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Interview with MANICproject
By: Caz* Bevan
 Artist by day, musician by night - Phil Istomin is a native
born Russian - circa 1979. Phil and his parents then moved
to Utah at the age of 13 after completing a foreign exchange
program. Reinforcing his music by expanding into his many
interests, such as photography and graphic design, Phil
doesn't just have something to say and something to play;
he has something to show for it!
NowOnTour: How would you describe yourself,
musically?
Phil: Musically...it's tough. I try not to make music that can
be easily classified as this or that. I just try to combine all
my influences and make something interesting. Music always
comes first. I put a lot of thought and effort into the fine
details. It's like clay. You start with an idea, a foundation and
you slowly build it into something, it's ever evolving. You
could never be finished. At some point you just have to be
satisfied with what you've created.
Who are your influences that you try to implement?
NIN is my greatest influence. Also Maynard [James Keenan
of Tool] is a huge influence lyrically. Massive Attack, I love!
Recoil is amazing. Lately I've been into a lot of downtempo,
chill music like Boards Of Canada or Bjork. Earlier on it was
Depeche Mode.
Do you use a Mac?
You know, all the stuff I've done so far is all Analog. No
computers at all. Just a keyboard, guitar and some
effects.
That definitely requires more
talent.
Old school. It's a lot more difficult, that's for sure. More
challenging I should say, but I think I have a unique sound
because of that.
You prove yourself...being able to create
digital-sounding music in an analog
environment.
Believe me, I can't wait to start using the computer. There's
just so many possibilities.
What programs and computer do you intend on
using?
I'm finishing this new album Square
One in
analog. After that, I'll get on my Mac. Then who knows, I
might have Brad from [the band] Ayin do some remixes for
me.
Born in Moscow. How old were you when you
moved to Bountiful [Utah]?
I was 13. That was a hell of a thing to experience. I love
having that as my background. But the transition was tough.
I was always a shy kid. I'm much better now, but the whole
high school experience sucked.
Do you have an accent
still?
A little bit. Some people hear it right off and some are
surprised when I tell them I'm Russian. It probably comes
out when I start drinking vodka.
Oh yes, the vodka. What was it like growing up in
Moscow? Is that an influence to you musically or artistically?
I'm sure it has to be. It may be subconscious. Ever since I
remember, music has taken me to other places. I could just
put on headphones and be gone. It's the most amazing
feeling ever.
Russia has a big dark-electronic influence. Did you
ever get into that as a kid?
As a kid I listened to Genesis, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Depeche
Mode and I still love all those artists. My music is pretty
dark, and that's always been the kind of stuff that really
affected me - stirred up emotions. Happy music is good at
times, but it doesn't go beyond the surface for
me.
Is there anything "dark" about your personal life or
past that has influenced you
artistically?
Mentally. I've always been shy, introspective, really love my
alone time. The whole move to the US really fucked me up.
Right now I'm just terrified of the fact that the world is in a
really bad shape - global warming, technology (not in a good
way), politicians. It's a dark time we live in, and I think it
would be silly to write songs about small petty
issues.
So your very politically
powered?
I've never been into politics until Bush stole the election.
How can you not be right now? This upcoming album will
have a lot of messages. People need to hear that type of
music now more than ever.
What's your overall goal as both an artist and a
musician? What do you want to
portray?
My goal is to make an album I'm proud of. And hope it
strikes people - makes them think. I hope It's something
they haven't heard before. Same with any art really, it has
to be intriguing - make you think, inspire you to do
something; something that sticks in your mind; something
you want to see or hear again. MANICproject is all about
that. See. Hear. Think.
Describe a typical creation process to
me?
Music is the most fun. I just start messing around and
playing different parts. If something sounds good I'll record
it and start building on top of it track by track. I'll let it run
[while I] keep going back and revising it over time until I
have a song. I've been writing lyrics separately and not
always with a particular song in mind. Lyrics are so tough.
It's all been said before.
Do you intend on playing live
shows?
Yes. After I finish the album. I'd add a visual element to it as
well. It would be quite a production - a lot of energy, loud,
visuals, lights. There will be moments of peace as well, not a
full on assault.
Would you use a full band?
Yes. My music can be played by a band, and I'd love to see
what that sound like, I think it would be great. When you
take it apart, it's drums, bass, guitar, synths. That's a band!
Oh, and vocals.
What musical training have you
had?
Some piano as a kid and school choir. That's about it. My
dad is a musician, so I think he passed it on to me. We
share the studio. He used to play bass in several pop-rockish
type bands back in Russia. Some pretty big ones.
When is your new album set to
release?
I've been working on it on and off for years! I would love to
finish is by early 2007. I need to get my ass in gear. It's a
very slow process for me, I'm very much a perfectionist.
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