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September Mourning


I first heard September Mourning a few weeks ago via their excellent new single "Children of Fate" and since then I haven't been able to get them out of my head. The song is punchy, melodic, not to mention dramatic. Lead singer September possesses a voice that is sweet one moment and then capable of summoning a fire that just torques up a song the next.

But this band is not just a one trick pony. I heard stories of an elaborate stage show and their own comic book coming this way later in the year. I had to talk to September to find out more about this fascinating band and what they're all about. Here's our conversation.

antiMusic: September Mourning has been around for several years now, Can you please bring us up to date on the evolution of the band, who everybody is, background on the name and the concept behind the project? What are Reapers? Where is Mortem? And everything about all this other exciting but scary stuff.

September: September Mourning started as a conceptual storyline about the character September Mourning, who is a human-reaper hybrid. She feels the need to give some human souls a second chance, and thus toys with Fate. Reapers are made by Fate with a very specific job� clean up the mortal realm of souls that are meant to pass on. Because September is a human-reaper hybrid she has empathy which none of the other reapers possess. The other reapers are sent by Fate to stop September from giving souls second chances.

The musical side developed over a few years after the storyline was completely formed.

Riven: A reaper sent after gentle souls that are often damaged and deeply emotional... souls that have been put through the harshness of this world and may not have survived it so easily. Riven feeds on emotion... discomfort, joy, pain... the gamut of feelings. Using the human condition's constant swell of emotion allows Riven free reign over the earth.... devouring souls as fate sees fit.

Wraith: A reaper sent after the darkest, most evil souls in this world� souls that have committed brutal crimes on others and feed on their pain. Wraith is the strongest, eldest, and most feared of all the reapers. He rips souls from the confines of their bodies with sheer brutality and force. His strength is directly tethered to his home plane of existence, Mortem. Due to the amount of force he exerts in this world, he must return to Mortem often to recharge his energies.

Shadou: A reaper sent after docile, simple souls... souls that have never lived their lives in the spotlight. Shadou's weakness is the light of this world so he prefers to stalk his prey in the darkness. Strongest at night, Shadou also hunts during the day, using the shadows of this world as a portal. Always remember, where there is no light there are shadows and when shadows appear, so does he.

Stitch: A reaper sent after the most elusive of souls... souls that may have a sixth sense that their final day is coming... those who wish to escape their fate... A master of the time/space continuum, Stitch appears as a glitchy apparition when in actuality, he is constantly jumping between different times and planes of existence. This technique allows him to gather souls more quickly and efficiently. His twitchy appearance is the effect of being in multiple places almost simultaneously.... A Stitch in time.

Rasper: Rasper is the first Reaper ever created by Fate. He is known for his megalomaniac attitude as well as the shrill, soft, raspy noises he creates when collecting souls. This dissonant sound is created by dark matter as it's pulling the soul from the world of the living, eventually consuming it. Rasper made many mistakes beyond just being noisy at his job. His internal wiring was a bit off and he collected the wrong souls on occasion. This fatal flaw forced Fate to strip Rasper of his powers and banish him from Mortem. He is now cursed to walk the world of the living as a mortal human soul.

antiMusic: "Children of Fate" is the first single from the new album, which is to be released later this year. It's an absolutely ear-arresting song. Please introduce us to the Children of Fate.

September: Each soul on this planet is a product of fate.... thus coining the phrase, "Children of Fate" ... On a deeper level, it is meant to be empowering. To remind us all that we have the power to forge our own future and destiny� that nothing and no one can stand in the way of what we want to become.

antiMusic: The ebb and flow of the melodic and more aggressive elements of the song indicate an awareness of the importance of dynamics (at least in my mind) within a musical piece. Is it intentional for you to incorporate these elements when writing to elevate the song beyond basic AC/DC arrangements or just something that is inherent to the way you write?

September: It's basically just the way I write. I love dramatics in songs� especially with a project like this� you want a storytelling vibe which means lots of dynamics and flair.

antiMusic: Will your older material, such as "Before the Fall", which did not get released on a large scale, be on the upcoming record and how does that material relate to the newer stuff?

September: "Before the fall" will be on the new release� We've made some updates on the song and I think it sounds more modern and punchier. The other material on the album shares the same songwriting properties but there is definitely diversity stylistically as well.

antiMusic: "Before the Fall" beside being a great song would also seem to indicate a subtle social message. Are you trying to impart any info to today's youth or is the video to the song merely a good dramatic vehicle?

September: When I came up with the concept of the video which is based around the comic book series, it was for both purposes. This project has fantasy base but there are real life messages throughout it as well. I believe all music should have a strong message�. a strong emotional base.

antiMusic: Your music goes hand in hand with a theatrical presentation. My favorite live acts employ such a mindset. Do you go this route in celebration of some of these acts you might also admire such as KISS or Manson or are you simply trying to inject your own flavor that you feel is missing from a lot of today's acts?

September: A little of both� Those bands opened the door to theatrics. Our intention is to give you theatrics with a distinct purpose of storytelling, which is definitely on a different level from just doing theatrics for the sake of doing theatrics.

antiMusic: For those who might be unfamiliar with your background, can you school us on how you got started in music and possibly any previous bands you were involved with?

September: My Grandfather and Father played the piano and violin. Music was always a part of my life growing up. I remember every Sunday waking up to my dad playing Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. I started listening to classical music very early on because I wanted to be a ballerina. My musical tastes broadened as I grew up. I went to a performing arts school where I excelled at theater, voice and dance.

antiMusic: Your voice is gorgeous. It's able to handle the more melodic parts that fit the requirements of the showcase of a real singer and yet it has power to handle some of the punchier parts. I've heard that you studied with Melissa Cross. What aspects of your delivery were you working with her and was it a worthwhile experience?

September: She is amazing. Love her. She showed me how to have a more aggressive style of vocal� she taught me how to scream properly. antiMusic: What can you tell us about the comic book that is to be released this year?

September: The story of September Mourning will be presented in comic book form as it was always intended to be. Top Cow, Marc Silvestri and Cryptozoic are all involved with this. Three very legit comic and gaming companies. We are pumped to put the story out there.

antiMusic: Will you be actively collecting souls on the road upon the record's release? Any tour details to share at this time?

September: Yes of course! There are tour dates posted on our social media pages that you can check out�. We are playing Festivals such as Download and Rock on The Range as well as many more being announced soon!

Morley and antiMusic thank September for taking the time to speak with us.

Visit the official webpage and learn more about the group and hear for yourself here.

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