1. What was your reaction when you learned that your European tour was canceled due to the eruption of the volcano? Do you think Nature has reminded to the modern man that he was addicted and vulnerable?
Bryan Tulao: We were all pretty devastated. We were literally ON the airplane, ON the runway about to take off when they pulled our plane back. Our flight was the last plane to Heathrow. It was so surreal to be told by the pilot that our flight is grounded do to ''volcanic eruption''.No matter how technically advanced and evolved humans become, we are all still vulnerable to the whims of the Earth. Be it Earthquakes, Weather, or volcanic eruptions. Man has disrespected and fucked with the Earth for so long, in some way i'm glad Earth is flexing and reacting. although i just wish It could've waited to volcanically erupt a few weeks later.
2. Are you already coming to Europe in the past (for studies, holidays, etc..)? Or this first European tour was a means for you to discover this continent? What are your favorite french bands?
Bryan Tulao: BMH had our first ''European'' experience a few months ago when we flew to Barcelona to play the Primavera Sound festival. We basically didnt sleep the entire time from walking everywhere and taking in as much as possible. We loved It.Personally, i've had the good fortune to visit most of Europe, and have visited France a few times. Paris is definitely one of my favorite cities. I hope BMH gets an opportunity to visit/play there. As far as French bands, i know Sera has mentioned liking Alcest, Amesocurs, Air, Blut aus Nord. I like some of the music of Magma.
3. According to you, what is your opinion on this "phenomenon" of reunion nowadays (Goatsnake, Swans, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sleep, and so on)?
Bryan Tulao: Whenever i see the term ''reunion'' in regards to a band, i immediately lose some excitement & interest. Instead of the ''We're'' breaking up'' announcements that bands often make, i wish most of them would just say '' We're taking a break for a while''. Because 9 times out of 10, EVERY band gets back together after some amount of time, be it Money, appreciation, whatever, most bands have some sort of ''reunion'' if they have split up.Recently i saw Goatsnake and Rage Against the Machine, and they were Great! Even better than i remember them to sound years back.And i am very excited bout the Swans ''reunion'', although Micheal Gira claims its NOT a reunion because its a different line-up. Whatever it will be, i'm looking forward to seeing Swans.
4. What is your relationship with Tom Neely? What do you like in his work?
Bryan Tulao: Tom has become a friend, but we were fans of his artwork and comix before.Personally, i've always liked comic style illustrations and Tom has a very classic comic illustration style (mixed with a hint of Alfred Kubin & Harry Clarke). There's also a dark feel in his artwork that i like, and a unique detail style. Even if its meant to be funny like in his ''Henry & Glenn'' comic, there's something kind of macabe in his illustrations.
5. What is your relationship with your label, Tee Pee Records? Are you satisfied? According to me, it is currently one of the best labels!!
Bryan Tulao: We're very happy and appreciative to work with Tee Pee. They've been very supportive of the band, and there's been a cool camaraderie amongst the Tee Pee bands we've met and played with.
6. "Wyllt" was originally intended as a demo, recorded in 3 days ... what finally pushed you to present it as your first album? Why do not you consider spending more time on this album? Spontaneity was your priority?
Sera: We were a ''band'' for only a few of weeks prior to recording, and had only played our very first show the night before heading out to Scotts to record, we were very conscious of the spontaneity of it all. We were really into the capturing of the moment, it was raw and an honest picture of where we were at the time, and felt that the songs told the story of the record. We could've spent more time writing additional songs, re-recording some songs, experimenting and adding to, but we liked the rawness of the recordings ( most of which were 1st takes), so we decided to make THOSE recordings THE record.And just like Wyllt was a picture of the band at the moment, the new record will be the same ( but sounding very different).
7. In addition, you were in very good company because you recorded with Scott Reeder! How did your collaboration? You are recorded in the desert, is not it?
Bryan Tulao: We recorded Wyllt at Scott Reeders studio/Ranch ( the Sanctuary) out in the Banning Desert, near Joshua Tree.The land is beautiful and expansive out there, and the studio is surrounded by nature, horses, peacocks, dogs and all kinds of other animals. Sash & I were friends of Scotts and asked him if he had any available studio time for us to come out and record some songs for this ''new project''. We just wanted to get a good sounding recording/demo so we could hear what we had. There was no intention of the recordings becoming ''a record''. And up till us playing through the first song ( which i think was ''Deerslayer''), Scott had not heard one bit of music and had absolutely no idea what we sounded like or what we were gonna be doing. Even as Scott was setting up mic's he sheepishly asked us, ''so what's the music like, whats the sound of the band''? then he'd say '' forget it, dont tell me, i'll hear when you guys play through a song''. We played through all the song's and after each take Scott wouldnt say anything other than ''What do you guys think''? We started wondering if he didnt like what he was hearing. It wasnt till we left at the end of the night that he finally expressed how excited he was about the music.
While he did not play on the record, he did sit in on bass for 2 songs at our record release show. Scott is BMH family.
8. You feel that his music experience helped you? It is a longstanding friendship with him?
Sera: I think working with someone who is positive, and that there is mutual respect definitely help's, in any situation. Especially recording. It was the perfect environment for us, especially recording with a good friend, in his home, surrounded by mountains and desert and all sort's of wandering animals.
9. When I listen your album, I immediately think of loneliness ... and its aspect "religious", incantatory, almost ascetic. I Do you think it is consciously or unconsciously influence your music?
Bryan Tulao: Religion is definitely a big influence on the lyrics, but I can't say it's an influence on the actual music. There is a whole backstory that goes with the music, which we will be publishing with the next album-the story lasts 3 albums. On this album the central character is Wyllt (much inspired by Mryddin Wyllt but not exactly the same) who becomes disenchanted with organized religion, government, and war and goes into the forest to live in exile.
10. Sera, you work in a design company called "Deer and Unicorn". Can you describe/explain your goals, your guideline, your history?
Sera: I began graphic design and video at the same time I began playing music. After a few years of making websites, posters, and videos for my own musical projects I had developed a sort of portfolio. I then created Deer and Unicorn so that instead of seeking design work from other companies, individuals and companies could hire me because they like my particular style. Ideally I'd like to spend half my time working on visual art, and building Deer and Unicorn, and half my time making and playing music.
11. You've worked with Intronaut or Isis... What was your reaction when you learned that the band is separated? Do you understand their choice?
Sera: When I learned the band was separating I was initially sad. When I found out their reasons for splitting up, I thought it made a lot of sense, and I have more respect and admiration for them for choosing to split up when they feel that they've reached the pinnacle of their creativity as a group. There are not many bands that are courageous enough to do that.
12. As a singer, what are the female singers that you admire most?
Sera: Grace Slick, Janice Joplin, PJ Harvey, Siouxsie Sioux, Buffy Sainte Marie, Hope Sandoval, Marissa Nadler, Jesse Sykes, Julie Christmas, Etta Jame, Sarah Vaughan, Odetta, Bessie Smith, Edith Piaf, Sandy Denny, Bjork, plus many more...
13. For example, you quote Julie Christmas, she embarked on a solo project: it is something that you would like to do?
Sera: Yes! I'm working on a solo project, and I also have a side project called Ides of Gemini. We just released our 1st EP.
14. Bryan speaks of camaraderie between Tee Pee's bands... this is the case with Ancestors and your presence on the song "The Trial"? How did the idea? How have you comprehended your participation? As far as i am concerned, it's really the best song of this amazing album... I think you sublimate this song.
Sera: Thank you. Ancestors approached me with the idea. They said they had one part on their album that they thought my vocals would fit perfectly on. I heard a demo of the song and really loved the part. I showed up at the studio, and Chico (who's no longer in the band) had jotted down some beautiful lyrics (which I identified with immediately) for me to put to my melody. I'm very happy w/ the finished song, though the lyrics have been lost, and I have no idea what I said so it will remain a mystery to all.
15. I am surprised to read the name of Edith Piaf in your influences ... you can tell us more? This is the intensity generated by his voice that you like?
Sera: I do love the intensity of emotion that can be heard in her voice. Her life was very much a struggle, and I believe that the darkness of that struggle as well as the beauty of living and singing comes through in her work.
.sialla














