SOCIAL MEDIA

 Twinmusix got to speak to Ben Christo form Sisters of Mercy about their upcoming tour and more. 
 
BC - Hi Amelia, How are You?
 
TM - Good Thank You, How are You?
 
BC - Not too bad at all. Thank You for calling, it's quite late in the evening for you guys so I appreciate it.
 
TM - That's ok, we are about to go into Frankie's pizza if you know what that is.
 
BC - No, I don't know, what that is.
 
TM - It is a metal and rock bar in Sydney. They have pizza, alcohol and metal and rock bands.
 
BC - Well, what more do you need.
 
TM - Nothing.
 
BC - Exactly
 
TM - Maybe Hellfest, that would be the ultimate.
 
BC - What somehow make Hellfest appear in your bar?
 
TM - Yes, do that.
 
BC - That sounds pretty reasonable.
 
TM - (laughs) You guys played it this year, didn't you?
 
BC - Hellfest, yeah, it was the first festival with our new guitarist, who is also from Sydney.
 
TM - Is he?
 
BC - Yes, Hellfest was his first show. He is a friend of mine, so it's nice to be in the band with him.
 
TM - That's Awesome, what a great first show. How was Hellfest?
 
BC - It was exciting and a great thing to be part of. It was amazing seeing so many other bands playing.
 
TM - What can fans expect from your Australian tour?
 
BC - We haven't decided on a setlist yet. We will do a really good cross-section of all the best stuff from the albums. We will play a few unexpected numbers and a couple of new songs that we have written in the past six weeks. So exclusive stuff.
 
We are not keen to be the band that goes, this is our entire new record, you don't know any of it. We want to play songs people want to hear. It's a rock show and has an atmospheric performance as well.
 
TM - What can fans expect from your new songs, can you give us any hints?
 
BC - I have been heavily involved in writing these new songs and it is the first time for me. Previously we were just going and playing the hits or songs that were written a long time ago. In the last 6 weeks, we had this very prolific period where we just started writing. Andrew summed it up quite well, he said ' it's almost like we have taken the sensibilities of the first album, and mixed it with the energy of the third album and some of the cinematic qualities of the second album'. That's kind of what we have.
 
TM - Now I'll ask you our signature question. If you could have any band perform one of your songs, which band would it be, which song would it be and would it be in your style or theirs?
 
BC - That's a really good question. Imagen if Queen did Dominion in their style.
 
TM - That would be cool, imagine Freddie singing that.
 
BC - Imagine him singing the version in a musical theatre type way, with all the massive queen harmonies.
 
TM - If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
 
BC - Again, a very interesting question. I don't know if you have heard of him. There is an English pop star called Nik Kershaw and he has some very big pop hits in the 80'S. The way he writes music sounds like nobody else. He uses key changes and chord changes to emulate them.
 
I would like to do a dark Rock song with his songwriting capabilities. I think it would be the most mind-blowing thing.
 
TM - You should contact him, you never know unless you ask.
 
BC - You are right and he was very big in the 80'S. He might still have some acknowledgment.
 
TM - You should ask.
 
BC - Your bloody right
 
TM - You're bloody right mate
 
BC - I'm just adding that to my, to-do list. You have inspired me.
 
TM - What's your favorite memory watching someone else's perform live, can you tell us a story?
 
BC - The first concert I ever went to was AC/DC when I was ten years old. I remember seeing Angus Young running around everywhere. That was so memorable and so influential for me. That concert influenced me to play the guitar.
 
I always find it fascinating there must be so many other kids at concerts, where that was the defining moment, where they decide they want to be a singer, bass player or drummer. What is it about certain personality types that draw you being in a certain part of the band. I find it fascinating.
 
TM - I don't know, except if you find an answer, let me know.
 
BC - From my perspective, I wanted to be a guitar player because I love to perform. I love to entertain people and I love to express myself on stage emotionally and musically.
 
At the same time, I don't want to be the guy that talks to the audience. I tried doing it except I got uncomfortable. It takes a particular personality to be that guy or girl at the front who doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks. That takes a certain type of personality type that I do not have.
 
TM - I think you are right, I think it would also have to do with what you have grown up with.
 
BC - That has a lot to do with it as well, it's a huge part. The way you adapt to social situations is very important.
 
TM - the last question, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
 
BC - I appreciate the support and commitment from you guys. We look forward to playing for you guys. I will come out after the show, I want to meet people and have photos.

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BUY TICKETS HERE: https://sbmpresents.com/tour/thesistersofmercy/