astral-luminous---blog

Astral Luminous interview on blastbeat.nl

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:57:27 +0100

Scott Johnson/Astral Luminous Interview - blastbeat.nl Hi Scott. How are you?

~ I am good! I have been working lately, and enjoying the lovely fall weather. By the way, I am honored to be part of this interview. I am very appreciative.

Can you give the readers a short description of where Astral Luminous stands for?

~ Astral Luminous is inspiration. It is the mind, body, and soul in one, the embodiment and manifestation of them. It is music to express my personality and approach to music, and also provide insight into New Age Spirituality.

You’re a one person project. Can you tell us why?

~ I do not have anything against multiple person groups. Obviously there are many important bands, and the forumla works wonderfully. The idea of multiple persons creating one sound, one creation is wonderful, makes it that much more special. Astral Luminous is a solo project because it is a personal endeavor. It would not be so personal anymore if I welcomed a session musician and taught them the music, or had another person create music with me. Do not get me wrong, I love collaboration. However, Astral Luminous is a personal endeavor, and would like to keep it that way, nothing personal.

Your album is out for a while. How did people respond on the album?

~ Lunaric Tide did very well! I am surprised as to how many and the types of results I discover on Google. It has reached many labels, distributors, 'zines, and listeners. I do not have insecurity in my project, but for a first album, I am surprised how wide it has spread. I have received some bad reviews, but mostly good. It has executed the effect I hoped it would. Hypnotic Dirge Records did a great job of promoting it, as well as my friends on and off line, and promotions/..distributions labels.

How did you get in contact with Hypnotic Dirge Records? Are you happy that you get involved in the label?

~ Good question. I believe I discovered the brand new page on myspace, just after it was created. It looked promising, based upon the image and approach to the genre/..underground. The owner, Skog, is a really cool guy and a great musician, and has great ideas for the label. His approach is unique, and full of potential. I wish him only the best in his endeavors with HDR. I am very happy to be a part! The other projects are really cool people as well, and very talented musicians. My project may not be as dark as some of the other projects, but I respect them and feel its a good place for me now.

You have a great feeling for cosmic subjects. Where does that come from and how do you place it into your musical products?

~ It comes from inspiration. Knowledge, and studies of subjects such as astronomy, psychology, philosophy, religion, science, history, are very important to me, and speak to me. I feel it is dire to have a broad knowledge of these subjects, as an individual. It is important to seek further understanding of this world we live in, the things we can see, and things we cannot. When including these inspirations in my music, I do not wish for it to be as if to be "Preaching". Instead, I want to create an atmospheric canvas for the listener, and give them the clay to mold it into their own interpretation,.. wether shallow, or deep. Example; if one person were to like it for the "heaviness" or "power", and another to receive inspiration to desire to learn more about spiritual subjects, etc. Overall, I try to create something personal, soulful, and unique.

In what conditions do you compose your music?

~ Conditions... As far as recording goes, I am at my home writing, wether it is playing along with a musical inspiration trying to create my own melodies, or spilling the melodies that continuously play inside my head, always developing. I mostly start from guitar, or bass for foundation. As of recently, I have started with drums though, Im trying to have a different approach and study the outcome. I have my own recording equipment, and I use what I have. Since the last album, I have much better recording equipment, and a further developed composition talent, as well as musically advanced. All instruments and melodies are created and executed by myself. I also execute all recording, mixing, and mastering. In solitude is usually best for deepest insightful thinking and understanding.

You say you use new age/esoteric beliefs. Can you give us a description about your belief in live and religion?

~ It is important to me to be individualistic... Knowledge and understanding of our world, psyche, and universe is very inspiring, it speaks to me. With my project, I do not take any certain political or religious stance, I choose to keep a neutral image, so as to not be judged or stereotyped by potential listeners. I am not psychic, and have a lot of learning, and growing up to do. Which is why I focus on my studies of psychology, anatomy, biology, religion, in hopes of reaching my highest individual potential.

You say you seek your personal endeavors. Why is that? What do you hope to reach with your music?

Personally, I do so because it is meaningful to me. Like I said, I believe a broad spectrum of knowledge is important to have, especially in the present with how rapidly our world is changing. I am not afraid to die, just want to make my life here meaningful, and have substance, rather than not making a difference.
Musically, I hope to give listeners a deeper insight into their own spirituality and self, perhaps even inspire them to grasp onto their own personal studies. I want them to also have personal truth seeking endeavors. I do not wish for fame, although it would be nice to reach a wide audience. My purpose is to express my personal music, and if even one person truly gets it, understands it, that is what I wish. However, I do wish many people find something special in Astral Luminous; whether it be to inspire them as musicians, artists, teachers, explorers, whoever they are. Whatever you are, Define Yourself.

What can we expect from Astral Luminous in the future?

~ I am currently writing and recording the 2nd album. Progress is slow beginning... but I will get there. The album layout will be designed by Ba'al Graphics, same as with my 1st album Lunaric Tide. However, the art will have a slightly different direction. You will see! Samples will be uploaded onto the Myspace page for now. Another thing, is I hope to have shirts available within the next few months. Also, one of my songs will be part of a very special Hypnotic Dirge Records Compilation, which will be available for FREE download, artwork included. It will include tracks from all the projects on the label. It will be available soon. Check the page for updates.

Do you have a message to the Dutch readers?

~ I am honored to be part of this interview! I would love to befriend some more peoples of Dutch origin (and others), and really do hope they like my music. I have much respect for them. Please spread the word about my project, and do not hesitate to contact me about ANY inquiry! Thanks again for this opportunity, hope to hear from you all soon. You will definitely hear from me again.

www.myspace.com/astralluminous

Astral Luminous interview on heathenharvest.com

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:17:12 +0100

Here is a copy of the recent interview done by Scott Johnson of Astral Luminous on the highly-regarded webzine 'Heathen Harvest'
DIRECT LINK:

http://www.heathenharvest.com/article.php?story=20091231220413962

Heathen Harvest: Greetings Scott. To start this out, can you tell us about the project and what surrounds its core thought pattern?

Scott Johnson: To create experimental metal and ambient, inspired by spiritual, earthly, and psychological subjects.

HH: Your lyrics seem to point more towards a cosmic philosophical awareness with an outer essence of mysticism / magick. You also seem to approach some more new age ideals. What spiritual and philosophical ideals pull you?

SJ: Exactly. I am interested in studies of religion, psychology, philosophy, things giving deeper insight into the human psyche, the earth, as well as the cosmos. I seek a higher knowledge of myself. I study different forms of religion, and overall have individualistic ideals.

HH: Culturally, Texas is one of the last places that one would expect to find a project like yours in this country. How have your surroundings affected your style and spirituality?

SJ: My surroundings have not affected anything, or restricted my mentality.

HH: Surely other Texan bands like Absu, Dagon, and Vesperian Sorrow have influenced you on the black metal edge, but are there any Dark Ambient / Industrial / Noise acts? Houston, for instance, has a thriving noise scene.

SJ: I cannot name one. Obviously, I am just not familiar with the scene.

HH: Would it be safe to say that projects like Vinterriket, even Darkspace and Paysage d'Hiver?

SJ: Yes, because they are ambient, and adventerous in the art of experimentation with music, both sounds and compositions. I strive for the same thing, but in my own unique approach.

HH: Your sound on the upcoming record goes a bit further than most black ambient hybrids in that it seems to have a bit of post-rock atmosphere included in addition to the usual minimal ambience which mostly adds to the psychedelic nature of your music. Why have you chosen to go more towards this sound?

SJ: I have chosen a less cosmic theme from my previous album Lunaric Tide, and wanted to create something more organic, and earthly, but still mystical in atmosphere. My musical style is changing, and maturing, and with it, this new direction. it will still be Astral Luminous, just more attainable by a larger audience I would say.

HH: What different states of mind do your various sounds bring to you? Your albums can range everywhere from drone ambient to atmospheric black metal and back to post-rock instrumentalism.

SJ: Meditation, dreaming, brainstorming, thought processes from calm and insightful, to intense and knowledge seeking.

HH: Are psychedelic 'substances' used by you for your creative rituals?

SJ: No they are not haha. One would assume so though.

HH: Who designed your logo? There's a lot of fine detail going on inside of it, are there any subliminal meanings within it?

SJ: I assume you are referring to the logo created by Ba'al Graphics. There are not any exact meanings, just wanted something stylish, and geared more towards an obscure imagery. There are some alchemic/occult symbols in the logo at the ends of the rays, however they are just for aesthetic purposes, and do not represent a certain symbolism or message.

HH: The layout for the album was done by Ba'al Graphics, whom are more known for their work with Raw black metal and old school styles. Why the decision to work with them?

SJ: I admired his style, and ability to adapt to a client. He was able to create something more experimental than the usually he works on, while still remaining obscure. Overall, I am very happy with the design for Lunaric Tide, and have received many great comments on it. He will also create the album 2 layout.

HH: What creates in you the passion to create this style of music? What music and literature has influenced you to bring you to this point.

SJ: What creates the passion is knowledge in general, of our everyday lives, what we directly see, and what we do not. There are many influences musically, and non-musically that inspired me to start creating my own approach to music composition / sound. Of course it is a personal expression, but also an attempt to show listeners the flexibility of sound, composition, and genres. As far as music goes, new age, the power of metal, orchestra, classical, world and cultural music, many different genres. With literature, Edgar Allen Poe, the ancient greek philosophers, Einstein, writings on religion, psychology, anatomy, biology. Many different things, revolving around knowledge. Love and passion.

HH: In February, you released 'Lunaric Tide' through Hypnotic Dirge Records. Tell us how this release came about.

SJ: It went very well! It was duplicated by my local studio, Smart Productions. I have received many great reviews on the album, and Skog did a great job distributing and promoting as well. Seems people received their orders promptly. I am happy with the results both the reception from listeners, and how widespread across the world it has become. As far as how it came about, I met Skog, and joined the label, because I was impressed with his ideas and the work he had done with the label already. So I had faith in his workings, and everything went smoothly.

HH: Drew of Indiana's "Dark Procession" contributed session vocals on Lunaric Tide. How did you come to work with him?

SJ: I liked his project, and sampled many different vocalists. Of all, he had the most creative and relating lyrical theme to my work, meaning he understood my concept and created perfect lyrics for Lunaric Tide.

HH: Were any vocals done by yourself?

SJ: The only vocals I have done so far, were on a song called "Transcendance" on my 2007 demo.

HH: You've noted previously that this album wasn't an 'official studio' album. Were you satisfied with the quality that you acheived with this first release?

SJ: At the time, I was very happy with it. Still listening today, it is better than some, but also I hear a lot of different choices I could have made. Overall im very happy, it was a debut after all.

HH: Your upcoming album, "Mens - Corpus - Anima" is slated for release in Late Winter / Spring of 2010. Can you tell us a little bit about this forthcoming effort as well as the title?

SJ: With album 2, I am taking a slightly different approach than Lunaric Tide. Lunaric focused heavily upon cosmic themes, both musically and with imagery. For the next album, it will still be spiritual and atmospheric, but have more earthly concepts. The recording and production quality will be much better, working with Frank Pryor at Smart Productions. Ba'al Graphics will also design the album layout. So far, the music is more accessible to a broader range of listeners, not so restricted to Cosmic Black Ambient. The approach will be more "experimental" metal than black, but still be obscure. The music will not focus so much on spacial atmosphere, but upon alternate vibes. For example, some inspiration is coming from philosophy, both from the Greeks, Buddhism, and other resources. Although I do not follow buddhist studies and beliefs, it is an interesting study, with valuable points on life and the mind. The art has taken a gentle vibe from cultural art. You will see what I mean. Also with the instruments, they will delve deeper into my own experimental approach.

HH: The cover artwork for the upcoming release is a far cry from the debut. You've crossed over from what some would call a bleak cosmic style of imagery to a more psychedelic overtone. What was behind the decision to go more towards this territory?

SJ: The decision was in the "momentary inspirations" For example, back when Lunaric Tide was created, I was heavily inspired by the cosmos, spiritual studies, etc. For album 2, I am inspired by more earthly subjects, but still mystic.

HH: Are you only a fan of the darker styles of music or do you find solace in acts that go off labeled as "mainstream" but seem to share the same philosophical ideas as yours, such as TooL?

SJ: Both. I appreciate many styles of music, but have much inspiration for some mainstream acts like Tool as you mentioned. Actually, they have been a big inspiration lately, and for the direction of Astral Luminous at this time.

HH: You've mentioned that your musical tastes range everywhere from the expected to Jazz, Blues, and Folk. As your recording skills increase and your musical abilities grow, can we expect to see you step into the experimental territory to include some of these influences in your music?

SJ: If that happens, it will be an alternate project. As for the moment, Astral Luminous will stay Experimental, Metal, and ambient, with some light overtones of other genres.

HH: Has the project ever had the chance to play to a live audience as of yet?

SJ: No not yet. I have considered doing a live show, with me as the engineer and only musician, but I do not have the equipment for that yet. Even if I did I am doubting I will do a live show, even with session musicians. Its a personal thing for me when a recording is cd only, for it to be open for interpretation. I plan to make videos for songs, but as for live I think it's too personal to develop into that yet.

HH: Are there any plans to re-release either of your demos in a format other than digital downloads? You covered some interesting tracks that many would be eager to hear (Morbid Angel, Burzum, Mortiis especially).

SJ: No plans right now. I do not think that will ever happen. I am proud of my demo. I have already presented it and am happy with the results. If they are interested in it, they can find the free download at the official Hypnotic Dirge Records website, under the downloads section. My other demos are cassette transferred to digital, and they are not presentable at all at this point. I have simply moved forward, but I am happy with the reception they have received.

HH: What are your expectations for Astral Luminous? Is there any upcoming news that we can expect to hear any time soon?

SJ: Expectations.. Just to continue with this art I have developed, and hopefully reach a broader range of listeners. Writing Album 2, and the first official tshirt will be available soon! Its been an honor.

Astral Luminous Update (10/26/09)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:44:08 +0100

10-26-09 ~ At the moment, I am writing and recording the material for the 2nd album. Until it is complete, there are samples available on the player for previewing. I am very excited about this release! I have great feelings about it. Médan Savamhel (Ba'al Graphics) will design the 2nd album layout, which will also include an illustration by Bernardo Alatorre (Rotengroth). It will be Pro-Cdr in a jewel case, with an 8 page booklet and tray insert. Shortly after it's creation the first ever Astral Luminous t-shirt will be available! Please keep checking in for updates.

[Astral Luminous has also revealed the album cover for the upcoming second album "Mentis, Corporis, Anima"]

Astral Luminous - Transition Period

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:56:42 +0100

Astral Luminous is currently going through a transitional period.

I have decided to re-construct the image and purpose of this project. I will still create experimental metal/ambient, and still create dark atmospheres, however I am trying to slightly pull away from the black metal image.

When I started this project, I meant for it to be a Ambient black metal project, but also experimental incorporating cosmic themes and sounds. This inspiration, still holds true, even stronger in fact! However, I wish to create a more down-to-earth music, imagery, and ideology. Space, and the universe are a very real thing in our lives. In fact, the other day I watched a tv show talking about how the ancient cultures relied on the moon, the stars, the sun for guidance and understanding of life such as time (Mayan calendar, sun dial), nature such as food and water, construction such as shelter, all these things and more. Today, most people often simply glance, and ignore the beauty but most importantly, the importance of such things. That is why I created this project, in homage for a better understanding of our lives, psychology, the universe, etc. Not just as expression for myself, but as an offering of insight to others as listeners, in hopes of instilling a heightened sense of spirituality or at least inspiration in some artistic form.

Now that I have matured, I seek a different approach. A more personal, and down to earth endeavor. All these things stated before will still be held true, but in a more "solid" manner. It is very hard to explain, but in my upcoming musical and visionary offerings should give you a more concrete understanding of this.

Astral Luminous... Galactic Black Ambient?

No more...

...but the memory will live on.

"Mentis, Corporis, Anima."

~Scott~

Astral Luminous Official Website

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:39:14 +0100

I have updated the Official Astral Luminous Website. While minimalistic, I believe it represents my project well. Please visit and give me your thoughts!

http://astralluminous.moonfruit.com/

...also, if you would be interested in helping me further design the website, please contact me. Thanks.

~S~

Astral Luminous Album Two

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:24:46 +0100

I have now officially started working on the 2nd album! This album, will be completely experimental black ambient. The sounds used so far are more advanced than before, and production is much clearer and more dynamic. My vision is for the album to be completely instrumental (Experimental black ambient). However, I have considered incorporating a small amount of vocals (myself) and traditional metal instruments (Guitar, bass, drums). I am working on the first song right now. I expect for a sample clip to be finished, and upload onto my page's music player within a week or two. Keep checking back for updates.

Also...

Sales for Lunaric Tide have been really great! What's more impressive is the response I have received, and how far it seems to have reached. I want to say that I really appreciate the response it has gotten from all of you. Thank you. My label, Hypnotic Dirge Records, still has copies available so contact Skog if interested. Posters are available also! ...and please keep sending in reviews!
~S~

"Mentis, Corporis, Anima."