Interviews: CULTIC

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal/Death Metal band CULTIC from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE. 

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Rebecca: I grew up in a strict religious household where the general belief was that any religion other than fundamentalist Christianity is a cult. The name Cultic was born from my deep-seated contempt toward fundamentalist Christian ideals.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Brian: We bend genres a bit and don’t really fall into one specific genre. Our goal since the inception of CULTIC, was to write simple and relatable metal songs with a wicked and sardonic tone.

Reese: It's something completely different than what I've played before when Brian and Becky approached me about playing bass. I was usually in straight forward punk/metal bands.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Brian: Rebecca and I are married. I’ve known Reese for 20+ years through the local punk/hardcore/metal scene. He’s an old-head.

Rebecca: Yep! I've been with Brian for 12 years. I met Reese shortly after meeting Brian, so we knew each other long before we started Cultic.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Brian: I have favorite bands in most genres that I enjoy. As far as overall “metal” band. Definitely DIO and DIO-era Sabbath. I’ve loved DIO since I was a little kid. He was the quintessential METAL HERO. The more extreme stuff goes to GODFLESH. That band just speaks to me on a primordial level. 

Rebecca: It's hard to pick favorites in the metal world, but I'm definitely going through a Saturnalia Temple and Goatlord phase right now.

Reese: There is no way humanly possible I could pick a favorite. There are so many influential artists and bands I cannot pick one. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Brian: It depends on what I’m doing. In CULTIC most of my direct inspiration comes from very simple ideas. Maybe a catchy chorus that comes into my head? Maybe something that I feel could represent something larger within the CULTIC universe?  Cultic songs are, for the most part, political allegory. They’re rooted in reality but told from the perspective of someone in a realm of fantasy. 

I’m directly inspired by anything swords and sorcery-related, fantasy art, 80’s video games, low brow culture. Typical old metalhead stuff that falls more on the fantasy side of the spectrum.

6. Where was your last gig?

Brian: Chameleon Club in Lancaster Pennsylvania with BOUND BY THE GRAVE, MURDER METHOD, and EARTHDOG.

7. Where would you like to act?

Brian: I’d love to play the pacific northwestern part of the United States. 

Rebecca: It would be awesome to play overseas someday.

Reese: I'm down to play almost anywhere almost anytime, but I would love to play overseas someday.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Brian: Anyone who’d have us. I’m into this idea of playing with bands from all genres of underground music. I want to play with a harsh noise wall band and a LARPing power metal band at the same show.

9. Whom not?

Brian: Racist, Nationalist, Crypto-fascist bands, or anyone even loosely associated with that stuff. Sexist bands. Tough guys, dirtball jocks with guitars, Get lost. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Brian: I get pretty nervous before every show. My tip to beat it is to not start playing until I’m really comfortable with my surroundings and monitor mix. I think a lot of my fright comes from overthinking “potential” things that could go wrong. I have an anxious mind. 

Rebecca: It has gotten easier over time, but I still get nervous. It helps me to remind myself that the worst thing that could happen isn’t really that bad. Our songs are short, if we ever had to start one over because I throw a stick or something, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. We’re doing this because it’s fun right? I can’t take myself too seriously.

Reese: I used to get somewhat nervous, but it's easier to just go with the flow. If a mistake happens, play through it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Brian: Bands that inspired aspects of our sound, tone, and approach would be WINTER and CELTIC FROST/HELLHAMMER. Bands that inspire me personally are a bit different. I’ve always had a great amount of respect for BLACK FLAG (original 80’s, not this weird thing they’re doing now). Total DIY, tough as nails, take no shit attitude while being lyrically pensive and introspective.  Those are things I strive for.

Rebecca: I listen to a wide range of music in so many different genres that it is hard for me to identify inspiration with specific bands. What inspires me most about any musician, band or artist is their individuality. You can tell when a band has really embraced who they are. In most cases, doing so requires breaking with convention. I am inspired by music that is genuine.

Brian: I agree with Rebecca on this. It’s inspiring to see musicians doing their own thing and putting themselves at the tip of the spear. I’ll always have respect for that, even if I don’t like or understand the music and vision. 

Reese: I have HUGE eclectic taste in music. All types of genres inspire me in some ways - modern mainstream garbage not at all, but I feel in some ways incorporating other playing styles into metal can make things more interesting.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Brian: Cultic is a really new band. Our fans are few and spread out at this point. Rebecca and I play in a dark psychedelic drone band together called THE OWLS ANWTS. Last year a band (also fans) from Georgia (Bound for the Ground) asked Rebecca and I to play with them, as guests, at a festival. We ended up essentially opening for XASTHUR. That was pretty weird and wild. 

Reese: I once had a little kid (like maybe 5 years old) ask for my autograph in a restaurant. He recognized me from a CD or something his older sibling had. I was very hesitant because it was just a local punk band, but I could see it meant the world to that little kid.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Brian: They have impeccable taste in music, art and underground culture.

Rebecca: Ditto!

Reese: Ditto as well.

14. What do you think of our site?

Brian: You’re doing a great job showcasing underground bands from all over the world. I love that you cast a wide net. Good for you. Thank you!

15. Something to add?

Brian: Thanks for giving us the interview opportunity! People interested can purchase our new album “High Command”  at Eleventh Key (https://https://eleventhkey.com/) our Bandcamp (https://cultic.bandcamp.com/) and our website (https://www.culticband.com/). Expect a CULTIC/FUNERAL BASTARD split single within the year! Thank you!