By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) What I’ve been doing so far is really a mix of industrial, metal and goth. That’s the world I’ve lived in musically the last few years.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Growing up I was really into Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, Nine Inch Nails and Korn. They’re still some of my favorites and continue to inspire me. These days I also take influence from artists like Bring Me The Horizon, HEALTH and Lady Gaga.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Mad World.” What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) “Mad World” came from seeing how fucked up the world is right now, from what’s happening in America to the Middle East to the bombing of innocent people in Gaza. I’ve also seen our trans+ siblings losing their rights on a daily basis. I felt I had to write a song that shines a light on the corruption and power imbalance in this world, – a world still run by white men trying to strip minorities of their rights. I think people connect with that honesty and anger because we’re all feeling it.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video is a reversed POV of me walking through London, the tube stations, the chaos, the people…It mirrors how it feels to move through this “mad world,” disoriented but still pushing forward.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) We usually start in the studio with some references and build the sound first, but the lyrics and music come together at the same time. I always walk in with ideas or fragments of lyrics and then we develop everything together in the room. It’s very collaborative and organic.
Q) Jon Cass lent a hand in production for your EP Against the Machine. How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) Jon and I work really closely. I bring the inspiration, the emotion and the vision, and he translates that into sound. He’s honestly a genius – he totally gets me and what I want to say. I love working with him. We are currently working on lot’s of new stuff that will start to come out at the start of January, a bit different sound that my fans have been hearing so far from the previous releases.
Q) The EP is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?
A) The EP explores love, loss and defiance – all through my lens as a queer person fighting to be seen. “Razorblade Romance” is a fight song for survival. “Dead Valentine” is an anti-Valentine’s revenge track. And “Mad World” is a politically charged cry from the margins, taking on systems of oppression head-on.
Q) Steve Stevens lends his guitar to one of the tracks. How did the two of you come to work together?
A) When I worked at the Vivienne Westwood store World’s End on King’s Road, Steve used to drop by whenever he was in London. We connected instantly and he always invited me to his shows when he was in town. That friendship eventually turned into collaboration. He’s such a legend, the GOAT, really.
Q) Which song on the EP holds special significance for you, and why?
A) Definitely “Razorblade Romance.” It’s a survival anthem for me – growing up queer in a very straight, male-dominated environment like the Norwegian metal scene wasn’t easy. That song is me reclaiming my power.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from Against the Machine as a whole?
A) I hope people feel inspired to be fully themselves, unapologetically. I also hope it reminds them that the world isn’t black and white and that it’s worth standing up for those who don’t have a voice.
Q) You’re currently touring in Europe. What can fans expect from a live Ray Noir performance?
A) We give it everything, passion, rage, theatre and pure mayhem. It’s an experience. We’ve got two more shows coming up in Italy, November 21st in Rome and November 22nd in Florence with Alien Vampires and Psycholies.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I wouldn’t mind working with Trent Reznor – he’s a genius. The new Tron soundtrack he did is insane.
Q) What artist are you currently listening to, and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve been obsessed with PRESIDENT lately. It’s heavy, melodic and I just vibe with it.
Also, the new Bad Omens single “Dying To Love” is incredible. I love the mix of heaviness and melody.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who supports you and your work?
A) Thank you so much for listening, coming to the shows and buying merch. We love connecting with you. one of this would be possible without your support.