Members and Functions:
- Jessicka - Vocals & Occasional Tambourine
- Christian - Guitar & Vocals
- Rickey - Guitar
- Derik - Bass
- Beth - Drums
Ages: Obeying tradition & avoiding specifics,
the total age of Scarling is a ripe 144 years.
Currently Listening to: Madonna
Current Release: So Long, Scarecrow
Label: Sympathy For The Record Industry
ANTI-Mag's Song Pick: "Bummer"
I admit I enjoy the dark side of things. I especially enjoy when the dark side presents itself in a most lovely way. Scarling does just that. Upon seeing the sea of black dyed hair and clothes, one will put an automatic response and stamp this band as goth. I must admit I was one of those individuals. I listened to my momma though and knew that there is always more to one's appearance. I took a deeper look and a deeper listen to Scarling's So Long, Scarecrow, I realized that there was more to this quintet. I know every band hates to be compared to and categorized but it's how we are able to pin some sort of description on our music. I would say this band is borderline goth, but there is a delicate balance here. A sweet voice in the shadows of driving guitars. No annoying droning here but rather a consistent orchestrated album. Think Curve, All About Eve, and Lush all rolled into one. Finishing up a European tour, Scarling is on their way to proving that they are more than a category of unoriginality.
How long have you been playing together?
Scarling, began roughly 5 years ago and ever since we have undergone several line-up changes (luckily, changes for the better). Personally, I (Rickey), have been playing with Scarling for about 3 years.
Do you guys consider yourself to be a "goth" band and if not how do you feel about being labeled such?
While harboring no ill opinions of goth music, I think we avoid lumping our sound into generalized categories via overused genre teminology. I feel like people who look at our past bands and black hair tend to label us as a goth band, but those who listen to our music with an unbiased ear associate us with more of the shoegazer type bands. It is tricky to describe our sound. I stumble for an answer every time I am asked what kind of music we play. (I find this to be very true since I've heard this question asked a million times and I'm sure bands get frustrated with putting themselves into a genre)
Influences?
Vodka for me! (ha, she and I must go to the same school)
Who is the music writer in the group and how do you go through the process of writing songs?
All of us are responsible for writing on some level. Typically, our process
involves someone (usually Jessicka & Christian) bringing a melody
or idea to rehearsal and then we each build on it and evolve it by adding
layers of noise and complimentary textures until we feel it is complete,
which is usually when it is bursting at the seams.
I see Mark Ryden has done some cover art for you guys...how
did you hook up with him?
Mark
& Jessicka have been pals for years. He is such a lovely man and has
always been so wonderful about collaborating with Scarling. We actually
just released So Long, Scarecrow on vinyl, a version which features artwork
by him (unlike the CD release of SLS) that looks amazing. We are super
lucky he has lent his talents, time & again for us. (Lucky
bastards! Hey Jessicka you think I can get his number?)
You guys have a song called Crispin Glover...Are you
a fan of Crispin Glover?
We are all collectively fans of Crispin Glover, although I think it is
safe to say Jessicka's fascination with him outweighs the rest of our
appreciation of his work by a long shot.
"So Long, Scarecrow" where'd the title come
from?
The title was a lyrical excerpt that Jessicka took a liking to
and developed. It is also the name of the last song on this album, which
is a melodic outro that features just bass and vocals. We all thought
it was a fitting title for this album.
Who would you most want to tour with?
After touring with the Cure & Interpol, we definitely can't
complain with our past line ups. Other active bands I would personally
like to share a bill with would be Autolux, Pixies, Bauhaus, Sigur Ros,
or Radiohead. I am sure there are plenty of others.
Who are you most compared to and do you agree with
the comparison?
Scarling always appreciates having allies in the war against the unoriginal
or dull. We are constantly being referenced in the same breath as all
sorts of different bands, but I think two of the more common are My Bloody
Valentine & The Cure, both of which are totally legendary and a huge
compliment.
Edward Scissorhands or Beetlejuice?
Edward all the way. He has better manners. I appreciate a handsome man
who chooses not to use his weaponry.
Look for more information on Scarling on My Space: www.myspace.com/scarling
Also check out their very cool website at: www.scarling.com