This interview was first published on www.emofag.net
He is the man behind the greatest Anathema songs, the original founder of the Antimatter project and these days, he should be known worldwide as the author of the beautiful and critically acclaimed “Madre, protégenos” by his new band: Ion.
Duncan Patterson kindly answered to our questions and didn’t get mad because of the recurrent Anathema subject in it. So all praise due to the man & his music. Support them, they’re just great…
emofag: Years ago, right after your departure from Anathema, we were talking to Vincent and he was like: “Yeah we don’t need Duncan anymore…”
Things seem to be ok now between you & them… Was it only a matter of time?
Are you nostalgic of these Anathema years?
Duncan Patterson: Yeah, we have talked a lot over the years. We were young back then, and all said and did things that could have been handled better. That quote is quite funny though, as after my departure from the band 80% of their setlist were songs that I had written. Add to that the fact that I actually left the band, I was never kicked out, its quite comical. As I said, we were young. I had some great times with that band, and also some really dark days. It happened, its in the past, and most importantly we are friends now.
e: You created Antimatter with Mick in 1998 and left the band in 2004… Antimatter keeps on going its own way without you now… As you are one of the original member, are you ok with that?
DP: Antimatter is basically the title for Mick’s solo material now, it is not a band. I have no problem with that at all. I had no intention of using it for myself, or preventing Mick from using it, so all is ok. I chose not to continue with Antimatter and Mick wanted to carry on using the name for his stuff. He is in a healthy position to release his music under an established name. I hope he gets the recognition he deserves, as I don’t know many better singers/songwriters around than Mick.
e: In 2002, you started your own label, Strangelight Records… The original purpose was to re-issue some Antimatter stuff right? Can you tell us more about this label & its recent activities…
DP: I haven’t released anything for a while. I have been too busy actually making music and playing live. My next release will be the Leafblade album “Beyond Beyond” later this year. I set the label up so I wouldn’t have to rely on other labels, or go cap-in-hand to them with demos and that. It’s nice to have something like that to fall back on if need be.
e: You just released this beautiful album “Madre, Protégenos” with your new project Ion… Tell us first what was your first ideas with this project… The first frames in mind before writing…
DP: I had written a few pieces of music that didn’t quite fit with what we were doing in Antimatter. When I knew the end was near with Antimatter I started putting things together with Madre, Protégenos. It turned out how I intended it to, so I guess the album itself is the answer to this.
e: As you’re a very talented songwriter I would like to know how do you usually create a song… The title track of the album is really awesome…
DP: Thank you. I usually just sit with a guitar or piano and play around. Sometimes a good tune will come to me, then I’ll build on that. I also get a lot of ideas whilst out walking or travelling by train or bus.
e: Could you introduce to us the guests musicians on this album?
DP: Its a long list, and each has a separate story. I’d be here all day explaining that. Read the album credits to find out who did what.
e: There’s also this cover of an old traditional Irish song… Any Irish blood flowin’ in Duncan Patterson’s veins?
DP: Yeah, it was written by my great-grandfather Johnny Patterson, who was from County Clare. My father is from Dublin and there is also Irish on my mother’s side of the family, like many people from Liverpool.
e: How would you describe “Madre Protégenos”? (the words you’re about to write could increase your sales, do not forget it…)
DP: A great album. Buy it and that.
e: Equilibrium Music released the album right? What’s the exact deal with them, did they help you to produce the album? They carry a lot of Martial Indus stuff, is this a genre you’re into?
DP: I contacted Equilibrium when I had the first sketches for the album. They were the first label that I thought of. The deal is that they release the albums. I dont know of any labels who produce music for bands really. I’m familiar with all of the Equilibrium releases. I’m into all kinds of music really and a lot of that style appeals to me.
e: You left Anathema because it was too restraining for you and then you left Antimatter for the same reason… Are you happy now with Ion? It seems that you really need to be the only man on board right?
DP: No, they were two completely different situations. With the Antimatter thing I needed a complete change. I was trapped in this puerile pseudo-emotional Gothic Metal scene that had no relevance to what I was doing musically. As well as that I was trying to improve myself and getting away from negativity as much as possible. We also had some ridiculous bad luck. It seemed that everywhere we turned there was an obstacle placed there to make things as difficult as possible. That may be due to the negativity and pessimism in the songs, who knows? I’m happy enough doing what I’m doing now. I don’t have any responsibility to keep anyone happy, and I can arrange to do exactly what I want to do without getting too stressed about things.
e: May I suggest that you’re a bit obsessed by religious (and mostly Christian) icons with a predominant fascination for the Holy Virgin Mary?
DP: I wouldn’t really call it an obsession. I do love old Catholic and Byzantine artwork. There is some sort of magic in it. I collect Virgin Mary statues and have them from all over the world.
e: Did you travel South America? Is that there that you get your tattoos?
DP: I was in Brazil about 13 years ago, but I didn’t get any tattoos. Everytime I’ve been to Mexico I have had tattoos done. I had the Virgin Mary one done in Monterrey.
e: As well as the Holy Virgin Mary, the masked wrestlers are also very popular icons over there… Are you also attracted by wrestlers? If so, is this a physical or a mental attraction?
DP: Yes, on my right arm I will get a tattoo of wrestling legend Giant Haystacks. I have been searching everywhere for statues too, but they are very rare. Its definately a physical attraction with Giant Haystacks. I saw many of the wrestling masks in Mexico, but I’m
not so keen on that style of wrestler. I much prefer big sweaty men with beards.
e: The “Jesus Christ” imagery is very popular in the Rockabilly/Garage/Rock n’ Roll scene… Do you like the vintage Rock n’ Roll scene or you’re definitely not an Elvis worshipper?
DP: I love Rock n’ Roll. I’ve played Elvis songs live hundreds of times. I’m not really a big fan of Jesus imagery anyway, I prefer his mammy.
e: What are you listening these days?
DP: Today I’ve been listening to Leonard Cohen, Capitol K, and Jimi Hendrix. Yesterday I watched a Nick Cave DVD.
e: Is Iron Maiden still a good band?
DP: I thought their last great album was “Seventh Son”.
e: You’ll do this Anathema tribute gig in Krakow… Can you tell us more about that, was it your idea? Anathema seems to be quite huge in Poland right? I can’t remember the name of the place but there’s this tavern all lit by candles in the old Krakow, man you should definitely have a drink there…
DP: I was part of a similar thing last December in Bucharest. The Polish promoter heard about this idea and arranged a tribute night there and asking me to participate. I’m happy to be involved in these things. I love to travel and meet people. I hope it will be as magical
as the night in Romania. That tavern sounds good, I’ll try and check it out.
e: When will you play with Anathema again?
DP: Ask me again in another 10 years time.
e: Since you’re no longer with Anathema, I think the band really lost something, someone… What do you think of their post-Duncan Patterson works?
DP: I think that they gained a new type of listener after I left. The promotion for Judgement was immense, and attracted the kind of people who are attracted by immense promotion. Sure, they lost my style of writing but gained other things for themselves. “Temporary Peace” is a classic song, and the music on songs like “Balance” and “Closer” is really good. Plus they are much better live now than when I was in the band. Danny has always been a good writer so there was no reason that would stop just because I left the band. Some people miss my songwriting style in that band, some people don’t. Others don’t know/care who writes what, the brand name is way more important to them.
e: The lyrics on “Alternative 4″ reach an impressive level in depression & self-depreciation… What was your state of mind back then?
DP: I think it’s obvious in the lyrics how my state of mind was back then. Thankfully I am in a better place now.
e: What can we find in Ion lyrics?
DP: I guess the answer would be to read them, or listen to them. That’s what its all about.
e: Any live shows scheduled with Ion?
DP: Nothing is booked yet. I have been offered a few festivals and things but the timing and conditions weren’t suitable. I will definitely go out live though.
e: Please tell us Duncan how do you feel today as an artist… What are your thoughts when you look back at your career?
DP: I’m content with what I’m doing now. I’m happy that I turned my life around. Looking back, I try to remember the great experiences that I had and the important lessons learned from all the bad experiences.
e: What’s your upcoming projects now that the album is out?
DP: I have most of the music written for the next Ion album. A few bands have invited me to collaborated on their albums. I’m happy to be involved as long as I’m into what they’re doing and I’m not being messed around.
e: That’s it Duncan, thank you very much for your time & your great music, the last words are yours…
DP: Thanks for the coverage and well thought out questions. Anyone interested in my future releases, gigs etc. can check www.duncanpatterson.com or www.myspace.com/duncanpatterson .
Duncan Patterson
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