From screen printing to music – how did that happen?

Actually, my screen printing career and business started because my first band needed shirts (of course. I was in high school photography class, and they happened to have a screen printing shop in the classroom. So, I asked the teacher if I could take on an extracurricular project and print some shirts for my band, to which they agreed. I even got extra credit in the course for my little project that would later become my career. From there, all the local bands wanted to print with me, and my business was born. 

Although your genre isn’t punk, you have a very punk attitude to music and life in general. Would you agree?

Yes, that is the foundational ethos of Staghorn. The music is heavily inspired by the common themes of punk rock, politics, dissent, activism, angst, frustration, positive movement, solidarity and DiT (Do it Together) community-minded focus. The words and messages we preach directly reflect our daily lives and our common intents to create a better world and community around us. This, of course, starts with ourselves. 

As firm believers in a DIY culture, would you say that this is a liveable ethos in today’s world?

That is a hard question. Yes, and no. I believe it is a hard question for some and quite an easy question for others. This is all very circumstantial and heavily based on the conditions in which you are asking someone to begin approaching a ‘sustainable’ or DIY lifestyle. 

I do not believe in expectations being placed upon those who are not able to or who don’t have the means to even begin working towards a life – especially when they are so disenfranchised to begin with. I believe the first step lies in education and in empowering people to learn about the alternative ways of living.

I do not think our current system is sustainable, or even justifiable, when so many people are suffering and barely making ends meet, while excess and abundance lies all the way at the top. There is quite literally enough for all, but the ‘what’s mine is mine’ approach overshadows any chance for any re-distribution of wealth. Ultimately, with enough time, dedication and education, I firmly believe that the world will have no choice but to finally give in to what is necessary for our species’ survival or truly face the catastrophic consequences. 

Your lifestyle reflects your beliefs – would you say your back-to-basics approach, living on a community farm has helped shape your music?

Absolutely. It has become the basis of our call-to-arms in our music’s message. The sounds of the day and night on the farm and nature inspire and invoke the emotions that help breed the creative inspiration in every note and movement of the music. 

What has the experience been like? What are the ups and the downs?

The challenges of moving constantly to finally settle down where we are now. The journey has been quite difficult, but well worth the struggle because we have not quite found a better place or community to thrive within. The balancing act of being in a band but also practising permaculture definitely slows down our pace, and we are working toward finding a balance. Luckily, we have a community that has our backs when we are out on tour. 

The music is heavily inspired by the common themes of punk rock

How would you describe your music to those who have never heard it?

The difficulty is not sounding too pretentious. I would describe it sonically as nature-inspired, atmospheric metal. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am greatly inspired by early post-punk, hardcore political activism, early pioneers of math-rock and post-metal, jazz… Then there is post-apocalyptic, dystopian and science fiction literature and cinema and – most of all – nature. By the philosophy of our existence and my desire to create something lasting and meaningful before I return to the soil. 

You released your third record, Wormwood III, earlier this year. What can you tell us about it?

It is actually our second record, but titled III because it is the third chapter of the story. It is a continuation of our story and our protagonists’ journey through time to warn humanity about their impending doom; this reflects the theme of our first record, which serves mostly as an introduction. Wormwood III gets into the themes of water scarcity and the alarming conditions in which so many people live in our current society. It was one of the most challenging records I have ever created, but well worth the toil.  

How has it been received?

The record has definitely been well received but certainly not without some criticism, as it is our second release. It was also a very ambitious record with regard to our central theme of a narrative story, instead of traditionally sung lyrics. I went heavy on the drama and dialogue to test the waters. Some love it and want more, while others could do without the words and would like to hear us more in a typical platitude of post-rock. We also introduced a new instrument into the mix, the vibraphone, which got some folks very excited at more diverse instrumentation, despite our use of the harmonium and the Rhodes bass. 

You also release a comic with every record. How was this concept born? Which comes first, the music or the comic?

The music always comes first. I write the framework of the story as I go and fit in the story where I feel that it completes the composition. Next, I work on the illustration and layout for the comic book. We have not completed our third EP which will be a sister album to Wormwood. One day, I hope to be able to put out a Serial Bus of all the comics together, in a professional packaging. We still make every one of our comics by hand.

Do the story arcs continue or does each recording come with a separate narrative?

There is one main story arc that will continue through all the chapters. However, not to spoil anything, but there are some side stories planned in the same Staghorn universe.

Will this be the first time you perform in Malta? What should we expect?

This will be our first time visiting, as well as performing, in Malta. You should expect three people performing music with heart, honesty and humanity. We hope to invoke thought, emotion and be a catalyst for change. I am aware that the organiser of the festival feels strongly about protecting nature and reforming hunting laws, so I feel we are aligned among like-minded people. 

Staghorn perform on September 29 at the Valletta Campus, as part of Rock the City. Tickets are available online.

https://shop.trackagescheme.com/event/rock-city-malta-2018/

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