Amphibious Assault Interview
Amphibious Assault Interview
By: Rick Harper
With: Fallon Bowman of Amphibious Assault
With: Fallon Bowman of Amphibious Assault
Interview Info
By: Rick Harper
With: Fallon Bowman of Amphibious Assault
With: Fallon Bowman of Amphibious Assault
Rick: Let's start as far back in your memory as possible, when did you first get the urge to pick up an instrument and make music? I'm curious if the guitar was your first weapon of choice?
Fallon: My grandfather had a guitar at his home in South Africa and I remember being 10 years old and being very fascinated with it. I was basically fascinated with anything that had a rhythm to it, or could make sounds. Guitar actually was my second choice; originally I wanted to be a drummer when I was about 12. However my parents were very against it so I asked for a guitar. I played a school assembly when I was 12 with a friend of mine (we played Violet by Hole, I had the leg up and everything, just like Courtney Love). I don't care what anyone says about her, she was a big influence on me as a 11/12 year old. I thought she was the coolest. I remember all the guys in my class gawking at me while I was 'singing' like DUDE SHE CAN PLAY GUITARRRR. It was pretty funny. I was using a friend's guitar, and that performance convinced my parents that maybe they should get me a one.
Rick: How about early influences, when you first started playing whomwere you emulating?
Fallon: I was emulating at first Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love mostly. I was a BIG grunge fan. Ripped jeans and all. I later moved on to Tool, Korn, Deftones... that sort of stuff.
Rick: Was Kittie your first serious musical project?
Fallon: Yep, it sure was.
Rick: Rather than put you through a "history of Fallon with Kittie" interview, I simply want to ask you a couple of straight forward questions. After all of the time that has transpired since your exodus from the band, why is it that hard feelings still seem to persist in both camps? For example on the official Kittie site, they make no mention of you, and likewise in your homepage bio, I believe that you refer to yourself only as a former member of a well known band?
Fallon: I don't really harbour any hard feelings toward the girls themselves; it is other things that unfortunately I cannot go into. I would have a beer with them now if they asked me. Not sure they would want to though. Baggage is an incredibly heavy thing to carry around with you, and I'd rather not have that animosity as baggage. I'm not getting any younger, and a lot of hate will cause a lot of wrinkles. *gasp* my girly figure!
Rick: One more. It's been well publicized that you wanted to interject abit of an electronica/techno sound into Kittie, and they chose to basically stay extreme. Yet on their homepage in their BIO they state: "Seriously, if we hadn't gone through the member changes, our albums would all sound like Spit," adds Mercedes, the quartet's drummer. "We didn't want that, but you're not going to grow if other people don't want to grow, that's the bottom line." " This seems to contradict the reasons given for your departure. Please elaborate.
Fallon: Yeah, I thought it would be cool to interject some different sounds into the music, but I didn't think they would be up to it, and they weren't really. and... I don't really understand the next part of your question, could you elaborate a little further?
Rick: It's not that important, let's just move on. I was reading several older interviews with you, in almost every case
when you were asked about your influences or what bands you're currently into, they were almost exclusively extreme/black heavy metal bands, when did your interest in industrial techno sound come into play?
Fallon: Yeah, I was listening to a lot of black metal and extreme stuff then, but I started listening to industrial in January of 2000. The first record I bought on a whim was at a Sam Goody's (I can't believe I remember that) and it was KMFDM's Xtort. I was floored by it; it was so different and cool. Gradually I started listening to more and more KMFDM, but I continued to listen to black metal and stuff like that. I think maybe I mentioned more of the black metal because I didn't want to ruin the 'metal' image. Sounds weird, but that's really the only explanation I can offer. Your questions are amazing by the way. You've done your research!
Rick: Thank you for the compliment. What electronica/techo/industrial bands heavily influence your musical direction?
Fallon: VNV Nation is my #1 influence for District Six. Mix in some Tiesto, Ferry Corsten & Svenson & Geilen and you've basically got the sound of D6 nailed. The newest record though (I'll explain about it later) is a lot different than the first. Different stuff I'm listening to influences the direction, really.
Rick: I read that between your other "well known band" and Amphibious Assault you seriously considered giving music up altogether, what was it that changed your mind?
Fallon: Yes, I was considering all sorts of crazy madness. Joining the military, for one. Yeah...I have no idea why or where that came from. Heh. To be honest, I'm not completely sure what changed my mind. Perhaps it was some sort of spiritual thing. Entertainment is what I was made for, I think.
Rick: Is Amphibious Assault a "rebirth" of sort to you, or do you consider the band to be a mere continuation of your career?
Fallon: It's a breakaway from everything for me, so yeah, kind of like a rebirth, but my career in entertainment will most likely include more than just music. So, I guess its a bit of both, a rebirth of myself... as well as a continuation of my career.
Rick: How would you categorize Amphibious Assaults sound? Do you think that fans of your older stuff will be surprised when they hear your new musical direction?
Fallon: I hope they are surprised, and many of them have been and either down right loathed it or have grown to like it. I would categorize AA as a hard driving... assault of sorts with a touch of femininity to it. I don't know, I'm terrible at describing it to people. Hah.
Rick: Did you originally plan for Amphibious Assault to be a working band, or was it more of a studio project type of effort?
Fallon: At first it was more of a studio project but it soon took on a life of its own. I think its worth it to continue for another record or two.
Rick: What was the first song that you wrote for Amphibious Assault?
Fallon: The first song I wrote was Post Apocalyptic Burn, then Searchlight... the first song with lyrics.
Rick: Tell us a bit about your fellow band members?
Fallon: Well Talena I obviously knew from Kittie , I have been friends with Pete since I was in Kittie as well. They both rule and are the most fun to play with ever.
Rick: Artistically what aspect/s of District 6 are you most proud of?
Fallon: Actually to be honest there are a lot of things I would change about the songs in terms of complexity, but sometimes the simpler the better and I think it works just the way it is. I like the rawness of it, I like the atmosphere it creates as well. I've been told if you read V For Vendetta by Alan Moore and listen to D6 its like a soundtrack for it. I've never done it myself, but that has what I've been told, Haha. Overall though I'm extremely proud that I created something on my own that some people in joy, that's the best aspect of it really.
Rick: Are Amphibious Assault currently working on any new material? Can you give us the low-down on any of it?
Fallon: YES I AM. The new record is yet to be titled but I have 4 songs completely done. This record will be shorter, probably only about 8 songs. Lots of heartbreak and sappy stuff but plenty of reflections of the current stateof the world today. It is pretty slow in comparison to the first one, but still good nonetheless.(hopefully) That's about all I'm gonna reveal as of late.
Rick: One thing that stands out to me like a sore thumb is the political nature of Amphibious Assault's lyrics. As far as the political spectrum goes do you consider yourself left, right, or what political party?
Fallon: I would say I'm pretty liberal (and that doesn't mean I'm a Liberal, with a capital L, cause they are the leading party in Canada and I didn't vote for them in the election, Haha). There are a lot of things that I support and that I'm pretty vocal about as well. I know that I'm not a "right winger"; I would say I'm leaning more to the left, but not all the way. As a Classics student, I can see the situation of the U.S. mirroring a lot of the problems that arose during the classical periods. It's just interesting to see how history, if not observed, can often lead to the same problems over and over again. Lately I've been distancing myself from the political situation of both Canada and the United States, for more selfish reasons that anything. School stresses me out enough, and the fact that this is a time of such rich political activity just stresses me out even more.
Rick: Is it important for you to use your band's music as a political platform? Do you see yourself as someone who can effect political change?
Fallon: I am not out to change the world with my lyrics. I really think of my songs as a entry in any 20-somethings diary. I don't just talk about politics, I talk about love, hurt, hate, jealously, lost friends and all sorts of things that happen to millions of people around the world every day. So I'm not really using AA as a soapbox, I just comment on the very important situations at hand.
Rick: What is, or are, the most pressing issue/s politically to you?
Fallon: The situation with same-sex marriages is immensely infuriating. I cannot believe, in this day in age, that senseless prejudices exist and sadly, thrives. I could go on forever about this, so I will stop. Haha. It seems almost cliché to say now but the whole fact that Bush was re-elected is just so unbelievable. Everything about the man makes my blood boil, but listening to him talk is very entertaining sometimes. Heh.
Rick: What world leader would you most like to meet, and dare I say, what would you discuss with them?
Fallon: Ooo that's a toughie, probably Tony Blair so I can slap him.
Rick: I read that you took your band name from a Tom Clancy novel, since I'm a Baltimorean, what's your favorite Clancy novel, and/or, movie?
Fallon: I read Executive Orders in like, 4 days. That's a mother of a book, but it was so damn good. I actually finished it on Sept 11, 2001.Weird huh, considering the subject matter of the book!?
Rick: Any final thoughts or comments you may have:
Fallon: BUY MY CD! (hahah) and don't do drugs.
Amphibious Assault Official Homepage:
www.aassault.com
Fallon: My grandfather had a guitar at his home in South Africa and I remember being 10 years old and being very fascinated with it. I was basically fascinated with anything that had a rhythm to it, or could make sounds. Guitar actually was my second choice; originally I wanted to be a drummer when I was about 12. However my parents were very against it so I asked for a guitar. I played a school assembly when I was 12 with a friend of mine (we played Violet by Hole, I had the leg up and everything, just like Courtney Love). I don't care what anyone says about her, she was a big influence on me as a 11/12 year old. I thought she was the coolest. I remember all the guys in my class gawking at me while I was 'singing' like DUDE SHE CAN PLAY GUITARRRR. It was pretty funny. I was using a friend's guitar, and that performance convinced my parents that maybe they should get me a one.
Rick: How about early influences, when you first started playing whomwere you emulating?
Fallon: I was emulating at first Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love mostly. I was a BIG grunge fan. Ripped jeans and all. I later moved on to Tool, Korn, Deftones... that sort of stuff.
Rick: Was Kittie your first serious musical project?
Fallon: Yep, it sure was.
Rick: Rather than put you through a "history of Fallon with Kittie" interview, I simply want to ask you a couple of straight forward questions. After all of the time that has transpired since your exodus from the band, why is it that hard feelings still seem to persist in both camps? For example on the official Kittie site, they make no mention of you, and likewise in your homepage bio, I believe that you refer to yourself only as a former member of a well known band?
Fallon: I don't really harbour any hard feelings toward the girls themselves; it is other things that unfortunately I cannot go into. I would have a beer with them now if they asked me. Not sure they would want to though. Baggage is an incredibly heavy thing to carry around with you, and I'd rather not have that animosity as baggage. I'm not getting any younger, and a lot of hate will cause a lot of wrinkles. *gasp* my girly figure!
Rick: One more. It's been well publicized that you wanted to interject abit of an electronica/techno sound into Kittie, and they chose to basically stay extreme. Yet on their homepage in their BIO they state: "Seriously, if we hadn't gone through the member changes, our albums would all sound like Spit," adds Mercedes, the quartet's drummer. "We didn't want that, but you're not going to grow if other people don't want to grow, that's the bottom line." " This seems to contradict the reasons given for your departure. Please elaborate.
Fallon: Yeah, I thought it would be cool to interject some different sounds into the music, but I didn't think they would be up to it, and they weren't really. and... I don't really understand the next part of your question, could you elaborate a little further?
Rick: It's not that important, let's just move on. I was reading several older interviews with you, in almost every case
when you were asked about your influences or what bands you're currently into, they were almost exclusively extreme/black heavy metal bands, when did your interest in industrial techno sound come into play?
Fallon: Yeah, I was listening to a lot of black metal and extreme stuff then, but I started listening to industrial in January of 2000. The first record I bought on a whim was at a Sam Goody's (I can't believe I remember that) and it was KMFDM's Xtort. I was floored by it; it was so different and cool. Gradually I started listening to more and more KMFDM, but I continued to listen to black metal and stuff like that. I think maybe I mentioned more of the black metal because I didn't want to ruin the 'metal' image. Sounds weird, but that's really the only explanation I can offer. Your questions are amazing by the way. You've done your research!
Rick: Thank you for the compliment. What electronica/techo/industrial bands heavily influence your musical direction?
Fallon: VNV Nation is my #1 influence for District Six. Mix in some Tiesto, Ferry Corsten & Svenson & Geilen and you've basically got the sound of D6 nailed. The newest record though (I'll explain about it later) is a lot different than the first. Different stuff I'm listening to influences the direction, really.
Rick: I read that between your other "well known band" and Amphibious Assault you seriously considered giving music up altogether, what was it that changed your mind?
Fallon: Yes, I was considering all sorts of crazy madness. Joining the military, for one. Yeah...I have no idea why or where that came from. Heh. To be honest, I'm not completely sure what changed my mind. Perhaps it was some sort of spiritual thing. Entertainment is what I was made for, I think.
Rick: Is Amphibious Assault a "rebirth" of sort to you, or do you consider the band to be a mere continuation of your career?
Fallon: It's a breakaway from everything for me, so yeah, kind of like a rebirth, but my career in entertainment will most likely include more than just music. So, I guess its a bit of both, a rebirth of myself... as well as a continuation of my career.
Rick: How would you categorize Amphibious Assaults sound? Do you think that fans of your older stuff will be surprised when they hear your new musical direction?
Fallon: I hope they are surprised, and many of them have been and either down right loathed it or have grown to like it. I would categorize AA as a hard driving... assault of sorts with a touch of femininity to it. I don't know, I'm terrible at describing it to people. Hah.
Rick: Did you originally plan for Amphibious Assault to be a working band, or was it more of a studio project type of effort?
Fallon: At first it was more of a studio project but it soon took on a life of its own. I think its worth it to continue for another record or two.
Rick: What was the first song that you wrote for Amphibious Assault?
Fallon: The first song I wrote was Post Apocalyptic Burn, then Searchlight... the first song with lyrics.
Rick: Tell us a bit about your fellow band members?
Fallon: Well Talena I obviously knew from Kittie , I have been friends with Pete since I was in Kittie as well. They both rule and are the most fun to play with ever.
Rick: Artistically what aspect/s of District 6 are you most proud of?
Fallon: Actually to be honest there are a lot of things I would change about the songs in terms of complexity, but sometimes the simpler the better and I think it works just the way it is. I like the rawness of it, I like the atmosphere it creates as well. I've been told if you read V For Vendetta by Alan Moore and listen to D6 its like a soundtrack for it. I've never done it myself, but that has what I've been told, Haha. Overall though I'm extremely proud that I created something on my own that some people in joy, that's the best aspect of it really.
Rick: Are Amphibious Assault currently working on any new material? Can you give us the low-down on any of it?
Fallon: YES I AM. The new record is yet to be titled but I have 4 songs completely done. This record will be shorter, probably only about 8 songs. Lots of heartbreak and sappy stuff but plenty of reflections of the current stateof the world today. It is pretty slow in comparison to the first one, but still good nonetheless.(hopefully) That's about all I'm gonna reveal as of late.
Rick: One thing that stands out to me like a sore thumb is the political nature of Amphibious Assault's lyrics. As far as the political spectrum goes do you consider yourself left, right, or what political party?
Fallon: I would say I'm pretty liberal (and that doesn't mean I'm a Liberal, with a capital L, cause they are the leading party in Canada and I didn't vote for them in the election, Haha). There are a lot of things that I support and that I'm pretty vocal about as well. I know that I'm not a "right winger"; I would say I'm leaning more to the left, but not all the way. As a Classics student, I can see the situation of the U.S. mirroring a lot of the problems that arose during the classical periods. It's just interesting to see how history, if not observed, can often lead to the same problems over and over again. Lately I've been distancing myself from the political situation of both Canada and the United States, for more selfish reasons that anything. School stresses me out enough, and the fact that this is a time of such rich political activity just stresses me out even more.
Rick: Is it important for you to use your band's music as a political platform? Do you see yourself as someone who can effect political change?
Fallon: I am not out to change the world with my lyrics. I really think of my songs as a entry in any 20-somethings diary. I don't just talk about politics, I talk about love, hurt, hate, jealously, lost friends and all sorts of things that happen to millions of people around the world every day. So I'm not really using AA as a soapbox, I just comment on the very important situations at hand.
Rick: What is, or are, the most pressing issue/s politically to you?
Fallon: The situation with same-sex marriages is immensely infuriating. I cannot believe, in this day in age, that senseless prejudices exist and sadly, thrives. I could go on forever about this, so I will stop. Haha. It seems almost cliché to say now but the whole fact that Bush was re-elected is just so unbelievable. Everything about the man makes my blood boil, but listening to him talk is very entertaining sometimes. Heh.
Rick: What world leader would you most like to meet, and dare I say, what would you discuss with them?
Fallon: Ooo that's a toughie, probably Tony Blair so I can slap him.
Rick: I read that you took your band name from a Tom Clancy novel, since I'm a Baltimorean, what's your favorite Clancy novel, and/or, movie?
Fallon: I read Executive Orders in like, 4 days. That's a mother of a book, but it was so damn good. I actually finished it on Sept 11, 2001.Weird huh, considering the subject matter of the book!?
Rick: Any final thoughts or comments you may have:
Fallon: BUY MY CD! (hahah) and don't do drugs.
Amphibious Assault Official Homepage:
www.aassault.com
