Interview by Rachel Jablonski
Having recently reviewed the challenging release from The Theory of Abstract Light I have been eager to ask Ben Carr, the mastermind behind such creative madness, a few follow-up questions regarding his efforts. What was the main inspiration for such creative madness? Here’s what he had to say:
Rachel: Curious after having heard the project name I instinctively anticipated well thought out music and thus chose to review your disc. I was pleasantly surprised to find my assumption held true. Why name it The Theory of Abstract Light?
Ben: It was just one of those things that happens to you when you are driving (which I seem to spend to spend a lot of time doing). I was trying to think of a concept title for the project and because I am constantly preoccupied with musical things, it just popped into my head, as do most things that come effortlessly when it appears that we have toiled over them.
Rachel: What does the name mean?
Ben: It means exactly that. I would think about what TOAL meant to me as a phrase and it just fits. I'm sure it is nothing except what we choose it to mean to ourselves and thank god for that. There are so many obvious names out there and I guess I try to stay away from the ordinary as of late.
Rachel: I noticed that track 7 on The Theory of Abstract Light disc is called "The hemophiliac dream (a message into)." The record from your other project, 5ive's Continuum Research Project, is titled and has tracks resembling this in name as well. Do these two project correlate somehow?
Ben: Only in name. I wanted to somehow tie the two projects together, to bring awareness to the few that actually pay attention. I wanted to show that there is something else out there that has some correlation to the entity of 5ive CRP. Thanks for noticing.
Rachel: Why do we see the word "hemophiliac" continually show up?
Ben: I'm not quite sure. The word both repulses me and attracts me at the same time. Some Music does that too. And I like to think that we fit in there somewhere.
Rachel: If you would just talk a little about the song titles and how they fit either a particular song or the overall work in general? You don't have to go into great detail, but just to satisfy my own curiosity and notions I would love a little insight.
Ben: Honestly it came from so far down. One night I was drunk and just sat down and wrote them all down on a piece of paper. They all have meaning to me, to where I was sitting at that pointing in time, but I cannot really go into it more than that. Ultimately it is a story about going insane inside of oneself.
Rachel: The Theory of Abstract Light disc is the first release on Odd Halo Recordings, which, from what I understand, is your own label?
Ben: Yes I started the label with Nicole Tardiff as a means of being able to release our own material as well as material of other bands that we enjoy. I also have a 2" 24 track analog recording facility located in Gloucester, Ma with a massive live room and some very nice equipment that I have steadily been acquiring overtime. It is aptly named Odd Halo Recording Studio Division which is coupled with a printing company that I run. It's all sort of a way to keep recording without the on the clock feeling that I get when I am at another studio. The new 5ive is now being done there and we recently did some lotus eater tracks there which came out amazingly. It has grown to the point where I feel that it needs to be opened to other bands that share our vision because although it started out as a studio primarily to track my own creations it is now just too nice not to open up and share it. I did the TOAL disc there on a totally different set up. It was my 1st go at a full track and mix session too. It’s funny how the place has evolved over the past year. It’s like a living thing.
Rachel: What other projects may we see on this label in addition?
Ben: We have a few things lined up currently. A friend and his girlfriend called STU Walker, it's cool it like big band samples meets smacking rock and very original and catchy. I just hope he can finish the record before he gets tired of it. We've also been talking to Surface of Eceon (landing, kinski) about a fall release, which we are very excited about.
Rachel: What further plans do you have?
Ben: Just to keep putting out records and recording. By the way if you would like to record at Odd Halo Recording Studios you can email brown_5ive@hotmail.com for booking info. [Thank you for the shameless plug]
Rachel: The bio on The Theory of Abstract Light says that the sounds will sync up to the movie Koyaanisqatsi (Life out of Balance (1983). According to http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?mid=700, this movie, directed by Godfrey Reggio, is a “narrative-free documentary featuring mesmerizing images illustrating civilization's impact on Earth. With its haunting score, stunning cinematography, this art-house favorite is ideal for viewers seeking a visual feast with eco-philosophical undertones." I have not seen this movie yet, but I'm very interested. From what I assume this movie could quite possibly be the influence of the album. Can you elaborate on that? What kind of effect did the movie have on you? Why use it as reference? How did you use it as reference?
Ben: Believe it or not these types of movies work with most non-vocal oriented material. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
Rachel: What is the most important thing people should understand about The Theory of Abstract Light?
Ben: That it is meant to but absorbed as an entire piece so try and get through the whole thing if you can and then hone in on that felling you have sitting with you at the end of the record. It is also good to try this in low light w/ drinks.
Rachel: Where do you see The Theory of Abstract Light going next?
Ben: I don't know for sure, maybe a little mellower, more droned out, less abrasive. You have to understand that I was getting something off my chest with the creation of this and that’s all I am going to say.
Rachel: And finally, a friend of mine is dying to know, what is your favorite sports team?
Ben: Boston Red Sox, no other sports for me.
Rachel: Again, I found the album to be most intriguing and look forward to future endeavors with your project and label as well. Good luck with everything you have going
Ben: Thank you very much.