ASTRAL LUMINOUS - 'Mens • Corpus • Anima'

Music that takes you away from own reality, a force with a power to push you to another existence; transcend the universal. Astral Luminous brings forth unanimity of ambience amongst an angst of black metal motifs. Behind the thought, the continuum of Astral Luminous, is a man that delves within the study of the human mind, and ultimately the intricate things of this world and indeed beyond.  

Scott Johnson is now in the process of writing his second album, ‘Mens • Corpus • Anima’, covering a multitude of inspirations that he has discussed in brilliant detail below, as well as other aspects which let his audience understand more about the project of Astral Luminous.

When did Astral Luminous begin?

Scott J.; The project began from inspiration, in 2005. I was really into extreme forms of music, and had just picked up playing bass. I started with bass, and then guitar, then drums and keyboard, and have been learning from ear since the beginning. Out of it, has come a personal soulful expression of my inspirations through music.

Who is Astral Luminous?

Scott J.; Astral Luminous I would say is not a physical figure or thing, but a thought, a continuum, a realm of self meditation and observing. For one, it is an example of my approach to experimentation with music, both audible, and visually. Also, it can be a realm of thought to drift into, and feel the tones... both feel, and visualize the note compositions as figures with movement. It is my attempt to offer listeners something unique.

What are your inspirations; music, literature, society, and how have they influenced your creativity?

Scott J.; Inspirations... Music: Anything soulful, with unique rhythm, and personality, from world cultural music to black ambient. Literature: Spiritual studies, psychology and anatomy, history, science, philosophy, many things of this world and beyond. These things have influenced my creativity to create a unique approach to compositions, and sounds. The study of the human mind, and atmospheres such as space, and biological studies create a high awareness of time, and musical choices.

What is your view upon our world at this time?

Scott J.; View upon this world... It is mixed at this time. Man has filled the world with many ugly and harmful things which makes me ashamed of us as humans. There are some good people in the world, but we are just outnumbered and it’s taking its toll. Sometimes I wish to go to a remote area, like the country side or something in an attempt to escape all these modern dependencies and materialistic values we have embedded in us. We can only make the best of it at the point... Which is why I delve into personal studies, to gain a higher knowledge and awareness.

Is there a message that you are sending through your music?

Scott J.; As far as message goes, it is not specific. Just to display my approach to experimentation in music, and perhaps inspire others to push further the boundaries. I would also like for listeners to connect spiritually to it, and give them insight into their own awareness.

What is the personal meaning behind your lyrical content as well as the musical motifs?

Scott J.; Lyrical themes have usually been about psychology, astral projection, even crossing genres like Buddhism and other religions (although I don’t practice it myself, just interesting studies).

Your second album is now in production, how is it different to your prior work?

Scott J.; It is different because of the focus, both musically and visually. My first album, 'Lunaric Tide', focused heavily upon cosmic themes, atmospheric and spacey music, as well as cosmic imagery. Album 2 will focus less on the cosmos, and more on more earthly themes, while still being spiritual. It will sound more organic and diverse compositionally.

Drew M was the vocalist for your first album 'Lunaric Tide', will there be a session vocalist on your forthcoming release, or will you record the vocals yourself?

Scott J.; No he was just a session musician for Lunaric Tide. I really appreciate his collaboration. However, I plan to keep album 2 and most likely the forthcoming material, to be personal. If there will be any vocals, it will be myself.

What does 'Mens • Corpus • Anima' hold with regards to musical direction, and what is it projecting from your beliefs?

Scott J.; After much research and translation help, it is Latin for "Mind, Body, Soul". At this moment, it is subject to change, but I think fitting thus far. It represents the broad spectrum of inspirations which will be put into this next album's material, from the mind, to body, to soul.

Your music travels between brilliant ambiances, toward melodious black metal, has this been a pre-conceived choice, or did you find it to be a natural progression?

Scott J.; It came out naturally, and actually hard to shake. What I mean by that is it was difficult to write something not similar to the construction, it is just embedded in me. Obviously it comes from inspirations, such as famous projects Tool, Burzum, Mortiis, etc. However, like I said, I have been developing a more diverse music style lately.

For me personally, Astral Luminous creates solitude reminiscent to that of funeral doom as well as other ambient black metal bands. There is also a sense of unease within the music, and yet it seems to meditate the listener – what does your music create for you?

Scott J.; Music creates for me an escape from reality, a chance to observe ourselves and minds as "essence". To observe musical notes as physical manifestations, with life, and shape. It is simply my way of observing music as a grid, a composition, and also the effect the notes have upon our psychology.

Are there texts that you have read that have deeply influenced your thinking and thus your music?

Scott J.; Greek philosophy (Plato, Socrates, Aristotle), and other philosophic writings like Western thought (Immanuel Kant), Einstein’s writings, J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative and brilliant story telling, earth and science, many things. I am still discovering.

Living in Texas, one would assume that your music may be greatly undermined by the population, what has been the reaction to your music in your home town, as well as from a greater audience?

Scott J.; True. There is not much of a following here, a few friends, perhaps some other people I am unaware of. The majority of my fans are abroad, within the rest of the U.S., Asia, Europe, and all over the world. I am very flattered and appreciative of the reception it has received, both from just listeners, and artists themselves.

Does Texarkana possess an underground metal scene, and does it have a mind set with regards to black metal?

Scott J.; Texarkana does have a metal scene, but not exactly heavy. Mostly metalcore, mainstream, rock, and other acts like acoustic, and electronic. However, yes, there is a strong metal following here that is alive and breathing. As far as black metal, no. It is very rare to find someone here interested in it. However, there are large followings in bigger areas like Dallas, Houston, Arlington, San Antonio, etc.

Do you listen to any local bands from Texas?

Scott J.; Sure I do. I can name a few: Psylo, Stronger Than All, Fear The Aftermath, The Meek and Mighty, and some others.

What do you think of other experimental black metal bands?

Scott J.; I think it's great, and we need to push the boundaries of music more and more. The main difference between my project and theirs though, is the idealistic approach. While black metal bands usually hold religious (or anti religious) beliefs, my project is not about representing that. If anything, it is about exploring the knowledge element of religion.

You are signed to Hypnotic Dirge Records – how is your relationship with Skog [owner] and other bands on the label. Do you listen to the likes of Immundus and Winds of Sorrow?

Scott J.; It is great! [Nick] Skog has been really professional, and a cool guy. I am also friends with some of the other acts, and they are inspirations as well. Yes I do listen to both of them, and support their endeavors.

Have you ever taken Astral Luminous to the live stage?

Scott J.; No I have not. The thought has crossed my mind, but I would need session musicians, but I refuse to do so. If I did decide to, I would be the only live member, but would be accompanied by the recordings of the other instruments and sounds, and hopefully a visual companion such as a projection with visionary art and animation.

Last words?

Scott J.; I appreciate everyone who supports my music, and want to give back to them as much as I can. The first official Astral Luminous t-shirt will be available soon! Keep checking the page for updates and news. Voltage Media rocks!

To listen to Astral Luminous please visit: www.myspace.com/AstralLuminous, here you will be able to find further details about the project as well as regular updates. ‘Mens • Corpus • Anima’ is set for a release date in 2010, nevertheless, to sate your desires the first release ‘Lunaric Tide’ is available through Hypnotic Dirge Records.