The Wall”.
Fill in the phrase… “Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
E: George Martin…
Top 3 Fantasy Movies of any era?
E: Wizard of Oz, City of Lost Children, Science of Sleep…
Beloved TV series at the moment?
E: Westworld, Stranger Things, Better Call Saul…
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
E: Radiohead – “The Bends”. I love the songs so much. The presentation is special and it all works seamlessly. It’s gutsy, tasteful and important.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
E: “Sgt. Peppers”…
Who is the sexiest female Rock Star of all time?
E: Debbie Harry…
Which do you consider to be the best male & female vocalists in rock history?
E: I love Chris Cornell, Thom Yorke, Freddie Mercury, David Lee Roth, Sting, Jason Isbell, Ray Charles and Peter Gabriel. Of women singers, I love Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Aurora, Aretha Franklin, Pat Benatar, PJ Harvey, Kate Bush. That’s just a random sample!
Which is the composer/songwriter who influenced rock music the most?
E: Hard to say… I love Lennon/McCartney like anyone but Peter Gabriel strikes an emotional chord that I just can’t get enough of.
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
E: Definitely the future. I have faith in humanity to the extent that we will eventually learn from our mistakes. Not to say that history won’t repeat itself… just that IQs are increasing as the digital age continues on.
That’s all for now Evan. Thx for taking the time to do this interview. Say anything you feel like saying before we close. Take care dude!
E: Thank you Thanos for having a listen to the record and helping spread “awareness”! I’m honored and grateful to have anyone willing to take these little musical journeys with me. All my best to you and yours!