UNSANE Interview

One of the forefathers of noisecore, NYC's Unsane has returned after a lengthy hiatus with the Relapse release BLOOD RUN. When The Gauntlet's Mike SOS caught up with guitarist/vocalist Chris Spencer, they discussed why the long layoff occurred, his view on the heavy music scene today, and if he ever gets tired of the video that gave the band underground notoriety, "Scrape"...


The Gauntlet: Why the long layoff between albums? What did you do musically in between this time?

Chris Spencer: We had been touring for over ten months a year and we really needed a break. I went out to northern California to work with my brother, Vinny opened a tattoo shop in Brooklyn, and Dave started doing sound at a club called North Sixth in Williamsburg. After a while I started playing in a band called The Cutthroats 9 in S.F., and Dave started The J.J. Paradise Players Club


The Gauntlet: When did you decide to reform and was it a smooth process?

Chris Spencer: I guess it was New Years 2003 and yes, it was a very smooth process. It seems like all it really took was for me to go back to New York. The first time we practiced was really fun.


The Gauntlet: How was recording BLOOD RUN? Who recorded it and where, and were there any funny stories during recording you'd like to share?

Chris Spencer: It was really easy recording BLOOD RUN because we did it with a friend (Joel Hamilton @ Studio G, Brooklyn) who also plays in Dave's band. Having him do it made it relaxed and we could fuck with stuff that other guys might bum on. We could also write stuff with him around and not feel the pressure of a bigger studio. I also got to meet Frank Black, which was pretty cool.


The Gauntlet: What was the easiest song to record on BLOOD RUN? The hardest? The one you feel came out the best?

Chris Spencer: I think for me "Recovery" was probably the easiest because I had been playing it for about eight months before we recorded it.


The Gauntlet: How would you describe Unsane to someone that never heard your music before?

Chris Spencer: Original.


The Gauntlet: How has growing from the NYC scene influenced your music?

Chris Spencer: I think being around all the noise and crowds really affects the way we think of music. Some things that we like the sound of may seem like noise to other people. For example, things like the subway.


The Gauntlet: What's your take on the current heavy music scene? How do you feel Unsane fits?

Chris Spencer: There is a current heavy music seen? Oh yeah, I forgot about Pig Destroyer. We'll kick in.


The Gauntlet: The video for "Scrape" is quite possibly what your most well known for...does that grow weary after a while?

Chris Spencer: Never! I love that video.


The Gauntlet: How does it feel when Unsane is cited as such a seminal band in the extreme genre?

Chris Spencer: I think it's great. We love doing what we do and it's cool that people see us that way.


The Gauntlet: What are your touring plans for BLOOD RUN?

Chris Spencer: We have already done a couple of tours in the states and are in the middle of the European dates. After that I'm not sure. But, we will be touring for quite a while for this record. We really like doing these songs live.


The Gauntlet: What's your take on CBGB's closing? Any fond memories you'd like to share?

Chris Spencer: That really sucks. CB's should be a historic site or something to protect it from the NYC real estate shark feeding. We started out on Monday audition night and worked or way through the week from there. I could write a novel.


The Gauntlet: When I'm not in Unsane, I'm...?

Chris Spencer: Riding motorcycles.


The Gauntlet: Unsane is a band known for its guerilla style artwork...was there any of that done for BLOOD RUN?

Chris Spencer: This one didn't have to be a guerilla style cover. That is my home bathroom!


The Gauntlet: How do you feel about the NYC scene today as compared to when you were still unsigned?

Chris Spencer: It has seemed a little "white belt" for me lately.


The Gauntlet: What are you currently listening to?

Chris Spencer: John Lee Hooker.


The Gauntlet: Whom would you like to play with that you haven't yet?

Chris Spencer: Jimi Hendrix.


The Gauntlet: What makes Unsane different than other bands?

Chris Spencer: Our drummer Vincent Signorelli.


The Gauntlet: Any final words?

Chris Spencer: Kill your parents�


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Tags:  Unsane  , Chris Spencer, interviews

Mike SOS    October 12, 2005