Poppet is an experimental dungeon synth project, it is a space where I can create and experiment with music and sounds. Originally begun as a black metal project, it quickly shifted to a dungeon synth project when I realized that you needed drums and guitars to be metal, Poppet, I feel can achieve the most styles out of any of my projects the other ones are more specifically focused to tackle genres that would be harder for Poppet to tackle.
WageMage is my attempt to make synthwave with a science fantasy theme, although it generally turned into darkwave/electro-industrial. Unlike all of my other projects, it is entierly instrumental.
Lodge of Research is my attempt at making Current 93-style neofolk, but with an angle inspired by MIDI music and dungeon synth in general. It draws on my ideas as Poppet but transposes them to a more songwriterly zone.
2.Musically how do all your projects differ from each other?
Poppet is dungeon synth with heavy black metal influence. Occasionally, although not frequently, noise elements and other abraisive aspects will be included. Typically it will be slower and more ambient with a lot of free improvisatory influences.
WageMage has drums, and is distinguished from my other projects as always having drums and always being instrumental. I tend to use arpeggiators way more, as well occasionally appregiating drums. Increasingly, I have started to incorporate influence from aggrotech, power noise and black metal.
Lodge of Research typically will always use a slap bass tone on my DAW, will almost always incorporate vocals, will feature a mix of black metal screams and operatic singing, and will often utilize flutes. This is not cut and dry, but I tend to stick to these rules.
3. You projects cover a variety of many different genres ranging from black, doom metal, dungeon synth, neo-folk and experimental, do you feel you are very diverse as a musician?
Yes, I try to listen to as much music as possible, both for fun and for learning. I typically listen to metal, and that's how I was exposed to a lot of these subgenres, but I generally have been branching out to different subgenres and scenes altogether. I only really play keyboard, but the versatility of the instrument has allowed me to experiment with different styles more easily.
4.With your lyrics you cover a lot of different occult traditions ranging from the Left Hand Path, Qabalah, Sufism, Gnosticism, Freemasonry, Voodoo, Paganism, Witchcraft and Eastern Religions, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the occult and the paths you have explored over the years?
I've been incredibly interested in the occult and religions in general starting around 10th grade. Initially, much of my interest was because of the aesthetics, and to an extent it still is. Ethnically I am a Jew, and I have delved deep into Qabalah, Hasidism and have spent time with Jews in isolated retreat settings. I still feel a connection to my Judaism, especially the more mystical aspects, but I am generally trying to seek other concepts. I have spent time in a Sufi lodge in NYC, a couple of orthodox/eastern churches and an African Traditional religious temple before as well, and have found interest in them. In addition, I regularly go to the Rubin Museum of Art, which is a museum of esoteric Buddhist art from the Himalayas. You can find much of that kind of art on my Poppet albums. I recently have developed an interest in practicing magick as well. Left-hand path traditions have always been interesting to me, despite my love of asceticism and ritual. Currently, I am attempting to practice Chaos Magick, writing sigils, meditating and eventually trying to evoke spirits to assist in my life. The level of interactivity it has is astounding, and I enjoy delving into the works of Crowley and Carroll.
5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with your music so far?
Aside from the religions you mentioned, in Dungeon Dub I cover Rastafari as a faith. Non religious topics include fantasy, weird fiction, Lovecraft, Howard, Sword and Sorcery, Cyberpunk, the show Gravity Falls (this is also referenced in my blackened dungeon synth project Xanthar) I also wrote a depressive black metal EP about Family Guy under the name Petergeist. Typically if my lyrics aren't about religion or fantasy, they are generally humorous.
6.Since 2019 you have released a great amount of music, do you feel you spend a great amount of time writing and creating music?
I do indeed spend a lot of time writing music, although this generally happens to be in my spare time rather than setting days aside for it. When I have nothing better to do, I will write or hone a song I have. I tend to go through them quickly, and I improvise them generally as well.
7.Out of all of the musical projects you are a part of which one is the most important to you?
Poppet will always be my most important, as will WageMage. At the moment they are the projects I'm most invested in, although that may change.
8.Most of your releases have been solo so far, would you be open to working with a full band?
I would indeed. I might possibly start a NWOBHM MIDI band with a friend in 2020, but it isn't set in stone. Since I'm a college student it's hard to find time for everything.
9.Has any of your musical projects have gotten any label interest?
It has! Three Poppet albums Borne of an Eldritch Fortress, Infernally I Wander, and Mastery Ov The Arcane Crafts will be released via the legendary Akashic Envoy Records.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your projects by fans of metal, dungeon synth, neo-folk and experimental music?
Generally people think of it as a unique niche project in a niche genre. They enjoy my avant-garde and outsider take to music I'm not trained in, and they find my perceptions unique. Obviously some people are confused by my work often negatively so, but this is a sign I'm making music that has an impact. It's not for everyone, but it's not trying to be.
11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I always see myself making new releases and new projects regularly. I sometimes fantasize about having a touring act that has a mild amount of popularity in dark music communities, but I'm content in the underground as it is now.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Nazgul from Italy is a band I really dig, Italian black metal in general always seems to go towards the top of my list. The focus on synths, atmosphere and theatrics is much more present in that regional style than elsewhere. Mortuary Drape were one of the first second wave bands to have an elongated organ intro as well. I also really dig Emperor, Oath of Cirion, Enid, Candlemass, Manilla Road, Sigh Heathen, Blind Guardian and Skepticism amongst others for metal
As for Dungeon Synth, I listen to a lot of Chaucerian Myth, Bitter Old Wizard, Witches Moon, Basilica Rift, Gluttony, Shevelreq, Xynfonica, Burzum, Avox, Tyrannus and others. I love how expansive the genre is and how friendly people are in that scene.
I also listen to a lot of Jazz (John Zorn, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, John Coltrane, Mary Halvorson), hip-hop (Denzel Curry, Wu-Tang Clan, Techno Animal) and psych folk/neofolk/industrial (Vulcan's Hammer, Current 93, Sol Invictus, Gae Bolg, The Incredible String Band, Shirley Collins, the Legendary Pink Dots, Coil and Richard Thompson)
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
I am a religious studies major in college, and because of that, I have a strong interest in religions, world cultures, spiritual practices, art, artifacts, architecture and to a lesser extent food and language. I am also into history, cartoons, anime, graphic novels, card games like Yu-Gi-Oh! Video games like Azur Lane, politics and political science and reading in general. My interests oft change and warp over time. Currently I'm re-watching a lot of my favorite Simpsons episodes, it's a brilliantly written show.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you so much for having me on and showing my music! I enjoyed answering these questions.
https://poppetblackmetal.bandcamp.com/
https://lodge-of-research.bandcamp.com/
https://wagemage108.bandcamp.com/
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