EMQ’s with AUTUMN TEARS
EMQ’s with AUTUMN TEARS
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Massachusetts, USA based, Neoclassical Darkwave ensemble, Autumn Tears. Huge thanks to pianist, composer and lyricist Ted Tringo, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Ted Tringo. I compose most of the music, write the lyrics and play piano. The project started in 1995 in a more primitive manner with just vocals and keyboards, and continued that way for a few years with 4 albums and an EP, until 2007 when I took a little hiatus for 11 years. In 2018, I revitalized the project evolving it into a fully orchestrated ensemble with multiple classical musicians involved.
How did you come up with your band name?
I was actually writing a collection of poetry back in 1993 and it was the title of one of my pieces that eventually evolved into the lyrics for our first album, ‘Love Poems for Dying Children’ which we released in 1996.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
I’m from Massachusetts, USA and to be honest I have kind of been out of the scene here for quite some time. I used to go to a lot of metal shows a decade ago but have been more of a hermit since. Gives me more time to write music I suppose!
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
‘The Glow Of Desperation’, full length CD and digital download, released March 2021 on the Dark Symphonies label.
‘Cast Your Eyes To Behold Me’ (Audio)
‘The Glow Of Desperation’ (Audio)
Who have been your greatest influences?
Mainly classical music but my influences have widely ranged from Dead Can Dance (for our earlier years) to Vivaldi, Ólafur Arnalds and Jóhann Jóhannsson just to name a few.
What first got you into music?
I had actually played a lot of guitar back in high school so I was always into music. In 1994 I walked into a music store and started messing around with a keyboard they had on display. I immediately was hooked and bought the keyboard and just started self-teaching myself how to play. That was pretty much the musical beginning of Autumn Tears.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
There are so many to choose from, not sure where to start. In the recent past I have really enjoyed the work of Ólafur Arnalds and would be honoured to collaborate with him on a song one day.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Unfortunately, due to the size and scope of Autumn Tears and due to the fact the musical contributors live all over the world, playing live would be pretty much impossible so it always has and will remain a studio only project.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Honestly, no fan has actually ever sent me a gift before.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you so much for the continued loyalty and support over the years, especially since we were gone for over a decade. We truly appreciate it greatly.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I have to choose two, John Lennon and Muddy Waters (more blues than rock, but still)!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I mostly enjoy composing new songs. it’s always very satisfying and fulfilling when it all comes together. I guess I don’t really hate anything, except maybe having to wait for other musicians to record their parts sometimes as I can be a little impatient haha.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Probably the way some labels treat bands. I always disliked how many labels would really take advantage of young, naive artists but it seems more recently that musicians have gotten wise to how the industry works and are much more aware of the contracts they sign and how much control they have over their music.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
I have quite a few favourites but if I had to choose one, I would probably choose Fates Warning – “Awaken The Guardian”. It delivers the whole package!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Always has been, always will be vinyl!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Actually, never have played a gig unless you count a gig I did in college with some friends where we covered a number of classic underground metal songs.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Well, my first passion was always art. As far back as I can remember I used to illustrate at any chance I could get, I was still doing illustration up until 2015 when I shifted my focus back to composing.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Well, I am a bit of a recluse and don’t have dinner parties or friends over for that matter so probably just my wife and 3 cats.
What’s next for the band?
Already working on a follow up release to this year’s album. Should be ready in early 2022.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.autumntears.bandcamp.com/
www.facebook.com/TheTrueAutumnTears/
www.darksymphonies.com/
www.open.spotify.com/artist/32WFfO8pMkrpupMgDiXlDE
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkKsJaicCl1nPIKZOdawhpA
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Ha, no idea what those are. I must be showing my age 😉.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you very much for the interview and your support of Autumn Tears. We do appreciate it!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
