#mark tansley

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Source: Carnival of Souls on Facebook

Suspiria performing at Carnival of Souls 1995, photographed by Nick Coleman

[mary-shelley-1816]

Suspiria - Tragedy EP (1994)

source

[unknownpleasures68]

Suspiria performing Night Time (x)

[thefarheavens]

Suspiria, Tragedy EP (1994) CD cover

[thefarheavens]

Source: @original80stradgoth on Instagram

Suspiria’s Mark Tansley and Matthew Carl Lucian

[thefarheavens]

An interview with Suspiria’s Mark Tansley and Matthew Carl Lucian

From Masquerade Two, 1995

Please can you give a brief history of the band.

Suspiria were formed around eighteen months ago. We had both been in bands previously, though neither had achieved much success or recognition. We were both working with new technology - MIDI equipment such as synths, samplers etc. - and having been acquainted for several years we decided to pool our resources, began writing material together, planning an eventual release and live performances.

Where did your name come from?

The name "Suspiria" is taken from the title of a Dario Argenta horror film - it’s quite good fun, not much plotwise, but visually appealing. Also, coincidentally, it happens to be the name of a preset synth sound featured on "Gods Take Dust" (New Alternatives II CD).

Your first release was the EP "Tragedy". Did you enjoy recording it and were you happy with the result?

MARK: The "Tragedy" EP, as far as l'm concerned, was great to record. It also gave us more of an insight into the recording process and that of producing re-mixes. Originally, we intended "A Sinner Sins" to be the main track, but "Alledgedy.." turned out to be the stronger track - very dancefloor orientated.

MATTHEW: For a first recording we have to be reasonably pleased with it. Personally, I'd never experienced the environment of a 24-track studio - it’s quite a dynamic atmosphere; people like David Bowie and Mark Burgess (ex-Chameleons) have worked with Squarecentre and that suggests you can expect a polished and professional product. However, we now have a clearer grasp of the various processes involved in recording, which should result in the next CD being even closer to the sound we're aiming for.

Do you have any plans to expand the membership of your band?

A bit cheeky considering your review of the "Tragedy" Demo (…“a prime example of how limiting a two man band is….add a bass and another guitar and the effect would be very powerful - Masquerade l). Not all of us feel that bands require four members minimum. However, we have acquired a new E-mu sampler which will be adding extra depth to the overall sound.

Your first gig was with Midnight Configuration at Birmingham's "Meercat", did you enjoy it and were you nervous at all?

MATTHEW: I felt more apprehensive about the turnout than nervous about our performance and once we'd played through the first two or three songs, I did actually begin to quite enjoy myself.

MARK: I was slightly nervous about setting up, more than anything. There's always a worry that something isn't going to work, or isn't connected properly. However, I really enjoy the experience of playing live once a good mix is achieved.

What are your plans for the rest of 1995?

MARK: We are due to go back into the studio at the end of June to record what will be a mini-album. This will also contain three or four re-mixes from previous recordings. We also have the following gigs lined up:

2 September - Whitby, Monsters of Goth

23 October - Derby, Carnival of Souls

What are the influences for your music and lyrics?

MATTHEW: Musically, our influences are probably too numerous to mention; Mark is particularly a fan of The Chameleons and Depeche Mode. I, myself, listen to a lot of Dead Can Dance, Philip Glass, Nick Cave. Lyrically, whilst people often begin song writing by emulating their influences - great lyricists or poets, whatever (and l have been no exception) - I like to feel that I am finding my own style - both lyrically and vocally the first release, wholly flattering comparisons were made with Rozz Williams’ delivery - something that had never occurred to me.

How would you describe your musical style?

MARK: What we are trying to achieve is a balance between the guitar-based Goth of the 80's and the new technology available today. There was a lot of good music around in the 80’s, but even the Goth/Alternative scene has got to move forward.

What is your connection with Trev (ex Every New Dead Glost and currently of Midnight Configuration) and Nightbreed?

MARK: Trev and I jointly organised and released the "New Alternatives II" CD and I have been running the "Visitation" Gothic club night in Nottingham, where we both DJ. Both myself and Matt have been working in the studio with Trev and both bands plan to release their next CD's simultaneously - and organise a joint tour.

What are your favourite bands at the moment?

MATTHEW: Of current bands? Some of the stuff coming out of Europe at the moment is quite interesting - Eternal Afflict, Garden of Delight, Moonchild.

MARK: Out of the "new" bands at the moment, my personal favourites are Girls Under Glass. There are also many very good new bands emerging from Europe, America and Australia, but far too many to list. Of course, it goes without saying that Vendemmian's new album is very good!! (Creep!! - Ed)

If the pair of you were stuck on a desert island with a pig, who would you kill first?

Not the pig!!

Who makes you go weak at the knees?

Trev and the Midnight Configuration

Source: Nightbreed Recordings on Facebook

[thefarheavens]

Source: nightbreedrecordings.org

[thefarheavens]

After going down a rabbit hole today, I have a found evidence that Matthew Carl Lucian did not entirely fall off the face of the earth.

He met up with Trevor Bamford from Nightbreed in July of this year and—according to the comment section—may be coming back to music! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for a Suspiria reunion.