I got a chance to speak with Flo about Cryptopsy, playing the drums, going independent etc. So allow me to get right down to it.
Badger-So Flo 2015 has been pretty productive for you guys, and with the touring as well as the indiegogo campaign. You guys have been pretty busy and it looks as though 2015 will be a nonstop ride for you guys. So with that said I just have a few questions I would like to ask you.
Badger- You have been with Cryptopsy since 1992. You have seen Cryptopsy evolve into what it is today. What has that been like for you?
Flo: It’s definitely been a trip to be a part of and experience the ups and downs of Cryptopsy for over 20 years. I’ve worked with a lot of different people during this time , in and out of the band, and I’ve learnt a few things on the way ; )
Badger- You are essentially like the father of Cryptopsy, watching it grow, and shaping it for the future. How has that affected you being a part of something this big?
Flo: well I’ve never looked at it as being big or small. I look at Cryptopsy just like my playing, it’s always a work in progress. So I feel very critical about the whole thing. So it’s affect is in a way to try to be better from year to year, tour to tour and album to album.
Badger- You are a phenomenal drummer, and I have been a fan since first listening to “ Emaciate” with that said, what sort of process do you have for writing new music?
Flo: thanks for the kind words! We have used different ways of writing in the past. For the newer stuff we actually sit in studio and go over riff that Chris has recorded. We then try to structure them and piece things together. Some are already a series of riffs that fit, some are alone. So we do a general structure. When we’re happy with that we ll start throwing in traps and different bridges and more tech elements. During this whole process beats and fills come to me. Then I take the riffs home to practice and establish my parts.
Badger-Do you have a game plan for raising the bar every time?
Flo: no real game plan. If the guys and I practice hard enough from one recording to another, you ll be able to tell. In Cryptopsy we concentrate on writing songs first then speed and tech.
Badger-Because as a long time listener I can say the bar gets raised every time without a doubt.
Flo: thanks a lot, well we try and this EP has new stuff that’s pretty sick and so will the next series of EPs promise!!
Badger- Who are some of your influences for the drums?
Flo: I have so many influences it’s not even fair to name just a few but I will. In metal, Sean Reinhert, Gene Hoglan, Kenny Schalk, in other styles, Dennis Chambers, John Bonham, Dave Weckl, Chris Coleman.
Badger-I have heard the jazz in the self-titled album, so you must have some a variety of influences for both jazz and metal.
Flo: I try and enjoy listening to all sorts of different musical styles. It just expands your influential pallet therefore your creativity and ability as well.
Badger- Now that you guys have been independent. Has it made the writing process any different? Trying to deliver only the absolute best and what you want the fans to hear?
Flo: there’s less pressure to deliver something but more pressure on us to make it as good and as marketable (package wise) as possible. We have worked with a lot of different artists in the past and still have yet to find the go to guy, lol
Badger-Is there a lot of songs that you guys end up putting on a back burner as a result?
Flo: I wouldn’t say many songs cause it doesn’t get that far, but many riffs yes have been canned.
Badger-Is it more rewarding, not financially but rather emotionally and mentally putting out new music and playing out, and getting the fans reactions?
Flo: it’s totally cool when we believe in something and are happy about a new creation then see that our fans are just as stocked as we are!! Great feeling!!
Badger-And my last question which I have asked all the guys is;
If you can describe The Book Of Suffering E.P. in only five words. What would those five words be?
Flo: brutally fresh and truly catchy!
Badger-Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions if there is anything else you would like to add feel free, because the fans are listening.
Flo: thanks for the years of support, keep it coming we have lots more to offer!!!
Badger-Thanks again Flo look forward to hearing the E.P. when it comes out and seeing what the future holds for Cryptopsy.
There you have it the E.P sounds killer ( they played a song at their show in Syracuse, and it was truly a badass tune. Flo is an incredible drummer, there are tons of videos on you tube of him playing live, or in a studio, he also has his own instructional DVD for extreme metal drumming techniques.
Make sure to check out their indiegogo page to help get this E.P. brought to life by clicking on this link here; http://igg.me/at/Cryptopsy/x/10796470
check out a video of Flo and Chris explaining in their words about the campaign
There is only 12 days left on the campaign. So definitely check out the perks, the pricing is very reasonable, and lets say you cant do a campaign shirt option, but you want to help out $1.00 will help out, and you will get a thank you video, $5.00 gets you the E.P. in digital download form. Me i am a sucker for the physical disc, but even that is $20.00 (includes shipping) and still I get the digital download. So all the options are a great deal.
So really what ever option you choose you can at least feel good to be helping out a great band, that is very influential to up and coming musicians.
-Badger
http://www.badgersmetalbreakdown.com
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