Siouxsie and the Banshees/The Creatures
Though it's hard to say if Siouxsie and Co. have actually influenced the music I make, it is necessary for me to link to Siouxsie, as for a start she is the goddess of everything. :) Siouxsie was the one who changed my outlook on music and allowed me to appreciate everyone else in this list. I shouldn't ignore Steve Severin here either as he has played an important role in making me take up bass playing and I did to some extent copy his style. Our music though doesn't sound that influenced by Siouxsie and Co. It definitely bears more resemblance to some of the acts further down the list. If you haven't heard of Siouxsie you should definitely investigate. I personally believe music doesn't get better than this.
The Sisters Of Mercy
Another strong contributor to my musical development. I just loved the drum machines and I also though if Andrew Eldritch can get away with this being a pop star thing then so could I. Not that Mr. Eldritch has no talent, far from it in fact. He is a fine live performer with a unique style as well as creator of some very inspirational records. He's not the world's greatest singer, which is another reason I felt I could do as he does, but he vocalises with such great style (especially on the Vision Thing album). The Sisters Of Mercy site is so great also (much better than the Creatures one for example) a wonderful blend of information and humour. It must surely be one of the best sites on the web, content wise. Clean simple and massively enjoyable. No ShockwaveFlash JAVA or Frames. Just lots of great to read information. Go take a look. Go on you know you want to.
Android Lust
Android Lust is the superb industrial/dark electro project of Shikhee, just remember, just because she's female it's not necessarily pretty! I discovered her through the Diva X Machina compilation which I was advised to get after contacting an industrial DJ for info on someone who had worked with Front 242 (phew!!). I thought her track on this album was okay but but I looked up her website and there was a drastic difference in the new music. Much harder and more refined. Shikhee has some great quicktime clips of her live performances on her site showing her live skill. Now if only we could persuade her to come over to England and tour with JDB as support...
Skinny Puppy
A relatively recent interest for me as I progress into the world of industrial dance. About a year ago I fully discovered the charms of this premier industrial act. Music of pain and torment. Often difficult to listen to and quite brutal but ultimately satisfying. No longer in existence but I have heard of some sort of re-union between a couple of the members, Cevin Key and Nivek Ogre. The third member of the band having died tragically a few years ago. This music is starting to shape the sound of JDB musically for me at least, though I don't want to just copy. The effect can be heard on Gash on the Album Ultrabeliever. And my forthcoming solo project DEFILE.
Front 242
This legendary industrial/ebm act have definitely helped the development of JDB's electronic sound. Their influence can mainly be heard on New Songs where we are just getting into their sound. The many side projects of the band members are also excellent and information on them can be found at this site. These projects (especially C-Tec) are having an influence on my music right now. How often it has been that I have attempted to imitate that excellent vocal style of Jean Luc Demeyer. :) In my personal opinion the album OFF marks their musical peak and it's a shame we haven't had any more studio work from them for some time.
DUNCAN's Links..
Discordianism The religion where nonsense is salvation. I can't remember how Duncan got into all this but I'm sure he'll elaborate soon.
William Burroughs One of Duncan's favourite authors, possibly his most favourite. This site is basically a load of links about him so go take a look.
