Interviews: GHOST IN THE MACHINE

This is a new interview with the Rock band GHOST IN THE MACHINE from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

We formed Ghost in the Machine in 1995. Wanting to create music that fused elements of different musical styles, the band name Ghost in the Machine was chosen, symbolizing the band’s music -- created in, and coming from, a seemingly lifeless and emotionless computer brought to life by the music. It is that music that is the ghost in the machine. It wasn't chosen because of the Police album nor the movie or anything else. We were just aware of the phrase and felt it was a perfect fit.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Both of us grew up as fans of hard rock and metal. We also played in bands that focused on these genres. Over time, the music scene changed and we became aware of other genres which eventually influenced us...alternative, goth, industrial, electronic, top 40, etc. We also were evolving as musicians and wanted to grow. For us, it only made sense to proceed to make music that was a fusion of our experiences and influences, both old and new. We wanted to be experimental but in an accessible way. It is quite satisfying to us to create a song that doesn't cleanly fit in any genre. It's a challenge we enjoy and it feels new and innovative. 

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

Yes, we were childhood friends. We had played in a handful of bands together before forming Ghost in the Machine.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

C4: Favorite band changed over the years...from memory, it progressed to something like: - AC/DC - Ozzy Osborne - Iron Maiden - Judas Priest - Metallica - White Zombie - NIN - KMFDM - Fear Factory - Slipknot

Phace: This changes often. Currently, Beck and Galactic Cowboys are stuck in my head.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

C4: For me, song ideas usually start as music phrases. Quite frankly they come to me fairly random. The style or mood of the phrase can be quite random too.... depends on my mood I think. I piece them together and then think of a lyric I think would fit it. Lyrics are tough for me. They have to feel meaningful to me so often I look to my own personal experiences or create a story loosely based on them as a basis for lyrics.

Phace: I normally have the ideas for the lyrics first. Nearly anything is fair game, really. Nearly had a song about Rice Cakes.

6. Where was your last gig?

Orlando FL USA

7. Where would you like to act?

If act means to tour, Europe would definitely be cool.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

C4: An artist who is more alternative in nature would likely be a good match for us.

Phace: At this point in my life, I would be happy with anyone who is at least complementary to our style.

9. Who not?

C4: Definitely not that a country artist lol

Phace: Anyone who drives away the audience or leaves the stage a complete mess.

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

C4: I struggled severely with stage fright. It plagued me for most of my young performing life. It caused huge anxiety before shows, almost to the point of making me physically sick. I recall dreading scheduling shows. I think the musicians I played with in various bands handled it much better than I did and as a result, I found their lack of it encouraging. I think maturing and improving my musical crafts helped build my confidence. My advice would be to realize people are probably not as critical of you as you think they are. Focus that fear on your musicianship and likely it will impress people. You'll feel more engaged with the music and worry less about what others think.

Phace: I had a bit of stage fright early on. I think I finally got over it when the audience was about 2 feet away from me and I had to open the show singing falsetto. I felt once I got through that, nothing else was quite as difficult.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

C4: All of the bands I listed as favorites above definitely were huge inspirations for me during my development. Because some of them also blended styles in some ways, I found those to be really innovative and inspiring. Early bands were also really inspiring because they were breaking new ground. Truthfully I'm inspired by all different bands and styles now. Sometimes for their musical talents, other times for song's arrangement or instrumentation. I'm quite open to inspiration.

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

C4: 20 guitar picks...exactly 20.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are amazing. It always is great to hear their favorite GITM songs or what they like about them. Some have confided how GITM music may have helped them with some hard parts of life. Really inspirational. I wish we'd hear more from them!

14. What do you think of our site?

Looks like a great resource! For someone interested in learning about upcoming underground bands, it looks like a great place to learn about music but also read interviews and stories behind songs and lyrics! When I was in the stage of my life where I was very actively searching out new underground music, this site would have been amazing.