Contrive – Andrew Haug

CONTRIVE know all to well the uphill battle it takes to establish oneself. Especially in an over saturated environment like heavy metal.

Contrive have adapted well to their surroundings and have continually pushed themselves, and their music to a new paradigm where they feel happy as a whole and are not pushed into submission for the pursuit of commercial success.

Metal Obsession sat down with drummer and national radio presenter of Triple J’s ‘The Racket’, Andrew Haug to discuss the band’s latest album ‘The Internal Dialogue’ and his views on the metal scene at the moment.

——————————-

Metal Obsession: It seems many have tried to pigeon hole Contrive’s sound in numerous reviews of late. How would you describe Contrive’s music to those who aren’t familiar with the band?

Andrew Haug: It’s CONTRIVE Music! We do what we do! That is try and create music that appeals to all three of us first and foremost. Anyone outside of that who takes to time to check it out is a bonus we say. We don’t set out to try and tap into a scene to gain some further acknowledgement or notoriety. That in itself is contrived.

The scene today has so many sub genres and not a lot of originality is coming through so we try to stick to our own instincts and slog it out that way because once you’re lumped in a genre specific it can be very difficult to break out of that.

MO: It’s been roughly 6 months since the release of ‘The Internal Dialogue’. What’s been the reaction so far towards the album?

AH: The reaction has been surprisingly strong but still a little overlooked as we haven’t done too many shows to support the record it due to several commitments we as a band currently hold. Hoping to change that soon so we can hit the road again.

MO: Did you find the writing process of ‘The Internal Dialogue’ to be a significant challenge over previous Contrive albums?

AH: Well, the process is long and sometimes drawn out for us,  probably too long. We didn’t set out to outdo the last record ‘The Meaning Unseen’. It was to be clichéd a natural progression really. Using more sounds which we’ve never used previously such as trigger samples etc.

Ask me 3 years ago if I would consider doing such things I would have said no due to techno fear. [laughs] So far it’s worked out great and really enhances our sounds into to other areas we can further expand and explore.

MO: Did you come into the studio with a preconceived idea of how you wanted the album to come across?

AH:Well, we made sure the songs were fully prepared both musically & lyrically before we went in. When you’re funding an album out of your own pockets you want to make sure you use your studio time as wisely and efficiently as possible because it adds up if you fuck up. [laughs]

MO: The album seems to be heavily constructed of political and spiritual influences, hence the name ‘The Internal Dialogue’. It seems political activist Alex Jones (who is sampled on the album) and spiritual speaker David Icke played some part in the album’s conception. Would that be correct?

AH: I’d say it’s more spiritually influenced rather than political. We’re all free thinking individuals who like to question things that others may not. For example the track Both Sides All Lies, the war since 9-11 that is happening both sides infiltrates their own media to paint a picture for the masses to consume and therefore take sides. Most sadly do believe what is delivered on screen, so we like to investigate a little more behind the scenes that you wouldn’t see on a 20 second nightly news bulletin.

Most times you will find more that what is out there. Hope is also another example track about awareness in the current world affairs, some things you can believe but generally it’s about making up your own mind. The voice samples are just Alex Jones not David Icke but both are strong media activists doing their part to bring awareness of topical issues many seem to ignore.

MO: When did you start getting involved in this global agenda of political and religious domination?

AH: Just watching a lot of documentaries and sharing discussions with other likeminded people. Tim & I had heavy discussions whilst writing this track so it all just came out.

MO: Were you a bit hesitant to speak out about certain topics on the new album?

AH: Not at all, they’re our views and opinions so if you can relate or have an interest cool if not enjoy the riffs.

MO: Do you think a lot of people will have a hard time understanding the message behind the album?

AH: Some have been a little confused especially with the track Hope which we expected. I know most people go to a show to escape from a shitty day at work or relationship feuds or whatever so they don’t always want to have topics that might invade that space in their heads during that time.

So some I’m sure would switch off & that is fine, others have said the song is extremely powerful and honest. So yeah…it’s a take it or leave it deal! As the lyrics state “awareness is the key”…

MO: Were there many ideas that were scraped in the end. Did you consider doing another Taiko drum solo?

AH: Not really, we just played was felt right at the time when we wrote the songs. We don’t hit the studio with 28 new songs and choose the best 10 or so. We see no point putting in all that effort then to scrap stuff.

I haven’t studied Taiko drumming for a while but there is some Taiko on the title track “ The Internal Dialogue” so it’s still there and of course some of the drum patterns and influence is still evident in my playing today.

MO: ‘The Internal Dialogue’ was mixed by Devin Townsend. How was it working with “The Dev”?

AH: Dev & I go back well over 10 years so the mixing sessions in Vancouver were simply hilarious with focus on the job of course well sometimes. [laughs] Dev did a killer job & the result speaks for itself. He was a fan of the previous record so just sorting a time in his schedule was the issue, but again a blast working with him, a true honest professional.

MO: Would Devin Townsend be on the cards for the next Contrive album? Maybe involve him on a higher level of production. Perhaps producer?

AH: Who knows? Not thinking that far ahead as yet but sure would love to work with him the future indeeeeeeeed!

MO: Have you found being on an independent label like MGM to be a blessing or an uphill battle?

AH: We’re still unsigned since we started so MGM is just purely a distribution deal only. It helped get the record in to stores which are getting more and more difficult these days especially with unsigned / independent acts like us but we were lucky enough that they like the record enough to work with us. The mass downloading of today will never stop, it’s done! Good in some ways but bad in others, just a sign of the times sadly.

MO: Does your involvement with Triple J (The Racket) and Century Media have any major drawbacks or bonuses when distributing or promoting your own music?

AH: [laughs] The million dollar question! YEP to both. Triple J /ABC have a policy that announcers can’t play their own music on their respective programs so it is kinda amusing at how many assume it’s an advantage for us as a band. I’m proud of the music we make and would love to let the country hear it,  but policies are policies.

Running Century Media Records is the same thing too. It’s my day job and I focus on the job at hand so Contrive has nothing to do with this role.

MO: Many were quite surprised that Devin Townsend and Ziltoid were special guests on the program late last year, along with Testament. Will this be a regular occurrence for the show? Do you have anyone in mind to host the show next?

AH: All depends who is available and how I can work my metal magic to get them in so to take over so we’ll see, just keep listening.

MO: ‘The Racket’ listeners were also treated to a special interview with you and Lars Ulrich of Metallica late last year. You did a pretty nice job of impersonating Lars and he was a good sport about it. That must have been quite a surreal and hilarious experience for you both?

AH: I have met and spoken to Lars a few times over the years so to me it is a privilege to meet such successful people but as far as it being surreal? I prefer to keep it real,  meaning perspective as they’re just people living extraordinary lives with a few extra bucks in their account than you and I. Definitely inspiring to be in their presence sure. Ummm…Wow!.. ummm [laughs]

MO: Ummm! Like…ummm! [laughs]

MO: Who would you say is the most impressive person you have interviewed? Is there anyone in particular that you’ve become really good friends with and just been in awe of their charisma and charm?

AH: Actually there are a lot, so to save the forum bullshits or boasting as some would say, I’ll keep this info to myself.

MO: Ok. Who’s been the worst person to interview and is just a complete dick?

AH: No comment.

MO: It’s obvious that you have made a major impact on the Australian metal scene thanks to your efforts with ‘The Racket’ and various promotional ventures. Have you seen a major improvement in the local scene in the last 10 years, or do you think it’s as hard, if not harder?

AH: WOW! Cool I thought my encouragement of the Australian scene had fallen on deaf ears. At least one person noticed. Thanks Anwar [laughs]

It’s changed a lot, way more bands and definitely more segregation which sucks but what can you do eh!

MO:Are there plans to venture out to Europe or America with Contrive or will your obligations with The Racket prevent this from happening?

AH: Mate, would love to tour in a heartbeat but there is a lot more planning that needs to go into things such as European or US tour. As far as The Racket obligations there are ways around such things.

MO: What’s next for Contrive?

AH: WORLD DOMINATION DUDE! [laughs] Hopefully start playing more shows soon and with different acts too. Still working on new material as always and will keep you posted.

MO: Cheers for speaking with us mate. Good luck with the new album and keep up the great work with ‘The Racket’.

AH: Thanks for your time and support – For those interested check us out on:
http://www.myspace.com/contriveaustralia
http://www.facebook.com/CONTRIVEAUS
http://www.youtube.com/user/ContriveAustralia

——————————-

The Internal Dialogue is now available through all leading music outlets.