John: First up, Sanford, were you originally the producer of Minsk or a member of Minsk?
Sanford: Yeah, I was the producer first. I knew everyone in the band through friends and they came in to record Out of a Center Which Is Neither Dead Nor Alive. During the recording the bass player just wasn`t cutting it and I could tell they weren`t real happy with him. At that same time, Buried at Sea was losing steam and I saw it as an opportunity, so out he went and in I came.
John: What�s the biggest difference between Out of a Center and The Ritual Fires of Abandonment?
Sanford: First of all the dynamics; we really wanted to push the limit with this. Also, this was the first album written with this line up, so this album feels more complete and more like we sound at this time. We also wanted to make a very psychedelic record, even spiritual and moving, something more than just a heavy album.
John: How does the songwriting break down?
Sanford: Usually Chris and Tony will get together and jam out some riffs until it gets molded into something useful, and then we just start piling on everything else. A lot of the album was written in the studio - that`s kind of a bonus when you own one, but it can also be a nightmare cause you can just keep trying shit over and over again. I think our time was used wisely, and we didn`t over produce anything.
John: What are some of the more unlikely sources of inspiration to the band?
Sanford: Drugs. Oh wait, that`s pretty obvious. Musically, I would say Nick Cave, 16HP, Joy Division, Gene Clark, Neil Young, King Crimson. Lyrically, mental illness, Kahlil Gibran.
John: That brings up the next question. One of the forum regulars (The Imposter) had this question: "I just got Ritual Fires today and I noticed that the composer for all songs is listed as Kahlil Gibran/Minsk. Is this THE Gibran? I browsed the lyrics quickly but nothing in particular stood out at me as his work. Are they just putting his works to music?"
Sanford: There are a few versus on a couple of songs that were inspired by his writings, somehow along the way through modern technology and the Internet, he has become an composer, which is not the case. We felt he should be listed in the album credits more out of respect for his influence , but I do think there are a couple of lines that we`re taken directly from him, but I`m not certain. That`s not really my department.
John: Did Relapse court you or did you go to them after Out of a Center was released on At a Loss?
Sanford: Relapse contacted us out of the blue, we weren`t even looking. I mean Out of a Center had barely been out six months. It was a shock. I had been talking with them on working with Unearthly Trance and Rwake, so there was a little contact beforehand but never about Minsk. So far everything has been great, they`re awesome to work with and everyone seams real cool and down to earth.
John: How�d the tour with Rwake go? In the end, which band smelled worse?
Sanford: The tour was awesome; we had tons of fun. Every night was a blast - lots of drugs consumed. The turnouts were killer, met some awesome people. I would say our van smelled the worst - it was getting pretty fucking bad, there was some rotting mystery food hidden somewhere. As far as bands, I`m sure we had `em beat, Myself alone was pretty bad - to the point where your clothes stick to your body.
John: And are you planning on coming back out again? If you come back to Boston, you�ll get to play more than two songs next time. I promise.
Sanford: We just got back form a tour with Middian, which by the way that new album kills, the best record I`ve heard in a long time. An amazing live band also. No plans on heading back out east yet, but we would love to play Boston again. Even though we had to play a short set it was awesome and Jonah [Jenkins] is a cool motherfucker for setting up that show.
John: The limited edition vinyl looks totally bitchin�. Are there any plans on doing the same for the debut?
Sanford: Yeah, it`s in the works we`re just lazy and busy. Original Sound Recordings is putting it out the same label that put out Buried at Sea`s Migration.
John: Speaking of which, let�s step back to the late, great Buried at Sea. What led to the band�s end and are we ever going to hear any additional material?
Sanford: We`re not done... just scattered. We have a new record coming out sometime soon on Neurot Recordings, and we have every intentions to keep writing and we`re planning some shows in the fall with a very awesome band. We`ll see what happens.
John: Now let�s dosado over to Volume Studios. How many bands do you produce annually?
Sanford: Wow, I have no idea it`s hard to say. Some records take two days and some two weeks. I really have no idea. I`m doing five records this month if that helps.
John: What sort of criteria do you look for in a band?
Sanford: Good songs! You`d be surprised how often that gets over looked. People are so wrapped up in what amps to use, �are my jeans dirty enough,� etc. If you are a good musician and you write good songs, that shit doesn`t matter. And it makes my job a lot easier.
John: Are there any bands out there that you want to record?
Sanford: I would love to work with Micheal Gira. That dude is my hero, he does what he wants the way he wants too and he`s an amazing song writer, everything he`s done is gold.
John: How much of a role do you play in shaping the band�s songs, or are you just focused on the sound aspect?
Sanford: I try not to get involved with the song writing; they aren`t my songs. I try and make them the way the band intends for them to sound. I am the bridge between the writer and reality. But if I do hear something that sounds fucked up, or if I have an idea on something, I will speak up and whether they want to use it or not is fine with me. I tell bands look at me as the first critic for their new album, and they can take it or leave it. I won`t be offended.
John: Ocean scrapped your version of Here Where Nothing Grows and opted to re-record it. Did you feel they did the right thing?
Sanford: Yes. They were not ready. We had three days to do this record and their van broke down which left us with two. And the drummer at the time was having issues; he wasn`t used to being away from home or something. No hard feelings. I wasn`t happy with it either.
John: Along those lines, have there been any bands that just couldn�t agree with you, production-wise?
Sanford: No. I have worked with some bands I didn`t care for musically, but I have never had to deal with shitty people. I think I am at that point now where people seek me out and they usually know what to expect. I`m real easy to work with - you know we are in it together and it`s for everybody`s interest that we all get along.
John: Those mutton chop sideburns of yours rule. How long it take to cultivate �em?
Sanford: I can`t talk about that.
