Bite Me! Collide Interview

by Nikki Neil (Photo by Dan Santoni)

It isn’t often that you come across music that manages to truly elevate the listener with its epic intentions. However, Collide is an exception. The talented twosome specializes in crafting unforgettable songs that are fitted with gorgeous sounds that aid in bringing these unique creations to life. The drive to find just the right thing in every element of their music is at the heart of the union between Statik and kaRIN. It is this drive that propelled them to pursue the DIY lifestyle, which allows them to indulge in a panorama of uninhibited musical freedom.

Until recently, Collide has always been Statik and kaRIN. Last year they made the jump from the studio to the stage. As a result of this transformation Scott Landes (guitar), Kai Kurosawa (warr guitar/bass), Roger Silva (guitar), and Chaz Pease (drums) were added to the fold. Not only do these four gifted individuals share the duo’s passion for music, their talents aid in accentuating the beauty of Collide’s music.

It’s been awhile since BiteMe! Last spoke to both of you. What’s new and exciting in Collide’s world?

kaRIN: Well let’s see, we are working on the Live DVD (Like The Hunted) that we will be releasing… adding some extra footage etc. Other than that we are slowly eking back in the studio, which for me is always a good thing as, ultimately, it’s my favorite thing to do. Also, we are possibly writing a song for a friend’s movie, so that is very cool.

Can you tell us a little about the new additions to the group?

kaRIN: Sure, we (finally) have a live band!! It took a really long time to find some people that could help us interpret our songs live. Scott Landes plays guitar, Kai Kurosawa plays warr guitar, (which is a really interesting instrument) and bass. Roger Silva who also played on our last couple of CDs also plays guitar, and then Chaz Pease on Drums. They are all really great and talented people.

Since the beginning it has just been the two of you writing the music. Was it difficult at first to write with the other members?

kaRIN: Although Statik and I core the band, we have always collaborated with other people. The way that we work with other people though is not in a live “jam” session. It’s more individual than that. As in one person works on something and then gives it to another person to work on. This is also how Statik and I have always worked together. When we first started making music together we lived in separate cities…so working separately and then putting the whole thing together and then manipulating it from there is pretty much the way we have always worked.

Statik: So far though, as far as the live band goes, it has been translating our songs into a live setting, so it hasn’t really been writing with the other members yet.

kaRIN: Scott Landes, our guitar player, has been pretty busy sending us some new stuff to work on, so that has been cool. We will see what happens on the next CD. Roger Silva played on the last couple of CDs as well. I am sure they will all play a part in the next CD.

Creatively, what inspires you most?

kaRIN: I am driven by what I would call creative obsession. In everything I do I am gathering thoughts to create with.

Statik: I’m still just finding it challenging to write a good song. I don’t think that ever gets easy. I always love trying new software and new effects…anything that can tweak a sound can be inspiring.

In your opinion what are the essential elements for making a good album?

kaRIN: Passion and lots of time and energy.

Statik: I don’t think it has to take a lot of time. It just so happens that it takes us a lot of time. Good songs are the most important part. After that, add some great production.

When it comes to songwriting do you have a routine?

kaRIN: Yes, I love to have a new song that I have never heard before and turn on my machines and just spontaneously let whatever I hear come out. I love working with other people’s music. Every thing you hear brings something new out of you. The first impact is my favorite time. Then I will start to evolve it. Words are really important to me and difficult, so sometimes it can take awhile until I am satisfied with it. When I finally get to where I am happy with it I give it to Statik. At this stage he will either make suggestions to improve it, or if he likes it he will start to mess around with it and sculpt the music around it.

Statik: I don’t know if it’s a routine, but it seems I throw a bunch of stuff together and then strip it away until the songs is there. Sometimes, it’s throwing a ton of sounds on over and over again and them more stripping…throwing and stripping, throwing and stripping.

What experiences have you gained from touring?

kaRIN: Life experience really. Playing live was, for me, conquering my demons of not really wanting to do it…for reasons like fear, stress, loss of control, not being able to afford to do it properly, and not having enough time etc. Actually, making myself do it was like climbing a mountain. I still don’t have enough time, but I am glad to have the experience of doing it. I won’t say that we will become a huge touring band though…I need time to create.

Statik: That, plus not having a crew to do all of the lifting and moving of stuff…touring is tiring.

kaRIN do you still have stage fright? If so, what helps you deal with it?

kaRIN: When I am about to play live I literally do not think about it. When I am up there, I just try to live within the experience of it. It makes me realize that you can really push yourself past what seems comfortable and that’s a good thing. After I am done, I am usually exhilarated.

How does it feel to look out in the crowd and see other people singing and dancing to your music?

kaRIN: It is such a surreal feeling…like you are living inside of a dream. It’s true that you do feed off of the audience. You are very aware of who is getting into it etc. I like the people who move around. I knew people would know the words, but it is really crazy when I see it. I remember in one instance it actually threw me off, and I think I ended up singing the wrong words. It’s really fun to play with our band, as well, because they are all such great and talented guys. They are so into the music and you can totally feel that…it pulses with energy.

Your website is fabulous and it’s a good representation of the band. Who does your website?

kaRIN: Thanks. Our website is the culmination of over ten years work, so there is definitely a lot of content. Several people have been involved in it to make it what it is. Our thanks to our friends Tim and Jessica, who out of the kindness of their hearts have hosted it for many years.

How is the Like The Hunted DVD coming along? When do you expect to release it?

kaRIN: I think it’s coming along well. We are just filming some extra things to add on. We are hoping to add some acoustic performances as well. As for when…hopefully soon. We do not really set a date on things because we don’t have to. We never release anything until we are sure that we have made it the best that we possibly can. So, it’s at that point that we will release it.

What advice do you have for bands that want to follow your lead and take the DIY route?

kaRIN: Be prepared for a lot of work and a lot of satisfaction knowing that your music is in hands that you can trust. With the internet it is definitely possible to expose your music. It really is such an amazing and useful tool to let people find out about your music.

What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career?

kaRIN: Definitely playing live is pretty memorable. Also, being at Danny Cary’s (Tool) studio and watching him play on [Somewhere] was pretty cool too.

Statik: Just the whole thing. I can’t pick just one.

What are you currently listening to?

kaRIN: I always have a pile of things that people send me, so I am listening to those things.

Statik: Everything going on the DVD…mixing and listening.

Have you ever been stalked by a fan?

kaRIN: No, I have had a couple of odd things but nothing too serious fortunately.

What are some of your favorite places to hang in L.A.?

kaRIN: Our studio, or dog walking. I have become a bit of a recluse…there is always something to do. If I actually venture out to a nightclub it might be Bar Sinister, or to see a friend’s band play.

Statik: Not a lot of hanging going on actually. What would it be like to just hang??
I don’t know?? It’s tough being a bit of a work-a-holic, or finisher...whatever I call myself. It’s tough to just hang out knowing that I should be at the studio working on whatever our current project is.

kaRIN: It’s true, we are both very busy and there is not a lot of hanging going on, which is why we are particularly excited about playing next April 2006 on a gothic cruise. It will be sailing the Caribbean. We get to play and then just hang out for a week, so it’s going to be pretty great. It’s been a long time since we had free time to just relax.

What is your guilty pleasure song?

kaRIN: I know the words to a billion songs, so there are probably plenty. I have had people laugh at me and say that they can’t believe I was singing along to certain songs.

Statik: I don’t feel guilty about it, but I like Abba songs.

kaRIN: Oh ya… he will listen to Abba over and over again…too sappy for my taste.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with your fans?

kaRIN: Our thanks and appreciation. Knowing that people respond to our music inspires us to continue.

Statik: Keep spreading the word…we appreciate it.

For more on Collide visit www.collide.net or write to the band at:

P.O. Box 565, North Hollywood, CA. 91603