The Cryo Chamber label is home to quite a few of my favorite Dark Ambient artists and collectively, they have produced some of the most unique and cinematic music ever created. One artists that has called Cryo Chamber home since 2016 is God Body Disconnect. Fresh off the release of his most recent album, ‘The Weight Of Regression’, GBD has produced eight amazing albums for the heavyweight label that features an array of fascinating soundscapes, as well as his signature spoken word narrations that make his music instantly identifiable. I recently had a chance to catch up with the ambiguously talented producer to discuss his musical endeavors, past musical ventures as well as what the future has in store. Please enjoy this interview with the brilliant God Body Disconnect!!
1. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. First, I’d like to say congratulations on the new release. ‘The Weight Of Regression’ is a phenomenal album that finds you heading in a slightly new direction. Was this a gradual progression for you?
Thank you I really appreciate that. I don’t consider it a new direction. Each album has its own flavor, but the overall themes are consistent amongst them. I’m still writing the same emotional, personal music as I’ve always done. Possibly my production or techniques have gotten a bit better, but I feel that’s a natural progression for an artist from album to album.
2. This album is almost 80 minutes long. Did you plan on releasing so much material at once?
It’s not something I planned on. In fact I don’t do much pre-planning when I produce an album. The writing process is a personal journey for me. I create everything in order from beginning to end. Similar to how an author would write a novel, chapter by chapter. It just happened that this journey took longer to get to the end.
3. In my opinion, this is your strongest release since ‘The Mist Between Mirrors’ (2019). How would you rank this album in your own discography?
Each album is equally important to me. I consider them all as an emotional blueprint of my own personal journeys and development.
4. How do you approach the process of creating new music? Is there a particular method or routine you follow?
I have to feel some kind of inspiration inside to be able to write. I don’t know what that inspiration is or where it comes from, but it has no specific timeline. I don’t force anything. When it hits, I’ll feel compelled to start another journey. I’ll just sit down and begin to play. Whatever comes out comes out. Of course there are many trials and errors, not everything I write is quality enough to be on an album. But once I find the starting path, I’ll continue on it until I feel the journey is complete.
5. Let’s go back in time a little bit. Your first album with Cryo Chamber was 2016’s ‘Dredge Portals’. Before that, were you involved with any other musical ventures?
Yes, I was in 2 death metal bands in the late 90’s-early 2000’s. Cadaverment was the first, which then turned into Dripping, the latter being the more well known project. On Dripping’s debut album I played: drums/percussion, did guttural vocals, spoken word vocals, wrote the lyrics, and co-wrote the arrangement and creation of the music. We decided to breakup in 2001 while recording the album.
6. Have you had any desires to return to Metal at some point or is Dark Ambient your true calling as an artist?
As far as Cadaverment or Dripping goes no, those bands are both RIP. I still practice death metal style drums on my own to keep up my chops, but for now I don’t have any plans for future metal projects. I’m so busy and having fun with GBD/USO, that I don’t really have the interest in doing something in the metal genre. But, at the same time I hate to say never, so only time will tell.
7. How did you come up with the name God Body Disconnect?
One day at work I experienced an episode of psychosis. While I was hallucinating visually and audibly, I saw a god-like figure that I was connected to by something similar to an umbilical cord. The figure then looked at me in an intimidating way, and severed the connection between us. While I slowly floated away into the darkness, I then heard the words God Body Disconnect spoken to me. I was initially terrified to use the name, given the circumstances it came to me. But, I eventually took it as a sign that it must be used.
8. What initially drew you to music and inspired you to become a musician?
As a young child I already had the hunger for listening to music. I enjoyed the variety of sounds I was exposed to. I liked how certain music I’d hear on the radio or in movies would make me feel inside, and move me emotionally. As far as being a musician I started off on drums at around 17. By 20-21 yrs old I was already on a label with Dripping and playing shows. After we disbanded, I played in a few personal projects with close friends, and we kept the recordings just for us. It wasn’t till around 2013-2014 I decided to create my own music. This was the beginning of what has now morphed into GBD.
9. Are there any specific artists or bands who have influenced your musical style or sound?
I can’t name any specific artists or styles that directly influenced GBD, but I’ve always enjoyed different genres of music. I started off with underground rap mix tapes around 9 yrs old. Then a few years later I moved into metal, which eventually turned into a taste for death and black metal. I’m also a fan of jazz/fusion, shoegaze, 80’s pop and of course ambient. I think I can find something I’m drawn to in almost every genre.
10. Have you ever had to overcome any significant obstacles or setbacks in your musical journey?
When I started to make music on my own, I was only proficient at drums. I had to learn how to play other instruments and produce from the ground up. I’ve never had any formal training or lessons, but I was determined to make music that moved me inside. Eventually I found my lane, and I still continue traveling on it today.
11. One thing that is unique amongst your albums are the short spoken word pieces. In a genre that is mostly instrumental, what led to the decision to include these spoken word bits?
I’ve been performing spoken word pieces since the Dripping debut album, which is close to 25 years ago. Back then I was reciting poetry mixed with a bit of storytelling. With GBD my spoken word pieces are very personal. They aren’t well planned out pieces, but rather late night recordings of my real thoughts and feelings. It’s basically a conversation with my inner self. I’m not sure what drove me to start doing spoken word in music, but I’ve always had a love for monologues in movies. Maybe the spark started from there.
12. Have you ever thought about releasing a book of poetry or a fictional (or non-fiction for that matter) story at some point?
That’s an interesting question, because one of my friends actually asked me that same thing last week. I’ve thought about it some, but it would have to be either poetry or short stories. I don’t have the patience to sit and write a full novel. If I get around to it, maybe it could be something that’s narrated by me as well, similar to audible.
13. If I’m not mistaking, 2020’s ‘The Depths Of Finality’ and 2021’s ‘The Wander’s Dream’ didn’t contain any spoken word elements at all. Was this a conscious decision or did it not fit into your creative space at the time?
During “TheDepths of Finality” I was struggling with a serious bone infection in my jaw. It began spreading to the ears and quickly was on the path to the brain. I was hospitalized a few times and on very powerful IV antibiotics for months. Eventually my body began to reject the antibiotics, and mimicked symptoms of serious mobility diseases. It was a very unpredictable time for me, and I prepared myself for the end. When writing the album I did not have the inspiration or will to speak on recording. The album was meant as a musical letter to myself preparing for and accepting death. “The Wanderer’s Dream” was written during a time when I finally was able to accept that I had been suffering for years with severe mental illness. I had been pushing the illnesses and symptoms off as hard as I could since I was a very young child. I desperately tried everything to stay sane and deny what was really going on. I had been living in a foggy dreamlike state for years. “The Wanderer’s Dream” is an album about trying to find myself and acceptance. The music’s delicate nature was also meant to soothe myself after wandering for so long. Sometimes words aren’t needed.
14. Can you describe the emotions or feelings you hope to evoke in your listeners through your music?
I actually don’t intentionally try to influence the listener in any particular way. The music I create is self-therapy for myself. They are cryptic, cathartic pieces meant for me to decipher the feelings I have inside. It’s also a place for me to disappear in when life becomes too difficult. I don’t believe it’s my role to influence a listener to feel a certain way. That is solely up to them. Over the years I’ve heard from many wonderful people that relate to my music on a deep emotional level. I’m grateful to have that human to human connection, whether they are following along on my journey or their own personal journeys.
15. What role do you think music plays in society, and why is it important?
Music is life’s blood for me. I know there are a lot of others out there that feel the same way. It can give people hope, when they see none. It can inspire people to totally change their lives for the better. A particular album can make people feel like they aren’t alone, and help them get through difficult times. Music is a very powerful conduit to the heart and soul. That goes for all types of music, not just dark ambient.
16. What are some albums (any genre) that resonates with you on a personal level?
I love so many albums, but I’ll try to keep it short.
Allan Holdsworth-Hard Hat Area
This was the breakthrough album that sparked my love for jazz/fusion. As a drummer, it opened up a whole new world for what could be done on the skins.
Have a Nice Life-Deathconciousness
Before this album I never thought it was possible to make music on your own without going to a pro studio. It gave me the inspiration and confidence to start.
Group Home-Livin’ Proof
The beats are by the legendary DJ Premier, and the lyrics tell a story of striving through hard times. This album is very inspiring when life gets difficult.
Tears for Fears- Songs from the Big Chair
As a child from the 80’s this album brings back so much nostalgia for me. The lyrics are quite personal as well and deeply resonate with me. Plus, who doesn’t love “Everybody wants to rule the world”?
Iron Maiden-Somewhere in Time
This was the very first metal album I purchased. I got it on cassette at the time so there is definitely nostalgia there. But more importantly, it started my journey in metal.
17. Are there any collaborations or musical projects you plan on pursuing in the future?
I’m always working on something these days. Par and I are beginning our experiments again for another USO album. I’m also toying with some new GBD ideas, trying to find the path. I’m starting to write poetry and short stories again. I try to keep my mind busy with different projects.
18. Speaking of collaborations, back in 2018 you participated on the ‘Miles To Midnight’ album with Atrium Carceri and Cities Last Broadcast. For me, that was a breakthrough album that showed how Dark Ambient can expand into Dark Noir Jazz and beyond. How did that album (and theme) come about?
Thank you, I love that album to death. I framed the vinyl and it hangs right next to my studio setup. We all had a mutual love for jazz, and dark noir movies/stories so it kind of came together naturally as friends trying to explore what we could do. All 3 of us collectively built that album from the ground up. I believe it took us only 2 months from beginning to the end, including Simon’s mastering and artwork. It was one magical summer where all the stars aligned. I’m confident we’ll have a follow up.
19. I want to thank you once again for this opportunity to talk about all things God Body Disconnect. Do you have any final thoughts for those that will be reading this interview?
It was my pleasure, thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate you giving me the time to express myself on your forum. I also want to give a huge thanks to Cryo Chamber for standing by me and always supporting my vision. And a big thank you to all the fans that continue to listen.
Links:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/god_body_disconnect?igshid=MTIzZWMxMTBkOA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/godbodydisconnect?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Bandcamp: https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com/music
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