BIOGRAPHY Band Members: Jason Reed Milner [Music + Synths] | Leslie Irene Benson [Lyrics + Vocals] About the Band: THE SWEETEST CONDITION is an industrial synthpop band, featuring Jason Reed Milner (music + synths) and Leslie I. Benson (lyrics + vocals), based in Nashville, Tenn., that blends iconic sounds of the ’80s, industrial muscle of the ’90s, and cinematic soundscapes with hints of EDM. After releasing their five-‐song EP, Truth & Light, in April…
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As I had discovered this project by chance, I was indeed very happy to have made such a discovery. I was trying to get some more info about this Swedish duo consisting of Stefan Ljungdahl & Ivan Hirvonen, but their music was sufficient for my curious mind. When it comes to Psalm, it is very thoughtfully made, I don’t believe anything on this album was done by accident or trying to please a broader…
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1. John, you have been a member of various projects. Being part of Cat Rapes Dog, Machinista and some others, can you tell us how one person can be so diverse, as the projects are diverse in their musical expression. Guess it´s just a matter of what you like, and the curiosity to try stuff. I’ve been in Goth, hardrock, Metal/hardcore, industrial, postpunk and synthpop-bands. And maybe more genres. I want to do what…
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1. Hi Roberto, nice to have you here at ALTvenger. Can you introduce Roberto Del Vecchio and his work to our readers? We would like to know more about you. Hi Marija, thanks for your invitation. I started to compose music in 1994 when I formed Gothica. I released two albums via the Swedish label Cold Meat Industry. In 2004, after Gothica’s split, I created The Last Hour. In December 2008, debut CD of…
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1. Hello Vanguard and thank you for joining us at ALTvenger. Why Vanguard? How did you choose that name for your project? Can you tell us how the word Vanguard relates to you and your work? Jonas: Vanguard is the forefront of an action or movement and I remember that we liked that, and also we did use a soft synth a lot during that time that is called Vanguard. I think the name…
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I have indeed meditated for a day if I should write about this album since naturally I knew everyone would. But it is far too good not to say a word about it. It is not so hard to see the intention or the true nature of Hocico while listening to it. The opening track Déjà-Vu Siniestro sounds like a combat call, filled with expectation, giving us a subtle hint, but nothing about what’s…
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1. Hi Carole, we are so glad to have a chance to talk to you for our web magazine. When I discovered your art some years ago, I naturally felt drawn to it because of the motives and of course your skills and ideas. How did you start? Thank you very much for the privilege of being interviewed for your magazine. I’ve always loved the world of imagination. Creating pictures of what I imagine…
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This great project by the Swedish singer Annmari Thim, also known as the lead singer of Arcana, has released the second album “Mother of Abominations” this year. As a composer, lyricist and vocalist, Annmari leads the listener into another world, the world of mysticism and mythical tales. While listening to “Mother of Abominations”, you are not quite sure if you have taken a step back to ancient history or a step into a fantasy…
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Another interesting French duo from Lyon appears on the indie music scene. Although described as a post punk influenced band, listening to their second album “Fallen Angels” I can think of some “shoegazing” bands that left a mark on me back in my high school days… I wouldn’t go so far as to describe them as a Cocteau Twins and Joy Division cross breed, but more like Slowdive and Pale Saints. They are mellow,…
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Another great surprise on the synthpop scene comes from Nashville, Tennessee. They are called The Sweetest Condition and their debut album Edge of the World is out this year . The duo consisting of Jason Reed Milner [Music + Synths] and Leslie Irene Benson [Lyrics + Vocals] takes the listeners on a grand voyage into sythpop conceived on the influences from the ’80s synth era and a bit of industrial touch, but personally I…
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