My Own Sorrow is a relatively new dark electro artist from Sweden. His second album ‘Infernal Odyssey’ was released a few months ago. Iza caught up with the guy behind the project, Patrik, to discuss the occult, horror films and industrial music.
Iza: Hi Patrik! Could you tell me a little bit more about My Own Sorrow for those who haven’t heard your music before? How did you come up with the name?
Patrik: My Own Sorrow is a Swedish dark clad electronic solo act that formed in late 2013. I am Sorrow and also a sanguine demonic entity. Originally the music had a focus of slow cinematic darkwave with female vocalists but due to a lack of interest I took the role as vocalist.
The name is inspired by 19th century love for melancholy and horror authors such as Edgar Allan Poe or HP Lovecraft.
Iza: You have listed the occult as one of the inspirations for your music, what role does the occult play in your life and is this something that you believe in and practice?
Patrik: I have a wide range of spiritual beliefs including Tibetan Buddhism, necromancy, shamanism and demonology. I combine these with practice in obscure long forgotten rituals.
Iza: Horror is another key theme in your music. Based on some of the song titles such as ‘Crawling Chaos (Nyarlahotep)’, I’m guessing that you’re a H.P. Lovecraft fan. Which one of his stories is your favorite and why?
Patrik: A hard question but I find everything surrounding the mythos of the Necronomicon which Lovecraft created intriguing as it creates an urban legend of its existence.
Iza: Continuing with the horror themes, I’ve noticed some references to movies such as The Mist and Carnival of Souls in your songs. Are there any other films or TV shows which have inspired you? If so, which ones?
Patrik: I love old horror movies featuring Bela Lugosi and such classic actors but I am also a huge fan of horror in general. I say that I prefer mysterious movies such as the works of David Lynch but a good splatter zombie movie can also be very entertaining.
Iza: Most of your music, is available for download in mp3 format via your Bandcamp page and other sites but I struggled to find any physical releases? Have you considered releasing one of albums on CD in the future or are you going to stick to the digital formats?
Patrik: I have had the idea of creating a very limited edition CD but due to a lack of funds and currently poor CD sales in general they may never be made. Digital releases and most importantly streaming has become the future.
Iza: I have a limited knowledge of the Swedish industrial and electro scene. Apart from My Own Sorrow, the only other Swedish electro band I’ve heard of is Telemark. Can you tell me a little bit about the scene in Sweden (e.g. other bands, events etc.)?
Patrik: There are many alternative acts in Sweden but very few promoters and also they are often limited to synthpop, postpunk or old school EBM and not allowing much in the way of new sounds..
Iza: Your music is very atmospheric and eerie. The creepy atmosphere and use of samples, reminds me a little of bands like X-Fusion and Unter Null. What are your thoughts on those artists or are there any other industrial bands who you see as an inspiration for your music?
Patrik: Inspirations for my music include God Module and acts such as Suicide Commando. Unter Null and such acts are a minor influence but I often play their music when I DJ. I also draw inspiration from Sopor Aeternus and soundtracks such as the ones in Silent Hill.
Iza: There’s an ongoing debate about how industrial music is becoming too club-friendly; more like the mainstream styles such as techno or trance and that the “industrial” element is no longer there. What are your thoughts on this?
Patrik: Music must evolve but it is a fine line. It must have distinct, alternative elements of darkness or else it loses its original purpose and just falls into something mainstream or pop like.
Iza: You are a solo artist playing electronic music, does this pose any difficulties or restrictions for you when you do a live show? If you had the resources, is there anything that you would like to incorporate into your live shows such as dancers, guest musicians or props?
Patrik: It can be an incredible freedom and it allows me to follow the given vision. I want all live shows to have visual elements as it is an important part of creating an eerie atmosphere. It would be great to have guest female vocalists, cultists on stage or more props. Perhaps even a guest guitarist for such sections.
Iza: Some of more renowned industrial bands such as Combichrist and Celldweller, have contributed their music to film and video game soundtracks. Is this something that you would be interested in given the opportunity?
Patrik: It would be a dream to be able to contribute or create music for any horror movie or video game.
Iza: What’s the next step for My Own Sorrow? Any plans for the future?
Patrik: I plan on releasing a new album or an EP in 2016 and I am currently working on dozens of tracks. I also plan on following this up with more shows and perhaps a mini tour.
Iza: Do you have anything else that you would like to say to your fans and our readers?
Patrik: Open your hearts open your minds be creative follow your Dreams.
For more information about My Own Sorrow check out:
https://www.facebook.com/myownsorrowband/
https://myownsorrow.bandcamp.com/
http://www.vampirefreaks.com/myownsorrow
:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(40)/discogs-images/R-13248258-1550687726-4676.jpeg.jpg)
Valkyrian Music 