Interview with Carbon 9 vocalist Stacey Quinealty

The Los Angeles based metal band Carbon 9 is currently filming a video for the song “Crawling Over” from their newest CD, The Bull. The band has been quite busy as of late working on not only the video, but finishing the CD and preparing an acoustic album as well. Recently, vocalist Stacey Quinealty took some time away from the band’s busy schedule to answer a few questions for PureGrainAudio.

Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live setting taking on a whole new life in front of a live audience. How does it make you feel when the emotion and power that you envisioned in the recording studio, come to life while playing in front of a crowd?
Stacey: First of all, thank you for recognizing the energy that we put into the songs when we recorded them. It makes me feel incredible and on top of the world when we are able to perform our material in a live setting and people get it. It validates me as an individual and reminds me that I am not crazy and that many people think the same way I do. It is always an awesome feeling to be understood, and this is why our music takes on a whole new life in front of an audience.

Different groups have unique ways of writing their songs. How do you guys go about writing your music? Is it a collective effort or is it more the efforts of one particular member of the band?
Stacey: Our songwriting process is very unique. We generally construct sequences or guitar riffs first, and then build the song. It is only after the song is recorded that we write lyrics and melodies.

Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
Stacey: My biggest influences have been artists like Trent Reznor and Marilyn Manson, but Carbon 9 as a whole has been influenced by Pantera, Metallica, Radiohead, Iron Maiden and many forms of eclectic World music.

No that your brand new CD, The Bull, is complete how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Stacey: I am extremely happy with the outcome of the album, primarily the overall sound that Frank Gryner was able to achieve with the mix.

Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion. What is it that normally gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and is there a theme or themes behind the writing of this record?
Stacey: What inspires me most as a lyricist is society as a whole. I am fascinated with the differences in cultures around the world but am amazed with the direct similarities. This allows me to write freely about emotions and trusting that all people will relate. I am stuck on the fact that the advanced technology is deconstructing humanity and would have to say that this is the true underlying theme.

When you are on the road for a while, I am sure you see and experience many different things you might not even have known existed. Are there any stories that stand out in your mind as being exceptionally strange or odd?
Stacey: The oddest thing on the road is the odd people that you encounter on the road. It is a reminder that all people are not created equal. Some individuals are simply different, very different. However, the majority of human beings are extremely similar. I do think that Germany has an interesting take on sex, much to be taken as taboo here in the states. Could be very fun!

Do you find it difficult being away from family and friends for such an extensive period of time? How do you cope with the separation?
Stacey: It is very difficult to be away from family, the friend part I can handle. I have not learned yet how to cope with the separation. I just look forward to always seeing them, but then again, I always look forward to being on the road. It is a weird twist of fate.

How has MySpace and the internet impacted your band and do you think downloading helps or hinders the artists?
Stacey: I think that MySpace has been an incredible avenue for ALL artists, and although there has certainly been a decline in revenue, it has allowed all people the opportunity to access many styles of music. I think downloading has helped the beginning stages of the artist, but hurt the latter stage. I like to think that we are working in the forefront of something new and exciting.

What is the one thing you travel with that you just cannot live without?
Stacey: Unfortunately, I have to say my iPhone and my MacBook Pro. These ridiculous little devices contain my whole life which makes it very convenient.

What is the hardest part about being in a touring metal band and what is the biggest obstacle your band faces?
Stacey: The hardest thing about touring is having faith in yourself as an individual and constantly believing in what you do. The biggest obstacle is having to live with four other guys as a heterosexual.

What is next for Carbon 9?
Stacey: Good question. We are currently shooting a new video for the song, “Crawling Over Me” and we are working on an acoustic album that takes the listener on a visual journey, but we would like to think that our next project is to conquer the world and unite all cultures. I suppose you can only take one step at a time.  [ END ]