Mirrored in Secrecy : de l'autre côté du miroir

Ayant lu ma chronique de son dernier album, David Timsit, leader de MIRRORED IN SECRECY m'a fait part de son désaccord, notamment sur ma vision assez caricaturale du courant Goth. Je lui ai donc proposé une interview, histoire de remettre les pendules à l'heure.

Hello, first, could you describe your history as a musician?

Hi rivax, I played violin as a child, but decided to rather make some noise while growing up ;) So I've started as a guitarist in a Thrash Metal band called Zyklon and did some weird side-projects before founding my current band.


How and why did you decide to create MIRRORED IN SECRECY ?

Around 2003 I felt like I was slowly growing up as a musician and I also began to develope an own style. So I've deceided to start all over again with a new project and take everything more serious than before.


MIRRORED IN SECRECY began as a Gothic Metal project, then you added other influences in your music. How would you describe your intentions at the beginning, what were your sources of inspiration ?

That was I time in my life were I started to learn being on my own, due to moving away in another city. So I spend a lot of time putting my headphones on, taking a walk and enjoying this emotional rollercoaster-ride that came along with it. Musically I was into bands like Katatonia, Green Carnation, Savatage or Opeth. My early influences mostly have been Paradise Lost, Metallica and Alice In Chains.


What’s your personal definition for “Gothic Metal”?

I love the attitude Sentenced had. They were pretty much a heavy metal band who weren't afraid to add some deeper emotions to their music. The early Gothic Metal always had that Rock 'N' Roll vibe. When you're watching a Paradise Lost show from the «Icon »-tour on YouTube, you see a band that kicked some serious ass. I'm aware of how different the term has been used over the time, but the above mentioned bands and their spirit in the earlier days embodies the original definition in my opinion.


MIRRORED IN SECRECY began as a one man band, then you recruited a band from 2004 to 2013, registering several records and playing live. Then you decided to continue as a one man band, what decided to return solo in 2013?

It was not so much a decision, but a process. We've decided to split-up because everyone had too much stuff going on. So the intial idea was putting it to rest for good. I soon found out that I didn't want to stop creating music - especially this (!) music. Since I've been writing and producing our CDs already before, it wasn't that different to release further music on my own. I miss some of the guys, though. I didn't lay the idea of MIRRORED IN SECRECY as a live band to rest. In fact there were some rehearsals last year, but it didn't work out in this constellation.


Regarding to those both experience, as a creator, do you prefer making an record with a band or alone ?

I prefer to be creative as a single artist. I'm used to a certain workflow and I like being independent in how, when and on what I work. But I also love the stage. I'd say the position of being the creative bandleader in an actual band suits me the most.


What’s the most difficult part when creating a record alone ?

If you're not used to the freedom that comes along with it, you might have some issues with schedules. But in my case I think the most difficult part is self-marketing. It can be hard as a collective, too. Especially when not everyone is on the same page. But usually you have way more options to promote your stuff as a full band.


You’re now recruiting a new band, is it only for playing live ?

I think that's the way we're going to do it. But I always have an open ear for ideas and feedback of others, especially after playing together for a while.


You’re playing several music instruments in the record but which is your favorite and why?

At the core I'm a singer and songwriter. So I'd say vocals.


In your last album, Solitution, you mixed “oldschool gothic metal” with other metal subgenres, why ?

I have no internal censorship. It wouldn't be fun if I cared too much about fitting into a certain subgenre. I know that it will be some kind of Gothic Metal at the end anyway, alone due to the lyrics, the artstyle. or the way I love to play the leadguitar. The only intentional kind of different song is «Song Of The Dead ». It's a song that combines 70s rock riffing with nerdculture references and kind of a punk attitude. It's a shoutout to all the different-minded people out there.


Do you have a favorite song in Solitution, which one and why?

I think it's « Autumn Breeze ». It's a very heartfelt, emotional song and has a lot of the signature elements of MIRRORED IN SECRECY.


What do you think of the Metal scene in 2017 ?

It depends on where you live. I'm also in the team of the German COLOGNE METAL FESTIVAL and we have a great scene here. Very gifted bands like AERANEA, GREY SEASON, SIC ZONE or THE BEAUTY OF DROWNING and a lot of metalheads who actually come to underground gigs. It hasn't always been that way, so I'm very happy about were we are now.


Do you have anything to add ?

Thanks for the opportunity to talk to you and your readers. If your interested in our scene here in Cologne, Germany, check my blog http://metalblog.cologne – it's in German, but I guess Google translator will do the trick ;).