Narcolepsy, c.1997
Melanie chats with Craig Stadler of Narcolepsy.
When did the band form?
In 1993.
What are your influences, and how do you blend them to sound unique?
I think older death metal like Cannibal Corpse (Tomb/Butchered at Birth) and Suffocation mixed with some of the newer styles like Cryptopsy/Dying Fetus. We are basically just working to create our own sound and contribute something original to the Death Metal genre to help advance the music.
What does each member contribute to music and lyric writing? Is the effort at songwriting collaborative, or do certain members do all of this?
Myself (Craig/Drummer) and the singer both write the lyrics. Myself, Thomas, and Alan (bassist) help write the music so its kind of selective.
What can fans look forward to hearing on the next demo/album?
If anyone liked the old material, it had advanced ten fold. If they liked the slower material better, all I have to say is… sorry. We are moving forward.
What do you feel you bring to the scene? Why should fans see you live?
Unlike a lot of bands, when we play live, we play LIVE. When we play live we ALL really get into it and in turn really get the people into the show. There is nothing quite as disappointing as going to see a band of four or five guys standing still while playing like they were at fucking church or something; it’s almost like they don’t care about what they are doing. The crowd can tell if the musicians are into what they do.
What’s your current lineup?
Thomas Barnwell – Guitar
Alan Bivins – Bass
Jason Hohenstein – Throat
Craig Stadler – Drums (me)
What media do you use to inspire lyric writing? (books, imagination, etc…)
One hundred percent perception of the real life sewer we live in, the drudge, filth, and hopelessness of the world inspires us.
What are your goals for the band? Your personal goals, as related to the band or music scene/industry?
Pretty much add to the genre by advancing the music, reaching as many people as possible and individually excel in our own talent with our instruments.
Any funny stories to relate? (band-related)
Yeah, when we played with Anal Cunt in 1996, our old singer, Mike Cline, in the middle of the set beat himself in the head with the mic until he broke the mic and split his head wide open. Realizing the mic was no good, he threw it on the ground and with both fists beat himself in the face until he literally knocked himself out. Seconds later he came to, started vomiting and proceeded to start throwing equipment at the crowd. Wow, all I can say is…wow. Talk about being into it…
Ed’s note: Sounds like drugs to me! Not “into it”, but rather “out of it!”
Any words of wisdom to impart to upcoming or inspired musicians in the scene?
DONT GIVE UP. Everybody sucks at one time but it is worth it in the long run. Oh and if you want to be a rock star or make money, do me a favor and kill yourself because death metal has no room for people like that. This is a very real and sincere music form, not some fucking stageshow like Ratt.
What is your opinion on the metal scene? Underpublicized? Alive or dying out?
DEFINITELY! There has been little to no exposure here in the United States short of Ace Ventura. It’s a real shame that our fucking country is so goddamn anal that they refuse to see and recognize other forms of music than what makes the money, not to mention that our society here in the United States dictates that we should ignore the bad things and pretend ‘everything is fine just as long as I get mine’. I love the bad things, I wallow in them, they give me inspiration.
What do you gain from playing live?
I enjoy seeing people enjoy our music, beating the hell out of each other and liking it. There is nothing like giving back and seeing people appreciate what you have done.
Any tour/recording, etc… plans in the near future?
We are planning on recording our first full length CD by the end of the summer, and an east coast tour for the mid/end year 1997.
necrosismag 