[11.15.04]

For our first feature interview for SCN, we decided to hook up with Eric Powell of 16 Volt. Fitting, since we stole the title of his most recent album Supercoolnothing V2.0 for our website. To find out more about Eric and 16v, and to spend money on delicious 16v merchandise, head over to www.16volt.com.

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Brian Barcode: What was your initial goal in becoming a musician?

Eric Powell: I just became really passionate about the music, I was a music fan for a short time but eventually I realized that it was something I could do. I just loved the industrial sound, the programming and the aggressive yet melodic nature of it. I just wanted to be a part of it. The funny thing is that I still do want to be a part of music, I am still striving to be a part of it. I feel like there is so much more to do with it, I still have more to do and make and say. Especially now after all that I have been through with it, I have so much more to draw from. The experiences I have had since '98 with music have given me a ton of things I need to get off my chest.

BB: Are there aspects of your records who wish you could go back and change? If so, why?

EP: That's an interesting question. I don't think I would want to. I mean, they are all moments in time. the places I was at mentally and emotionally. Occasionally I go back and listen to the older stuff and to me, it's like looking through my memory book. Everything I have done in my life has always revolved around music so in that way it's fun to go back, I think changing any of it would ruin it. The albums are like a window that we can all look through to go back.

BB: Do you think your album covers sum up the general idea of the records, or is it more about attractive packaging?

EP: I think the covers become more and more about the material as a whole. The idea of the album is a complete package of the recordings. I like to think that I am getting better at making the connection visually. I think the cover that speaks most clearly to that is Supercoolnothing. At that time I felt so frustrated with everything and I think the cover shows frustration, anger, insecurity and despair. The last song on that record, if anyone ever caught it, was about even though there is all this shit, that "At The End" things can work out and that you have to believe that there is something good in life. Because no matter what there always is, there is most always hope at the other side of the mountain of shit.

BB: Is 16V a project you think you could work on for the rest of your life?

EP: I think maybe some day my fingers will hurt too much, and my brain will just want to watch the wind move plants. I hope that I get the chance to do it as long as possible. In a sense if you guys will be there for me, I will keep trying to make good music for you. I have a slight case of tinnitus, but that wont stop me yet. The extra ringing just makes it
so I sing in tune more often.

BB: Now that you are a father (congratulations), do you find yourself exploring new directions of lyrical expression?

EP: No. Not yet anyway. I think I can compartmentalize it. I would imagine everyone has already heard enough about it anyway. Having a baby is a crazy deal though. It's completely existential, it really makes me freak out. It's insane. I look at him and I go, Jesus. I made him. It's fucking out of hand. But it's also really amazing when this little baby looks at you and you just see him light up like you are the most awesome thing in the world.

BB: Bands of various genres and backgrounds, have been making records either condemning the current political arena, or supporting it. What's your take on the role of music in politics?

EP: It's definitely appropriate. Well. Let me say this. I think politics in music is more appropriate than music in politics. I think music is an exercise in freedom of expression. And politics is something that is very important and personal to our living in this country. I think politics are a mess. This election was a total example of it. The first thing I think we ought to do in 5 years is end the electoral vote, it's a joke. Our individual votes don't mean much, and that to me is un-American. I think it's important to not use music as a vehicle to campaign however. I don't think we should be doing that, but then again, we are free to do whatever we want.

BB: What moment in your life did you decide to pursue music as a serious endeavor?

EP: I can remember moments. There was this one time I had this record playing in the garage, it was Cheap Trick, Live A Budakan, I was standing on top of my mom's Cordova just rocking it. I also vividly remember watching the Stones playing on tv at the U.S. festival. I thought that was killer and my friend and I went up to his room and made a stage out of our legos. I think the answer you are looking for though is when I was 17. I left high school early. I was a total school failure. I hated it. It was an awful place for me. Anyway, I went to recording engineering school in Florida. I was 17, that's when it really started to become a pursuit.

BB: What literature shaped your frame of mind? If you could recommend one book of any kind, what would that be?

EP: I ain't much of a reader. Hehe, honestly I didn't really get into reading books until the LDC tour. That's when I started to realize that books served a good purpose. But the stuff I read wasn't any major literary endeavor, just some novels and murder mystery stuff. I have read more equipment manuals than books that's for sure. The books I am starting to read now are like "Hop on Pop" and "Baby Goes to Bed". It's all come full circle.

BB: Aside from your work in H3llB3nt, are there any artists, musical or otherwise, you would like to work with?

EP: There is a long list. I'd love to do some stuff with Nails, KMFDM, Puppy even. I am still a Filter fan. I think it would be cool to do some work with other bands too though, like Radiohead or Muse, Prodigy. I want to do some Bjork remixes. That would be sick.

BB: You recently inked a deal with Cleopatra to release a double disc set of fan favorites and live material. Is it likely Cleopatra will be the home of the new 16 Volt record?

EP: No. The deal with Cleo is a licensing deal only. I think I need a home with a label that is more intense on the promotion side. Cleo to me is more catalog, less artist support.

BB: You've commented on plans to re-establish the street team and tour. Any ideas who may hit the road with you?

EP: I think that may be a little ways off. I don't even want to guess right now. All I am focusing on at the moment is writing. I feel like I am in a good place right now and I am getting some really good material done. I am collaborating on a few tracks with some different people. I am working on a couple tracks with a guy from West Virginia named Scott Robison. He's a really talented song writer and so far we have done some cool stuff. I am just taking things day by day and trying not to rush into any future trips.

BB: Is there a possibility of seeing a new video/promo clip to coincide with the release of the new album?

EP: I wish but sadly no. We shot a lot of video on the KMFDM tour, but at the end it just wasn't anything I would want to put out. If there are any up and coming film people out there that would want to get into doing some video work, by all means contact me. I think it's an element 16volt has lacked but I just haven't found anyone to do it.

BB: What is your take on the deep divisions in America?

EP: Same shit different election. We are always divided; it's just that the new channels have kick ass graphics for it now. Sadly I think the only time we come together as a whole is in the midst of tragedy or emergency. then it's just back to normal 'cut you off in traffic' behaviors. I don't know if we will ever be united and frankly I am not sure I want to be. Have you seen some of these people? They want us to wear white sweaters and go to their group meetings and hold hands on Sundays. I am scared. Leave me alone.

BB: Any thoughts on the fact that one political party has a firm hold on the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of American government?

EP: I think that that is frightening. The scariest thing is that usually our government is fairly slow. This may provide the lubricant, if you will, to speed up the process of outlawing gays and goths, abortions and vegetables. My sincere hope is that in the next four years the balance is so one sided that they wont figure out how to stay upright.

BB: I'll have to second the motion. Have you decided on a name for the new record?

EP: No, it's too soon. That is usually the last thing that happens. I usually don't like to name them. Chase named Wisdom. I named Skin. Marc La Corte and I named LetDownCrush. Mike Peoples named Supercoolnothing. I am bad at naming
albums.

BB: Do you feel that recent interviews and internet postings have calmed the flames of recent rumours regarding 16v?

EP: I hope so. Rumors are bad. I just want to make music and play. All the rumors just make me feel all icky.

BB: What was the first record you ever bought? Do you still listen to it now?

EP: Wow. Uhh. Man. Trying to remember. I think the first one I bought myself was maybe Depeche Mode or Agent Orange. If so I don't listen anymore. Oh wait. Maybe it was Tears for Fears. No.

BB: Thank you for your time, Eric. Would you like to add anything?

EP: Good luck with the site. Thank you for your time.