COVEN 13
Date 1.07.2000
INTERVIEWED BY GORDON TAYLOR OF INFECTIOUS UNEASE RADIO
Band Interview: COVEN 13
Band: COVEN 13
Band Members: Amanda Adams Elfers, L. Teisan Russell, Justin Ballard, and Bryan
Bales
Band's Discography: "Book Of Shadows" 1998 and "COVEN 13 LIVE" 1999
Band's WebPage: www.coven13.com
Band's Email: covenxiii@aol.com
Band's Snail Mail Address: 203 Washington St, Ste 143, Salem, MA 01970
At what age did you both take up music, what inspired you to take up music and how did Coven 13 meet and begin?
Teisan:
I have been singing for as long as I can remember, it has been something that I have always enjoyed. When I was in High School I started to act in plays and I just knew that being a performer was what I had to do, I
got a bit sidetracked though until Shawn Poirier, High Priest of the Salem Tradition of Witchcraft introduced me to Amanda.
Amanda:
Well, for me, music was introduced by my Mother when I was 4 years old. I guess I was driving her crazy from boredom and she broke out her accordion (yes, accordion) and set it on her knee sideways so I could begin learning the basic layout of a keyboard and the sequence of keys and notes. She is a very disciplined lady and all through my life growing up, she insisted on my piano practicing and lessons on a daily basis. This went on for much longer than one studies for a Doctorate. I met Teisan through the wisdom of Shawn Poirier, from Salem, Massachusetts. Shawn's insightfulness placed Teisan and I together and he told us both we needed to sit down with each other because our life paths were heading in the exact same direction.
What previous bands have you both been involved in? What styles of music did you play in these bands?
Amanda:
Personally, being in a "band" never appealed to me through my one on one studies with my music teacher. It was such a focused concentration on the art, the technique, and the beauty of the piano. I did perform
Professionally in several establishments as a solo artist for years. It was only after meeting Teisan that I knew I could work with another individual in that manner.
Teisan:
I was involved in very short-lived studio project years ago but nothing ever developed from it. It was happy techno Goth sort of music.
What instruments and equipment do you all use when producing and performing your music?
For the CD "Book Of Shadows," we used mostly midi instruments with Amanda using a keyboard for the triggering mechanism for the different sounds. She did play flute live on the "Book Of Shadows" track. When we perform live we have keyboard, guitar, drums and sometimes bass. Every once in a while Amanda will play her lap-harp.
What creative process do you go through when composing your music?
It's so difficult to label creativity as a "process" but when the muse hits, Amanda gets inspiration for a song, writes the music and then Teisan writes the words after listening to what Amanda has written. Sometimes Amanda will hear some words or Teisan will hear a line of music but that is the basic formula.
You have beautiful songs that express emotion what inspire you to write such lyrics for the music?
Inspiration comes from the whole world around us, physical and spiritual. Being an artist means being able to sense and act upon subtle changes around you, and as musicians this awards us with a unique prospective of things happening in our environment. Every word and tone we weave into song is a product of our experience. Our songs are alive because they are in whole or in part events that have happened.
When you get the time what music do you both enjoy listening to?
Amanda:
Music to me is like speaking another language and I couldn't imagine life without it. My choices in music would include everything except thrash rock or country. Mostly, it depends on my mood at the time.
Teisan:
I listen to everything. Rock and roll, Goth, show tunes, pop, new age, folk... everything!!!
Your music has many styles of sound. To people who may not of heard Coven 13 how would of you Describe your sound to them?
We are a reflection of life's secret song. Our talents and experience have coalesced into a form with a new life all its own. The music we create reaches into the heart and soul of anyone listening and opens a doorway. When you taste the wind of emotion that greets you at the threshold we challenge you to step through the doorway and experience the world you find therein. You may be enticed, you may be enchanted, you may even be haunted by what you see but as long as you are honest with yourself you can come and go, as you will.
Many of your songs have themes such as love, fairy tales, nature, and magic. What is it about these subjects that inspires you to write about them?
These are the subjects that children in all their innocence find most amazing. We should all get back in touch with this side of ourselves that experiences such wonder.
I was reading an article on Coven 13, which had been published in the North Shore Sunday. Where did the idea of using a ouija board to write the lyrics for the song Ophelia Laments come about? Will this be a method you will use again?
It was truly an inspired moment. Shawn was in the studio helping out and he made a statement about an Ouija board, the owner of the studio silently got up from where he was sitting walked out of the room and came back in carrying one. So we used it. It was Amazing! The phrases in the voice-over are spoken
Exactly as they were channeled through the board. We're a little Goth, a little rock, a little classical and all magick!
You belong to the International Council in Salem. Could you tell me a little bit more about the organization?
We are aware that Shawn Poirier, High Priest of the Salem Tradition of Witchcraft, holds a position with the international council of Pagan leaders and teachers. Maybe this is the information that you are considering.
Have you produced any music videos?
Not yet but we are working with a series of ideas that will take the viewer
On their own personal journey.
Your clothing is very authentic. Who designs your clothing?
Much as we pride ourselves in the fact that our music is distinct, we aim to portray that individuality through our costuming. Many of our items are produced privately in Salem and others are found at "The Fool's Mansion," also located in Salem. Truly a mecca of choice, colors, and costume.
I understand you have a contract for producing the soundtrack for the movie "Cavalrymen" by Marengo Productions. What style of movie will it be? Are you using lyrics or are you just composing instrumental compositions for the sound track.
The movie project was brought to us over 8 months ago. We were very excited to be part of this grassroots idea. The gentlemen working on "The Cavalrymen" has several ideas that he wishes to portray throughout the film. It will include romance, passion, crime, defeat and victory. He was sent a copy of "The Book Of Shadows" cd and there are several tracks he is contemplating. "Red, Oh, How I've Wanted You, and Haunted" are just a few. The last time I spoke with the production manager, they were still at the
finance table. We're all excited to see how this will turn out.
Teisan at an early age you took up reading subject matter such as hypnotism, werewolves, vampires, witches, and magic. What was it that spurred your interest in these subjects?
I had an intense desire to know about anything strange, bizzare, mysterious or magickal. It was a compulsion, I had to read and it was never enough. I always wanted more.
Teisan do you have a favorite character or God that you have came across when reading mythology?
I've recently been reading about the Yoruba spiritual beliefs from Africa. The stories I've read about their Orisha or Guardian Angels have definitely piqued my interest.
Teisan In high school you took up theatre. What theatre productions did you perform in and which characters did you play?
I was Cornelius in "Hello, Dolly," P.T. Barnum in "Barnum" and Jonathan Proctor in "The Crucible." I was also in various one act plays and some improvisational theatre.
Teisan you studied Russian at the University of Massachusetts. What was it about the Russian language that attracted you to study it?
The culture intrigued me. Everything about I had ever heard about Russia seemed so intense I wanted to know more. I figured that if I could be a translator of work within an international company that maybe I could live in Russia or at the very least visit often.
Teisan what was it that attracted you to witchcraft. What forms of witchcraft are you most intrigued by?
Witchcraft, for me, answered so many of those "unanswered questions" people so often seem to have that I knew I had found where I belonged in terms of my spirituality.
Teisan dos you feel that more people are taking up Wicca because it is more natural and free in comparison to Christianity?
I think people that get involved with the Craft and remain true to themselves and their personal integrity find that the Craft is a rewarding place to be. The Craft places responsibility on the individual, there are no demons or devils.
Teisan in Salem you had performed and written songs for television around the world. How did you get in contact with these various organizations?
From being in the coven that Shawn Poirier runs. They all call to talk to him but he has graciously allowed myself and other coven members to share our magickal talents with the media as part of his interview.
Teisan you performed the character of Duncan in the Shakespeare play Mac Beth that was presented by the North Shore Theatre Company. What was it like to perform this character. How did you become involved with the Rebel Shakespeare Company?
There was an audition poster up in Salem, I tried out, and got cast. I was thrilled! I had always wanted to act in a Shakespeare play but was so intimidated by the prospect that I never did before. It was an incredible experience. Only now, do I truly understand Shakespeare.
Teisan you have been involved in theatre since high school. Will this be something that you will continue with? If so what would be your ideal production and what character would want to perform?
I will definitely act again. I'm scripting my own play so when it is finished we tackle Broadway!
Amanda you began studying piano at 5 years of age. Your first piece was a composition that was called "A Storm Is Coming". Could you describe what this piece sounded like?
My Mother describes it to me as a heavy left-handed bass representing the thunder across the 22-acre farm that I lived upon and the right-handed melody is lifted to the higher octaves of the piano to portray the rain. Definitely of a classical forum.
Amanda you spent your childhood in Ohio. What was it like living in a tornado prone area?
Following up on the previous question, tornadoes were a regular occurrence and very frightening at that, when one is old enough to realize that you're hiding in the basement with your Mother and a blanket over your heads under the stairway. My Father worked on the road allot so it was usually just my
Mother covering us.
Amanda you studied Russian In St Petersburg Russia what where some of your experiences when you where in Russia and did you come across any Russian musicians?
My experiences in Russia are priceless memories and I will return there. My first time to St. Petersburg was in 1990 while it was still the Soviet Union. That was interesting. Rumors would break out that there might be Pepsi at the local store and all the kids from the dorms would make a mad dash. I was to return in 1992 for a lovely autumn visit with loved ones I had met as a student. I moved over again to live and work in 1993. I transferred money in and out of the country. My boss, Craig Reed was actually the first person in St. Petersburg to complete such a transaction. Very exciting. The crazy taxi rides, the Neva River, dancing to real Russian bands with real Russian partners, dining with caviar one night (which isn't such a delicacy there as it is portrayed here) and cold meats another. Russia was for me the land of fantasy. Walking through Red Square at midnight. Going inside Lenin's Tomb. I could continue. As far as Russian musicians, yes, I did meet many. Their discipline is of the same intensity that I grew up with under my Mother. Perfection is their goal.
Amanda what sorts of piano competitions did you participate in?
I have participated all my life in competitions with music starting with the local theater, church, and school competitions. This led to higher grounds such as college forums and the Miss America pageant system. I was determined in all of these realms to complete with as solid and victorious a performance that I could obtain. Recitals, showcases, professional contests were also involved.
Amanda I have been told that Cape Cod is a scenic place to live in. As a Musician what sorts of inspiration have you drawn from Cape Cod?
Whenever an artist is free from the pollution and congestion of a city, it seems their muse flows with greater ease. Cape Cod is a treasure of beach, surf, wildlife, and ocean breeze. Although not a native, I find myself in a mental state while there to engage in listening to my "inner voice" of reason and magick.
What is the subculture like in Salem?
The diversity within the Craft Community makes for a communal melting pot of ideals and ideas. The freedoms afforded the Pagan community by the relative safety of Salem has allowed room for different cultural heritages to meet on a common ground of magick and to learn and explore spirituality and each other. There is always something strange or magickal going on! We wouldn't have it any other way.
What has the response been like for Book Of Shadows?
Overwhelming! But in a good way. People really enjoy what we have to say and how we say it.
Love for what we do both from within us and from the response of others is the fuel that keeps us going.
How long did it take to produce Book Of Shadows?
From start to finish, which would include writing songs and being in the studio, about thirteen months. Notice, if you will, the number 13.
Where have you toured, are you planning any up and coming tours?
COVEN 13 touring has included everything from local venues to cross-country events. This summer we are included in Witchfest 2000, held in New Orleans, The Heartland Pagan Festival, located outside of Kansas City, Summerset in Columbus, Ohio, the Massachusetts Pagan Pride Day held in Western
Massachusetts and of course several events to be held in Salem, Massachusetts this October, one of which is the Official Salem Witches Halloween Ball. Although many of these events are Pagan, COVEN 13 does participate in other events such as the Battle Of the Bands in April, as the featured artist.
What gigs did you enjoy the most and what was the audience response?
Teisan:
Performing in Salem at Halloween last year was probably one of my favorite shows. We got to do all the crazy things we love to do at a show and in addition to adults, there were also small children dancing to the music and teenagers that were watching and rocking out to the heavier songs that we do. It was quite a diverse audience and we got in touch with everyone there.
Amanda:
I would have to agree with Teisan. To see so many people of different ages, backgrounds and beliefs all coming together and just having a great time was very gratifying to me.
Have there been any gigs in which you have not so much enjoyed?
Teisan:
There was one gig when we were starting out that not many people were at, so that was disconcerting. I learned a valuable lesson though, even if only one person in a thousand is paying attention it's my job to make the show special for that one person. With that adjustment of my attitude we have not had
a bad show since.
Is there anything special incorporated within your performances?
Our performances ARE special. All of the show. We take people on a roller coaster ride of emotions and events. We have music, magick, dancers, costumes... It's so different every time but it is always quite a show. You never know what might happen.
When you have a performance what goes through your mind when you are on that stage. What is it that you feel? What sort of emotions do you go through when the eyes of the audience are on you?
Teisan:
I transform into a moving, singing, emoting machine. In the instants that I do stop and think I take a deep breath and drink in the energy of everything going on around me. I feel like I'm truly alive when I'm up on stage sharing everything I've worked for with the audience.
Amanda:
For myself, I'm so focused on every note and each band member's performance that I sometimes don't see beyond that. I'm listening to every note, every pitch, and watching every movement amongst the band.
What memorable experiences have you had when touring?
Amanda:
As COVEN 13 embarked on our larger-scale events, the fun, the fans, along with the work has made it all worthwhile. One particular incident will always remain in my mind. We were performing at the New Bedford Whaling City Festival and the Father of Michael, for whom I wrote "In Heaven" came to hear
the song performed live. Michael passed away on the day I wrote that song, so to see his Father in the audience feeling every note and word was incredible for me.
Teisan:
The bonding experience between band members has been something none are likely to forget. But more importantly we get to meet our fans. Someone said to me once "I drove eight hours to come here because I wanted to see you perform." WOW! That to me is an awesome thing.
In which countries do you receive the most response from?
Right now because of where we have marketed ourselves the United States has been our biggest supporter, but we have also gotten support from Germany, Venezuela, Brazil, Canada, Yugoslavia, Romania, Spain, Australia, Russia, and England. Because of the Internet, our CD's are being sold all over the world
And we are featured on several radio stations throughout these countries. We anticipate the list getting bigger.
What are your future plans.
Amanda:
My future is COVEN 13. It has been my work, my blood, my life for so long now. To have the group continue to grow and expand throughout the world is my goal that will be obtained.
Teisan:
I want to take over the world, one person at a time if need be, until everyone believes in magick again.
Is there anything you would like to say to the readers out there?
BELIEVE IN MAGICK!!!