Written: Jo Ann L. B. Duggins
Full Names & Functions:
Anastasia Dimou - Vocals
Shirley Ho- Bass
Alan Veucasovic- Keys, guitar
Jonathan Nanberg - Drums
Ages: 20s & 30s
Currently Residing:Brooklyn, NY
Currently Listening to: The Mary Onettes
Current Release: The Myth & The Sum EP
With a newly released EP, The Myth & The Sum, Cruel Black Dove are carving their way into a more mature ear. I can't remember just how I discovered this band, but I do know when I heard their single, "Love Song", off of their debut Full Powers, I was instantly in lust. Anastasia has a deep, dark and seductive vocal style and is backed up by a trio of talented, capable musicians. This band would not survive if that were not true. CBD has some elements in their sound which will remind you of the days of Curve and Siouxsie, but they definitely hold their own with music comprised of a dark, electronic rock element. This is by no means kiddie music. This is the type of music you want to hear when you want to be in a seductive mood. It seeps in you causing arousal to your ears and loins. I play this band quite often on The AM Radio Show and although young in their incarnation, I feel this is a band with longevity and depth. Brooklyn breeds a ton of bands, but not a lot of them do I actually like or am impressed by. Not since The Knife have I cared to listen to this genre of music until hearing Cruel Black Dove.
You are definitely talented musicians…at what point in your life did music become an appendage and how long have you been playing together?
AV: I've been doing something music related since 16. We've been playing together for almost 3 years now.
JN: At about 12 yrs old a friend's older brother showed me Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath of course. Music has been the driving force in my life ever since.
AD: I started a little later. I mean, I played the violin and took piano lessons like a lot of people when I was younger, but I didn't really consider music as an option. Honestly, I thought I had a bad voice. I auditioned for a musical and didn't get in because my voice was too deep. I didn't really have that voice you hear in musicals, which is funny because I love musicals. But music has always been an "appendage" -- or more like a lifeline for me. I grew up pretty sheltered in several ways and my parent are foreign and that made me feel different where I grew up -- so music was my way of connecting, feeling part of something. I was a busy kid but would always look forward to/ spent a LOT of time holed up in my room with headphones on just laying in bed soaking it in. A LOT of the time imagining doing it and thinking it was just some kind of dreamland. And now I am doing it. It's really crazy. If you can see it in your minds eye, it finds its way to you.
You all just recorded an EP…would this be your first and how was the recording process?
AD: well, this time around was much smoother. the first time was a lot more bumpy-- we learned a lot from it and things went much faster this time. Mostly DIY, which we're proud of.
AV: Not the first and in fact only the beginning. The process was more raw this time, straight from the drawing board to the printing press.
JN: Not our first, but second. It's always a crap shoot for me in trying to play the right thing for the song and still make it unique. I feel like I always achieve the fist goal, but maybe not the second all the time. I always say less is more though.
Describe a Cruel Black Dove fan? Do you consider yourself a “goth” band?
AV: I'm myself a fan and I'm always pleasantly surprised with who finds us and becomes a fan. Don't consider us as goth at all, I think we fall in line with the Cure, or Depeche Mode as far as mood is concerned, but if they're considered goth, well then, I'm happy with that title.
JN: CBD fans are looking for something different. I think we offer that because we're working on what we like rather that what would be expected. Definitely not Goth but like a lot of "Goth" music.
AD: It really varies. We learned this when our video was on YouTube's homepage for two days. We had people of all ages and walks of life sending us messages and commenting. It was crazy. We hear a lot that our sound is different and "refreshing" -- I think that means different for the time. We feel like it's different given the recent trends. I guess we cater to all those people who are waiting for a change or nostalgic for something more. We're definitely song driven -- we have "songs" as opposed to vibe or sounds. That sounds strange, and maybe I'm jaded, but with a lot of the newer music out there we struggle to hear the "song." As far as being "goth" -- no. I mean, we wear some black-- but as Stevie Nicks once said when she was questioned about dressing like a witch "I wear a lot of black simply because it's flattering and easy to combine with your other clothes if they're all black."
You all are influenced by some incredible bands…how did you discover these?
AV: Life takes you in different directions, and music becomes such a defining factor on that road, I've discovered every great album through a friend, or a unique personal experience.
AD: I am influenced by a ton of artists. Hard to say how, but I think I agree with alan, usually they're tied with a moment or a period of time that usually involve some growth or love or travel. I'm definitely interested in the images of a band and their whole overall vibe, but it's rare that I am sold on that alone. The music really needs to speak to me on a deeper level to stay in my permanent collection.
Who are you guys really turned on by right now? Who could the music world do without?
AV: I'm rediscovering Pink Floyd's The Wall and have been listening to 16 Horsepower and Wovenhand, which is sort of a dark southern Nick Cave type music.
AD: I think more of the world needs to know about Blacklist, friends of ours. I like a lot of the extended family they're part of which includes a lot of lesser known minimal synth acts. The two singles from the Big Pink are sonically sweeping. Florence and the Machine is someone I'd like to get to know better. It can go on and on. I can go on even longer about what I personally could do without ;)
You all have played a ton of shows in New York, but please tell us you plan on touring elsewhere? Where would you most want to play?
AD: Yes, we've played NY, DC.... and then Norway and Iceland. Strange but true. I would love to tour Europe and South America, very much.
What do you feel is the most important thing about being a musician and what do you feel makes a band have staying power?
AV: Music is one of the most powerful sensory experiences one can have, and it has the ability to cross language barriers and impact people at a very deep level. As far as staying power, I think a band needs to sound turned on, if they're not into what they're doing, then how can the audience be into it?
JN: Music and playing is about connecting with people for me. People who think they're an outcast or don't belong, can find connections through the music. That's how I found all of my friends. I think if you're connecting with your fans, and able to express the things they can't, then you've found the key to longevity
AD: I have to agree with Jonathan. It's about connecting with people at the core. On the recordings, with your words and the feeling that comes from the music. On the stage, by what you project, and your drawing them in. I never want to play a show where I am going through the motions. I want to give people a moment of some kind. At a recent show at Bowery Ballroom in NY, a girl said you me "you were awesome. I kind of wanted to BE you." I know what she means because I feel that way when I see the people I love... It's a great compliment because you don't get there by being a narcissist. You get there by being in the moment -- really being present and throwing yourself to them and them returning it.
What would be your dream tour?
AD: So many. Hard to say. Depeche Mode?
How sick are you of the PJ Harvey comments?
AV: Not exactly a shabby person to be compared to.
JN: I love PJ Harvey. Nothing wrong with being in her company
AD: I am a little -- I think people need to be more creative. it's like latching on to the lowest hanging fruit in their brain and running with it... it's really just such a simplistic thing to say. also too many people approach music like it's an academic debate/discussion. I see it with friends bands as well-- people being lauded or slammed for sounding supposedly like someone else. Most recently someone I know was being compared in a well-read blog to someone she sounds nothing like, and I assume it was because of her imagery. I really thought to myself "did they even listen to the track?" Then the comments went on and on about the comparisons and I just thought "Goddamn, this is a great song and people are being consumed by this total nonsense." It's like missing the forest for the trees. Most recently I saw a review of a band and it described the album with "feels ike riding your bike to your best friends house after you finished your homework." And I thought that was just the best. It was a real sensory experience, not just names or labels that mean nothing in the context.
Any plans for a new video and if so what single?
JN: I hope to make a video for a song we're working on right now called "Feed". I already have the images in my head. It really focuses on being self absorbed, how that affects your personality, your view of yourself, and how others view you. Really I just hope it turns out fucking cool.
AD: I plan to shoot something too-- soon!!
What do you enjoy about each other the most? What is something you find a challenge in playing together?
AD: Well we have a great time together. Like every band we have our differences when making the music, but we have known each other long enough now to know it's just that. We hang out a lot together and I think I've had some of the most fun when we are.
AV: We goof around a lot and we each have very different influences. We're all very strong willed, which can sometimes lead to creative differences, but I think that's true with any group of artists working together.
What was your first Halloween costume?
AD: I am pretty sure I was either a gift box (yes, just that) or a flapper. Both were the genius projects of my mom, and I was pretty proud wearing them to school.
AV: I think Darth Vader, go figure.
JN: I was a clown, not much has changed
Full Names & Functions:
Anastasia Dimou - Vocals
Shirley Ho- Bass
Alan Veucasovic- Keys, guitar
Jonathan Nanberg - Drums
Ages: 20s & 30s
Currently Residing:Brooklyn, NY
Currently Listening to: The Mary Onettes
Current Release: The Myth & The Sum EP
With a newly released EP, The Myth & The Sum, Cruel Black Dove are carving their way into a more mature ear. I can't remember just how I discovered this band, but I do know when I heard their single, "Love Song", off of their debut Full Powers, I was instantly in lust. Anastasia has a deep, dark and seductive vocal style and is backed up by a trio of talented, capable musicians. This band would not survive if that were not true. CBD has some elements in their sound which will remind you of the days of Curve and Siouxsie, but they definitely hold their own with music comprised of a dark, electronic rock element. This is by no means kiddie music. This is the type of music you want to hear when you want to be in a seductive mood. It seeps in you causing arousal to your ears and loins. I play this band quite often on The AM Radio Show and although young in their incarnation, I feel this is a band with longevity and depth. Brooklyn breeds a ton of bands, but not a lot of them do I actually like or am impressed by. Not since The Knife have I cared to listen to this genre of music until hearing Cruel Black Dove.
You are definitely talented musicians…at what point in your life did music become an appendage and how long have you been playing together?AV: I've been doing something music related since 16. We've been playing together for almost 3 years now.
JN: At about 12 yrs old a friend's older brother showed me Sabbath Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath of course. Music has been the driving force in my life ever since.
AD: I started a little later. I mean, I played the violin and took piano lessons like a lot of people when I was younger, but I didn't really consider music as an option. Honestly, I thought I had a bad voice. I auditioned for a musical and didn't get in because my voice was too deep. I didn't really have that voice you hear in musicals, which is funny because I love musicals. But music has always been an "appendage" -- or more like a lifeline for me. I grew up pretty sheltered in several ways and my parent are foreign and that made me feel different where I grew up -- so music was my way of connecting, feeling part of something. I was a busy kid but would always look forward to/ spent a LOT of time holed up in my room with headphones on just laying in bed soaking it in. A LOT of the time imagining doing it and thinking it was just some kind of dreamland. And now I am doing it. It's really crazy. If you can see it in your minds eye, it finds its way to you.
You all just recorded an EP…would this be your first and how was the recording process?
AD: well, this time around was much smoother. the first time was a lot more bumpy-- we learned a lot from it and things went much faster this time. Mostly DIY, which we're proud of.
AV: Not the first and in fact only the beginning. The process was more raw this time, straight from the drawing board to the printing press.
JN: Not our first, but second. It's always a crap shoot for me in trying to play the right thing for the song and still make it unique. I feel like I always achieve the fist goal, but maybe not the second all the time. I always say less is more though.
Describe a Cruel Black Dove fan? Do you consider yourself a “goth” band?
AV: I'm myself a fan and I'm always pleasantly surprised with who finds us and becomes a fan. Don't consider us as goth at all, I think we fall in line with the Cure, or Depeche Mode as far as mood is concerned, but if they're considered goth, well then, I'm happy with that title.
JN: CBD fans are looking for something different. I think we offer that because we're working on what we like rather that what would be expected. Definitely not Goth but like a lot of "Goth" music.
AD: It really varies. We learned this when our video was on YouTube's homepage for two days. We had people of all ages and walks of life sending us messages and commenting. It was crazy. We hear a lot that our sound is different and "refreshing" -- I think that means different for the time. We feel like it's different given the recent trends. I guess we cater to all those people who are waiting for a change or nostalgic for something more. We're definitely song driven -- we have "songs" as opposed to vibe or sounds. That sounds strange, and maybe I'm jaded, but with a lot of the newer music out there we struggle to hear the "song." As far as being "goth" -- no. I mean, we wear some black-- but as Stevie Nicks once said when she was questioned about dressing like a witch "I wear a lot of black simply because it's flattering and easy to combine with your other clothes if they're all black."
You all are influenced by some incredible bands…how did you discover these?
AV: Life takes you in different directions, and music becomes such a defining factor on that road, I've discovered every great album through a friend, or a unique personal experience.
AD: I am influenced by a ton of artists. Hard to say how, but I think I agree with alan, usually they're tied with a moment or a period of time that usually involve some growth or love or travel. I'm definitely interested in the images of a band and their whole overall vibe, but it's rare that I am sold on that alone. The music really needs to speak to me on a deeper level to stay in my permanent collection.
Who are you guys really turned on by right now? Who could the music world do without?
AV: I'm rediscovering Pink Floyd's The Wall and have been listening to 16 Horsepower and Wovenhand, which is sort of a dark southern Nick Cave type music.
AD: I think more of the world needs to know about Blacklist, friends of ours. I like a lot of the extended family they're part of which includes a lot of lesser known minimal synth acts. The two singles from the Big Pink are sonically sweeping. Florence and the Machine is someone I'd like to get to know better. It can go on and on. I can go on even longer about what I personally could do without ;)
You all have played a ton of shows in New York, but please tell us you plan on touring elsewhere? Where would you most want to play?AD: Yes, we've played NY, DC.... and then Norway and Iceland. Strange but true. I would love to tour Europe and South America, very much.
What do you feel is the most important thing about being a musician and what do you feel makes a band have staying power?
AV: Music is one of the most powerful sensory experiences one can have, and it has the ability to cross language barriers and impact people at a very deep level. As far as staying power, I think a band needs to sound turned on, if they're not into what they're doing, then how can the audience be into it?
JN: Music and playing is about connecting with people for me. People who think they're an outcast or don't belong, can find connections through the music. That's how I found all of my friends. I think if you're connecting with your fans, and able to express the things they can't, then you've found the key to longevity
AD: I have to agree with Jonathan. It's about connecting with people at the core. On the recordings, with your words and the feeling that comes from the music. On the stage, by what you project, and your drawing them in. I never want to play a show where I am going through the motions. I want to give people a moment of some kind. At a recent show at Bowery Ballroom in NY, a girl said you me "you were awesome. I kind of wanted to BE you." I know what she means because I feel that way when I see the people I love... It's a great compliment because you don't get there by being a narcissist. You get there by being in the moment -- really being present and throwing yourself to them and them returning it.
What would be your dream tour?
AD: So many. Hard to say. Depeche Mode?
How sick are you of the PJ Harvey comments?
AV: Not exactly a shabby person to be compared to.
JN: I love PJ Harvey. Nothing wrong with being in her company
AD: I am a little -- I think people need to be more creative. it's like latching on to the lowest hanging fruit in their brain and running with it... it's really just such a simplistic thing to say. also too many people approach music like it's an academic debate/discussion. I see it with friends bands as well-- people being lauded or slammed for sounding supposedly like someone else. Most recently someone I know was being compared in a well-read blog to someone she sounds nothing like, and I assume it was because of her imagery. I really thought to myself "did they even listen to the track?" Then the comments went on and on about the comparisons and I just thought "Goddamn, this is a great song and people are being consumed by this total nonsense." It's like missing the forest for the trees. Most recently I saw a review of a band and it described the album with "feels ike riding your bike to your best friends house after you finished your homework." And I thought that was just the best. It was a real sensory experience, not just names or labels that mean nothing in the context.Any plans for a new video and if so what single?
JN: I hope to make a video for a song we're working on right now called "Feed". I already have the images in my head. It really focuses on being self absorbed, how that affects your personality, your view of yourself, and how others view you. Really I just hope it turns out fucking cool.
AD: I plan to shoot something too-- soon!!
What do you enjoy about each other the most? What is something you find a challenge in playing together?
AD: Well we have a great time together. Like every band we have our differences when making the music, but we have known each other long enough now to know it's just that. We hang out a lot together and I think I've had some of the most fun when we are.
AV: We goof around a lot and we each have very different influences. We're all very strong willed, which can sometimes lead to creative differences, but I think that's true with any group of artists working together.
What was your first Halloween costume?
AD: I am pretty sure I was either a gift box (yes, just that) or a flapper. Both were the genius projects of my mom, and I was pretty proud wearing them to school.
AV: I think Darth Vader, go figure.
JN: I was a clown, not much has changed
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