Can you tell us a little bit more about the sounds that you have built within "Fatal Condition"?

The Angel Theory sound is about finding sounds that work well together, to form a texture. When I write, I try to find or create an atmosphere within the music using pads, and loops, whatever is required. Once I’m at the point that the sound becomes visual, or creates images in my mind, then I know I’m on the right track.

Why does the cinematic sound strike your interest?

I love the vastness and mood that the cinematic sound creates. Sweeping strings, and thick textures really strike a chord with me, they send my mind wondering.

Besides the releases of the "Transmission EP", is this your first full release of material?

Certainly is. I have been actually writing for years now, and played in a couple of bands. Angel Theory was my first “serious” attempt of getting a recording deal…. Thankfully it worked. Also it was very much a personal goal to do it solo this time around.


How long have you been a musician?

I’ve been playing keyboards since I was 16. Bought my first Synth a Roland Juno 60, which I spent hours on making sounds, and writing songs. I think the rest of my teenage years were spent with synths more than people.


Can we expect many danceable tracks on "Fatal Condition"?

Yeah, there are some great dance tracks there. You will find though with my tracks, they are quite slow in tempo as compared to most night club tracks.  I like to find a tight groove rather than go for speed. And it actually works surprisingly well to me, some these tracks really move.

What do you think about the current electro-industrial scene in Australia?

To be honest I don’t really know a great deal about it. I rarely go out to clubs, or to see live bands for that matter, I’m quite the hermit. I know about a few bands and artists here and there, but that’s really about it.


What electronic artists were your role models during the making of "Fatal Condition"?

Well I think there was a huge variety of influences rather than role models  that are apparent to me. For instance a vocal line from one of the tracks was greatly influenced by Burton from Fear Factory, I really love this mans voice, whilst the music was very Depeche Mode influenced. So the influences are from here and there, rather than just a small hand full of role models. I listen to a large variety of music, so I can pull influences from various extremes.


What kind of reviews and feedback did you feel most positive about from the release of Transmission EP?

So far that it’s a very varied EP. All the remixes are quite different from each other, and that the extra material was actually really worth putting out there, as people are really picking up on them. I’ve been told a few times already that the track “In Dreams” should have been on the album. Its nice to hear that there is great enthusiasm for these extra tracks as they are quite strong songs in my eyes.


How are you gearing up for the live shows coming up on March 7th, 2004?

We have been rehearsing as a band for a few weeks now, and I’m happy how it’s coming together. I also worked with a friend of mine, Steve Williams, who help me put together some visuals to use during the show. It’s been a very busy time, but it’s all finally coming together nicely.


How did you and Steve Williams come up with the ideas for the visuals that will be displayed during the up-coming shows?

I was a total dictator about it. LOL. I virtually already knew what I wanted, I just needed someone to help me put it all together…. Steve is the technical side of my visual imagination. Both he and I went out one day a shot lots of video footage, and paired it with a collection of images I had been working on. The visuals add a nice dimension to the tracks, and help to build that extra bit of atmosphere in the live show. I like to think that they will compliment the music, rather than distract from it.


How did you determine who would be your live keyboard players for the live show?

It was more of a case of, who do I know that could play keys. I wanted to work with people that I knew, rather than just anyone.  Julian, I knew from a previous band, he was actually the vocalist, and I played the keys. And Jarod is the main man at GUP.  So far I’m convinced I’m not being taken seriously by either of them as they are having way too much at rehearsals !


What direction do you like to go in when making remixes?

I don’t try and preconceive where I think a remix should go.
Usually it depends on the track itself. What I tend to do is listen to the track, and wait to hear something to come out of it, that leads me to an idea. It could be a drum loop, a vocal line. From there I develop the idea, and start to put Angel Theory type of sounds, and textures into the mix, and see what happens.  In the end I hope there’s something set apart enough from the original to be interesting still, rather than be fairly similar.


It seems like every time you hear a new electro-industrial artist start they sound too much like the last one, how will you make sure Angel Theory does not follow in those foot steps, and be very different?

When I write I tend not to think about what I’m doing, I just get it out as quickly as possible, and not interfere with the process. So as a result there is no thinking involved about where the sound should go, or being cautious not too sound this way or that. If I should sound like an artist already out there, then that’s just pure luck, there’s nothing wrong with that.  Thankfully the Angel Theory sound is quite different than most, but yes you can here influences here and there.

What are the next coming months like for you musically?

Well aside from doing as much live work as possible, I’ve been doing some remixing, and tribute album stuff, which I really enjoy. It’s like having a hobby outside of the Angel Theory stuff, so hopefully a lot more of that. I will also start writing again from the next major release. I have found having a bit of a break from the last batch of writing, will give me some fresh perspective. And besides I really enjoy the process, so I know I’ll be enjoying it. 


Anything else you would like to add for GC readers?

Like you, I listen to a lot of music, and there is a lot of great stuff out there. So if you buy an Angel Theory disc, or come to see a show, a big thank you to for the support, and I don’t say that lightly.

-Charles.