INTERVIEW ~ GPK & Halloween
October 26, 2009
Just returning to Japan from a Latin America tour, Gothique Prince Ken of GPKISM took some time to do a Halloween-themed interview via IM. GPK answered our questions, from the dead, to the undead, and to horror and goth.
Can you start out by telling us about any Halloween traditions you have?
We actually don't celebrate Halloween in Australia. (laugh) I usually just go clubbing at goth events.
Halloween was originally a celebration of the dead, is there anything similar to that in Australia?
Not that I am aware of.
Do you have any superstitions of the dead, like about ghosts or spirits?
I believe they are energy particles generated by thought and consciousness of the deceased. I believe we are all made of energies, which are only transferred to other forms of energy. Which fits with the law of conservation of energy.
So are ghosts like a thought generated from the dead, or like an after-image?
Well, it might be something like ectoplasm with less density. Ectoplasm are a kind of substance exteriorized by mediums. I believe the physical reality is created by pure consciousness. Thus, it makes perfect sense why ghosts would manifest themselves through a gas-like state of matter.
What are your thoughts on the undead? Vampires and zombies?
I believe most of them are superstitious legends. Zombies on the other hand, are found in numerous ancient scriptures. Usually they are associated with necromancy. The ancient Egyptians believed the process of mummification allows the dead to retain their original body so that they could be brought back to life. Also, in the bible, Jesus was able to raise the dead and resurrect himself after crucifiction.
Yes, true.
We are very facinated by this notion of life after death.
Do you think there is a reason for that fascination?
It is very simple really if you think about it. Most of us want to live forever. The notion of "self" prevents us from the normal transitional state from life to death. So, to balance this, we create all kind of prospects for the afterlife.
Do you read or watch any horror stories/movies?
I do like horror movies. It is like we are able to experience fear without the danger.
It is! Do you have a certain kind of horror movie you like best? For example, psychological, gore, classic horror, etc?
The movie "The Shining" directed by Stanley Kubrick would be one of the most important horror movies of the 20th century to me.
With Jack Nicholson, right?
Yes, his performance was amazing. There are other movies I love. Recently I watched the movie Orphan. I would highly recommanded this movie to all the horror fans out there.
What influence do you think elements of horror have on the goth scene?
Well, the most important goth song would be Bela Lugosi's Dead by Bauhaus. As some of you might know, Bela Lugosi was best known for playing Count Dracula. I believe the supernatural and paranormal themes influenced and spawned the aesthetic of the goth scene as we know it. The image which I portray borrows heavily from goths of the 80s. I do this to pay tributes to them.
Is Bauhaus your favorite 80's goth band, or do you have a different favorite?
They are one of my favorite goth bands. I grew up listening to Christian Death and Sisters of Mercy, actually.
What do you think of Christian Death now, without Rozz Williams?
(laugh) No comments!
(laugh) Kiwamu has been doing a radio show on Tainted Reality recently, Darkest Labyrinth Radio. I tuned in Saturday and heard you on there, as well.
Ah, yes. I hope you enjoyed the show.
I did! Actually, I heard the new GPKISM song, featuring Selia; it was amazing, I love Selia's voice. Was it yours or Kiwamu's idea to add his vocals?
I always wanted to work with Selia due to his angelic voice and his love for baroque music. I hope there would be more collabrations with him in the near future.
What's the name of that song, by the way?
Angelus.
You're singing in Japanese in that, right?
That is true.
When do you think we'll see it being released?
It will be on our next single, Iudicium.
Is there anything else coming up that you can share?
I just wanna thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts with our fans. I am honored to have such attention directed upon us. I wish everyone a happy spooky Halloween!
interview by Melony; photo courtesy of Darkest Labyrinth
thank you to Gothique Prince Ken for taking the time to answer our questions
tour
Be sure to check out GPKISM on tour with Seileen this winter!
January 30 - San Antonio, TX - Atomix - 8pm
January 31 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East - 2pm
February 1 - New York, NY - Santos Party House - 7pm
February 4 - Philadelphia, PA - TR Takeover - 8pm
February 5 - Philadelphia, PA - Polaris - 8pm
links
GPKISM Official Website
GPKISM Official MySpace
BACK
