September Mourning was created by Emily Lazar and comic book artist and publisher Marc Silvestri (X-Men, Witchblade, The Darkness). After self-releasing an EP last year, they have signed with Sumerian Records for the release of Volume II. The second issue of September Mourning’s comic book series accompanies the album. Lazar gives us the lowdown on September Mourning.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of September Mourning.
Emily Lazar: September Mourning is a transmedia dark culture project created by myself and Marc Silvestri. The project centers on the human reaper hybrid, September, as she navigates the world of the living and the world of the dead. As a half human, September feels the need to give some human souls a second chance, and thus toys with Fate.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Volume II.
The songs have developed sonically from where they began in demo form. We focused on dynamics in the songwriting process, the ebb and flow of it all to push and pull at your emotional core. These songs have become an interesting soundtrack to the story itself. We recorded with Sahaj Ticotin and Howard Benson for this album. Both were exceptional at what they do and a pleasure to be in the studio with.
What inspired your lyrics for this album?
The album is a continuation of the comic book/EP we released last year. So the continuous storyline as a whole is our goal right now, really establishing the world and characters of September Mourning and what their story arcs are through lyric and song.
How has your sound progressed from your self-released EP?
As stated before we really focused on dynamics for this record. Sonically, I believe this album sounds more full and thick than even the EP.
How did you come to sign with Sumerian Records?
A lot of hard work. We are fortunate they see the vision of the project.
What is your role in the creation of the comic book?
I created it along with Marc Silvestri and have been a writer on it as well.
How was your recent experience at ComicCon?
It is always a lot of fun meeting fans and doing the panel and promoting the series. We love being there.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
We will be on the road again in September to support our album. We have an Instagram takeover of FYE on Friday July 29th along with a special in store acoustic show in Fullerton at FYE. Come out if you are in the Orange County area!
Does your live show incorporate visual elements as well?
Yes. The live show is very much a visualization of the story. We are a comic book come to life.
How did you get started in music?
I started in school. I went to a performing arts school and music was one of the courses I enjoyed most.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
Comic books, of course. Bowie, Kiss, Alice Cooper were the bands my parents enjoyed and listened to. The theatricality of it all was interesting to me growing up.
What’s the best concert you’ve attended as a fan?
I love the festivals because I can see a lot of different bands at once. Last year we played Aftershock and Slipknot headlined and they are always so solid and theatrically amazing.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Slipknot, Manson, Korn, Bring me the Horizon, Motionless in White, Periphery, Upon a Burning Body, Asking Alexandria…to name a few.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We would like to thank our fans, our Children of Fate, because without them we would never be able to do any of this. They are our constant motivation and inspiration.
(interview published July 29, 2016)
