Tantrum Of The Muse
Stephen Mark Sarro... some of you guys know him from the crazy band Tantrum of The Muse. Well, no introduction needed. Just read the interview, done by Arnbjørn Marklund, april 2002.
Arnbjørn: First of all I would like to get some information about yourself, what projects you are involved in at the moment and small version of the history of TOTM.
Stephen: Well, my name is Stephen Mark Sarro, I have a solo album coming out this summer. It is called Sympathy For The Living...its absolute audio manipulation. As far as a brief history of TOTM...I felt a calling from God to do something that will affect people, and my desire for musical exploration, led to TOTM. It started in late 1997-early 1998...we have toured a bunch of times, and recorded 2 albums, that have been highly successful...its just been a really exiting time!!!!
Arnbjørn: What's the situation with TOTM at the moment? Because I know that your drummer left the band to play with the Huntingtons. Have you found any substitutes?
Stephen: Hmm... I feel God has called ME at least to be patient, and take some time away from the band, because he is going to do bigger things with the band. I know that I am destined to do this...well maybe not always TOTM, but music...it's definitely what I should be doing. I know that I am content with whatever God does. I am waiting. Rick felt it was his calling to play for the Huntingtons...whether that is true......GOD KNOWS! As far as the whole Jim situation (Jim our bassist) He was going through serious problems, which took its toll on TOTM in 2000...we asked him to step aside...he did........moved to Florida...got married down there.....worked out some of his bugs...and we asked him back....as much as he wants to do it....he is not sure he can right now due to obvious decisions he made in the last 2 years. So...I am waiting...I think God has some serious things in store!!!!
Arnbjørn: How would you describe the way TOTM sound, and do you think that you would very different in the future?
Stephen: TOTM is a band that was set up to do anything and everything I want musically. I feel that a lot of bands set themselves up for disaster, and when they explore new grounds, after releasing 3 or 4 CDs of the same music, and get a feeble fanbase...they disappoint...but with TOTM i feel that kids know that they should expect something different with every album. As for our sound now? It's hard to say. Its different, its loud, its beautiful, its dark, its inspired, and I think its revolutionary...if you will let me say so without sounding like a moron...I just think there is something bigger than the music with this "band".
Arnbjørn: Your lyrics are very interesting. What do you write about? I've heard that they all are based on true life experiences. Could you tell us a little bit about this?
Stephen: It's true man...I really just write about how I am feeling. I don't like bitching and moaning about certain trials, but by singing about them, and sharing how I feel inside, and how I view the world, it really does clear my head and I find I am not alone with this. In a nutshell, if I haven't already done so...I sing about the things around me, good, bad, whatever...and I try to make the listener think about those things...I want the listener to think!!!!
Arnbjørn: When I first heard you guys, I thought you where really political (saying "screw the Christian music industry" and stuff), but it seems to me that you're really not that political after all Is that true? Do you have a political stand at all? Because it do seem like you have very strong opinions on certain issues. Do you think that there's a right political stand for Christians?
Stephen: That is a good question. And it is fair too. I think you are right, you assume very well.......sometimes!!!! I am political to a degree. I don't really get too deep into politics concerning countries at battle, and blah blah blah, because One person will say one thing, and the other person says another, and they will agree on almost everything but one point, and its usually the point that cannot be changed no matter what people do, I mean, like take September 11th. Its terrible what happened. I think we should fight terrorism, and ONLY terrorism. But I mean, other Americans will say a bunch of stupid things like "well USA is responsible for the deaths of this and that in the year 1600" or what have you...and no matter what you say, even if you say "lets all hug and be at peace worldwide" then you would be pissing off the anarchists, so I mean...................the hell with it!!! I pray for my country, and I pray for the world. I believe that prayer is the most powerful thing you can do, because God ALWAYS listens. I vote, but that's only so I can bitch and moan and not have the feeling like I have no say. I do consider myself to a politician, but more concerning a spiritual war. I fight for what is right. My lyrics tell about that, and I think that pretty much sums up the question about Christians and politics. I just think as Christians we should be on our knees in prayer!
Arnbjørn: How was your collaboration with Takehold? Was it a good record label to work with?
Stephen: During the first year Takehold was great. They thought our debut album was so wonderful and selfishly wanted to push it...and at our stage of the game we were happy SOMEONE would do such a thing. Takehold would always tell us "we are a label that wants to do something different, and impact people...and cross over the Christian scene boundaries" We thought.... "WOW...this is great..someone gets it". So when we finished our second CD (ModernMu$ick) we were under the impression Takehold would be grateful for its content, but all of the sudden, Takehold was a Christian scene label, and the Christian kids didn't get the album...and therefore even though it sold exceedingly well for our lack of touring...Takehold didn't really do anything to push it. Then Takehold sold its rights to Tooth and Nail Records, and T&N said that they wont sign us as long as we are not touring...but since God has us where we are...I waved good-bye!!!
Arnbjørn: Do you think it's a good or a bad thing that they have merged with Tooth and Nail?
Stephen: Moneywise...I'm sure it was smart...but as far as Takehold's mission statement...it becomes a big contradiction.
Arnbjørn: TOTM have also released an EP on Burning Records. How has it been working with them compared to Takehold? What is your deal with Burning Records and what would be the label of your dreams?
Stephen: Burning Records is a label that I thought was professional in the way they go about things...and it was also a humble approach to our EP. It was a collaboration that we were both happy to accept. I was glad to get this EP out on a label that was very decent, maybe helping them, and of course they helped us immensely. It was a one-release deal!!! I am not sure what the label of my dreams would be...I can say I wish certain records were bought more than others, making labels with great ideas function. Haha.
Arnbjørn: About this solo-album of yours; could you tell us a little bit more about that project, and how does it sound compared to TOTM?
Stephen: Well, as I mentioned...it is called Sympathy For The Living. It has 10/11 tracks that were recorded, as I was inspired. I didn't pre-write the album, like a normal album would be written. I was inspired by an idea, and gathered my thoughts and recorded it. The album is like Open Mic Night from hell. hahaha. It doesn't compare at all with TOTM, because it isn't TOTM.
Arnbjørn: Hehe I've heard that you're going to release this solo-album on the Hearken. What exactly is the Hearken?
Stephen: The Hearken is not a record label, but it releases records, it is just a collective of ART really, whether it be music, or novels, movies, whatever...it is still very young and has started out as a record label, there are a few bands on it, but its venturing out into something bigger and better. The Hearken is run by a great guy from Portland, OR, named Joe!!!!
Arnbjørn: Do you think that music is art? What's the connection? Is there some type of music, which is more art than others?
Stephen: I think it is most definitely. Everything about Jesus, God the creator, the bible, the creation of the earth, the creation of music, its all art. Christ dying on the cross was the most romantic artistic love I have ever witnessed. Any art aside from the bible is just a small level compared to the complex amount of both art and love that is in the bible. As far as what is more artful......I think its best said like this. Music is worship, music is art. Therefore if you are going to play music, consider that you are worshipping. Think about how music was first represented. It was worship.
If you are a Christian especially, you are representing the GREATEST artist of ALL...play some music that is worth hearing. How do you do that? Play from your heart. Do only what comes naturally. You cant play anything good naturally? Then maybe your calling is something else.Arnbjørn: I also know that you wanted a picture of a naked girl as some of the artwork on ModernMu$ic, but that Takehold didn't want it because it was pro-porn. What's the difference between art and pornography?
Stephen: Hahahahaha, Well you really watered down the real situation, but let me clarify. It wasn't just a "naked girl." This picture is just a beautiful PIC of a woman sitting naked on the floor. Her "areas" are not showing. Its just a weird position she is sitting in, that is beautiful, and yes, tasteful. It was FAR from pornography. I think there is a fine line between nude art and pornography. If people think they are the same, they should not be looking at either, however, some people love that form of art, and can appreciate it without the need for sexxxxxxxxx.
Arnbjørn: I've also noticed that you're a big fan of movies What makes a movie good? Do you have any favorites? What's the last movie you've seen? How many times have you seen Lord of the Rings?
Stephen: What makes a movie good? Depends on your taste. I have quite a broad and deranged sense of "good" hahaha. I will watch Bloodsucking Freaks, and then right after it watch O Brother Where Art Thou? Hahaha, I love both. I am really into Horror movies, especially underground ones. I love the Cohen Brothers. Tim Burton. John Waters. I have a huge PINK FLAMINGOS poster framed in my room. Divine was a bit whacked out, but I loved him. Lord Of The Rings.......I watched that once on opening night. It was amazing, wouldn't you say? I was so happy with it, especially knowing that its a successful trilogy created by a born again Christian.
That DVD is as good as mine when it is released. Two Towers should be a jolly good time.Arnbjørn: And just out of curiosity, what's the one thing that pisses you off the most?
Stephen: This is the coolest question I have ever been asked. But I don't think I can answer it. So many things piss me off. I think I will just say for now...my bandmates...or the ones what were in the band. They piss me off. Oh and I really hate when people whine and complain about things in life that cannot be changed no matter what.
Arnbjørn: What is your main goal as a musician?
Stephen: To represent the creator ... the greatest artist who ever existed. And still exists..... I accept Christ gave me a gift, and he is so huge of an importance, the bible is such a HUGE book of romance ... so full of creativity, that I feel I should release things that affect people...because Christ will always affect people. That is what I try and do.
Arnbjørn: What music do you listen to? What are your main influences?
Stephen: I change my "main" influences as the years go by. I seem to really always go back to my roots. I grew up on Christian rock music...like Stryper, and Petra, Whiteheart...I would have to say the albums that affected me as a child getting into music would be Scaterd Few - Sin Disease...and of course any Stryper record. As I got into the punk scene in my teen years...bands like Fugazi, Today is the day, Quicksand, Mr. Bungle, Shudder to Think, Melvins really took a hold of my interest...lately though...I have leaned toward The Cure, Tool, Depeche Mode, Cranes, the Violet Burning. Some of these bands I also got into as a youngon! Strength by the violet burning is unreal...just soothes the savage beast!!!
Arnbjørn: Do you have any influences besides music?
Stephen: Living is a great source of inspiration. Both good and bad.
Arnbjørn: Ever planning to come to Europe and play?
Stephen: Hell yeah! As soon as I find a drummer and a bassist who want to LIVE the LIFE, and fall in love with wanting to affect people in the name of the Lord. I am praying God will give me 2 misfits, 2 losers like me who have nothing better but the love of art, music, and affecting lives.
Arnbjørn: What do you do in life except from being a musician?
Stephen: When I am not busy with the music stuff, I am working with my father in a painting business he has been in successfully for almost 20 years. I don't really do much else.
Arnbjørn: Let me just list up some words, and you'll tell me the first things that pop into your mind when you hear these words.
1. Hardcore
pornography
2. Indie
Indiana Jones series
3. Afghanistan
brainwashed people killing in the name of God. I think of too much with this.
4. Straightedge
another stumbling block organized religion.
5. George Bush
A man of God.
6. The Middle East
Doomed!Arnbjørn: OK I guess you have some explaining left to do It seems like you like to provoke. Is that true? Isn't it more right to say that the Taliban regime is brainwashed people, and not let all the anger from September 11th out on Afghanistan as a country (I'm just trying to clear things up so that you won't become too unpopular in Europe) . And what the heck makes George Bush a man of God?
Stephen: You're right. I was actually thinking the Taliban, but I should have clarified. I think it's horrible that innocent people have to die, no matter what country. I also believe without order, there would be NO freedom, so really this is not worth discussing, because we would not be doing this interview if it wasen't for order. As for Bush...You can really tell he is doing all he can to support all sides of the political regime, while holding onto his faith. He isn't Jesus Christ you know, and he is doing a far better job than anyone else would have. He quoted a bible verse over public TV, in his speech about the Sept. 11 attacks...when he did that, I knew that we were lead by a man who is doing all he can to bring a faith to America, while taking on quite an incredible job. I don't think it is fair to mock Bush for the efforts he has done. I mean anyone who can honestly say he isn't doing a great job considering ALL OF THE SIDES to what people consider wrong and right. No matter what Bush does, he will still be hated. Did you ever consider the fact that this war is SUCH A HUGE spiritual war???? It doesn't surprise me that attacks started just as a man of God is in office. If you truly understand the spiritual war, you would understand what I am saying.
By arguing that Bush is not cut out for the job, you must have some good solution, and maybe you should be a president someday, hahaha.Arnbjørn: Yeah, maybe I should. hehe. I guess we could go on and on about this forever, so I guess we'll just end this discussion for now. But then again, what do you think is the main problem with straightedge?
Stephen: Well, there are a few ways to look at this. First of all, I think if a person, Christian, or not, takes up straightedge, to gain personal health strengths, and doesn't come off like a hardass on other people, that's totally awesome to do. If you don't want to drink, smoke and have sex....thats obviously great. I think the problem people miss is that there is a HEALING God with a peace that passes understanding. A lot of times, these SxE kids will take up their X instead of their cross...they will make that a religion. Satan is on the earth to do many harmful things, stealing, killing, and destroying are his 3 goals. He wants to blind people, and he does. What could be better than convincing a person that cleaning up yourself is all you need to do? Satan doesn't need EVERY human to be stuck on one sin, he has plenty of sins to go around. So he convinces kids that its OK that SxE is their way of life, because they are cleaned up. Satan uses just enough good intention to blind the person, because where is Christ? Understand people...we cannot change ourselves, only God can change us. If you are living a clean-cut life, great, but understand that Jesus Christ is the way, truth and LIFE. I think SxE is a major blindspot, because its got so many good intentions, that it convinces people that its good enough, does that make sense? So I mean, the only reason I don't have sex, is because Christ has given me the strength to hold onto it, and wait for my wife to come along. I will have a drink occasionally, as well as a smoke. I think what is also harmful is HABIT!!! We all have them, and we all struggle, no one is better than the other.
Arnbjørn: I know that there's a quite funny story behind the photo of the pig's head on the last TOTM full-length album on Takehold. Could you tell us a little bit more about this story? Are you not concerned about animal rights (hehe )?
Stephen: Well...hehe...I bought the pig head from a town butcher for $2, stored it in my mothers freezer for 2 weeks (I had her permission) set up a photography session, designed the set...thawed the pig head out by taking it with me everywhere I went for 2 days because I was afraid to leave it out, because I don't trust my dog. I took it to work...scared the hell out of my boss and some of the neighborhood shoppers (it was a gas station haha) after shooting the PICS...we had 6 more exposures...and 1 idea...we lit it on fire...the PICS you see on the CD are exactly how they came out ... as for the animal rights...It never crossed our minds...and of course we don't want any disrespect there..but at the same time...they would do more affective things (the animal rights people) by burning down a McDonalds, than coming after us haha.
Arnbjørn: I've also heard that you guys have a crazy live show. What could we expect if we ever get the chance to see you guys live?
Stephen: A bunch of Americans on stage making obnoxious sounds and clearing kids out of the room. Hahaha. I don't know...expect a good loud show I would hope. A TOTM live show, like us or not, is one thing you walk away from appreciating something from the band. We dont like to rely on antics to get the kids interested, however creating a major experience always intrigues me. Our live shows are always going to be different. I can tell you so many crazy stories, but the best is yet to come.
Arnbjørn: I also know that there are a lot of rumors going on about TOTM. What might be the reason for that?
Stephen: Computer geeks with too much time...and have nothing to do...that is my guess. I can say that we tend to stick out in a crowd, just because we are a group of misfits really. Maybe that was a target...I think we are a perfect balance of realistic and ridiculous...hahaha...that could also be it.
Arnbjørn: What is Christianity to you? How's it like being a Christian in the US and in the American underground scene?
Stephen: I would think being a Christian in USA is much like being a Christian in Europe. We have our struggles, we have our pride, we fall, God picks us back up. Christianity is to me...a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ...it is a faith...it is believing the claim that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. I choose to believe that, not because I grew up in a Christian home, but because I found the healing power of one true God here with me.
Arnbjørn: How's the music scene over there and how do you think it is compared to your impression on the scene in Europe?
Stephen: I feel like Europe's music is so much better. USA public opinion music is just lame and repetitive. You guys had the Cure, Beatles, the Smiths, Depeche Mode...the biggest rock band on US charts seems to be U2, and they are from Ireland....ahhhhhh...it's a shame. I could be wrong though, I have no idea about your music scene aside from the classics.
Arnbjørn: Don't you know anything about the underground scene over here? You must have heard of some European punk/hardcore/metal bands?
Stephen: I dont pay much attention to it these days, USA, or Europe. Refused kicked ass!
Arnbjørn: Do you feel that the Christian underground scene has managed to become a part of the secular music scene, or is the scenes separated? What is your opinion on this?
Stephen: It looks to me that Christian music is getting more accepted. I am glad to say so, but the only thing is, we don't have enough Christian bands inspiring unchristian bands. I hate the fact that a Christian rock band, or whatever style...can sell thousands of CDs, and have a decent musical career all in a Christian community and no one in mainstream radio knows the band ever existed. I hate the walls we have. It's so lame. We don't we all just stick together...we might learn something.
Arnbjørn: What do you think might be the reason for this and what do you think we could do to change this situation?
Stephen: The reason we have these walls is because we remain content in our comfort zones. God forbid if Jesus stayed with just the Christians!!!!!! Life would be even harder now!!!!!
Arnbjørn: Do you feel that you belong to the secular underground scene over there, and do people respect the fact that you're Christian?
Stephen: We haven't given TOTM enough time to confirm that idea...but when we play a show like that, we are respected...I think I would say yes, but there is so much work to be done.
Arnbjørn: OK. This is it for now. Do you have any last comments?
I would like to say thank you kindly for this interview...We cannot wait to get under your European skin!! Take the time to check out these things.
www.burningrecords.com - New live EP
www.tantrumofthemuse.cjb.net - official website
www.rockfordeath.com - Stephen Mark Sarro official website
Sign our guestbook and write us sometime. Godbless you all and thank you again for this opportunity.Arnbjørn: Thank you for the interview. I'm really looking forward to checking you guys out live.