
EMQ’s With Lotus Thrones
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview with USA based one man Post-punk/ Industrial project, Lotus Thrones. Huge thanks to main man, Heath Rave, 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 Heath Rave. I play almost everything on my recordings (drums, guitars, synth, vocals) outside of the frequent saxaphone additions by Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Bloodiest) and the occasional guest. Like a lot of newer projects, this one started during the pandemic. I had been away from music for quite some time due to mental health and I finally reached a place where I could make music again. I started learning how to record with help of a ton of great friends and connections and here we are at album 2!
How did you come up with your band name?
I’ve always been drawn to southeast Asian philosophy and found their deities incredibly beautiful, fascinating and powerful. Many sit upon a lotus throne when being presented in artistic forms and the two words together invoke the power of the delicate.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m currently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. Everything up down the East Coast is incredible and there’s a vibrant scene of multifaceted music artists from hardcore, to hip-hop, industrial and death and black metal.
What is your latest release?
The Heretic Souvenir – album.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Hands down for this project Killing Joke, Justin Broadrick from Godflesh / Jesu, Ministry and Trent Reznor / Nine Inch Nails. For me they define what is experimental and boundary pushing with no fear of stepping into any sounds they see fit.
What first got you into music?
My older sister and I cut our teeth on 80’s thrash and glam metal along with some new wave stuff. Skateboarding introduced me to punk rock in 80’s as well. We loved everything from Slayer to The Cure to The Misfits to Motley Crue. It was all fun and a little naughtier back then.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I would love to work with Chris Connelly of Revolting Cocks /M inistry or the rapper Backxwash. It would be a dream to work with Youth from Killing Joke and the ultimate would have to be Peter Gabriel.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Roadburn. The most all-encompassing and quality fest on the planet. Its highly curated and not overblown, and I would see a ton of friends.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’ve never received a weird gift from a fan. The greatest gift I every received was Toby Verhines messaging me about my music and discovering an incredible artist that helped make the vision happen for the new record.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Whatever is good to you is good and you owe no one explanation of your feelings and tastes in art. Please purchase the vinyl!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
David Bowie.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
These days, I really enjoy the fact that with technology I can create whenever I have time and however I see fit. I have so many sounds and ideas in my mind and there are no limits now. I try not to hate, there are things that are frustrating for sure, they are the same things make modern society difficult like social media and promotion. Adaptation is the key to survival and do want my music to be available to those who would enjoy it.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Monetary compensation for streaming.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Peter Gabriel – 3 (Melt)
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
See, are we speaking science or preference? Because at the end of the day, the sonic quality of the Compact Disc is scientifically proven to be the best sounding format regardless of feelings, taste and societal expectations. I have them all though. I love my records, I love that I still have CD’s in my car. Tapes are cool to look at and downloads and streaming keep the soundtrack flowing all day.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We’ve only played a few now as I’ve just gotten a live band together so they’ve all been special and learning experiences.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’m also a tattoo artist and a father so I’m usually doing a lot!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Jaz Coleman, Crispin Glover, David Lynch, Chuck D, Sun Ra.
What’s next for the band?
Getting this record out and some shows this year. I’m currently finishing up recording record 3 as well as a couple EP’s and an ambient project I’ve been working on. Tons of stuff.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://lotusthrones.bandcamp.com/album/the-heretic-souvenir
IG: @lotusthrones
FB https://www.facebook.com/lotusthrones/
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
A Bap. Admittedly I had help as my friend from Yorkshire who lives in New Jersey stopped by today.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Buy the record if you have a record player and thank you for all your support!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.