SPRIGGSEY- Arthouse (album)
The SPRIGGSEY album is complete and available to order, please visit the shop section of the site to buy mp3's or a cd version of the album. Members of my forum check your inbox for a download link and password, hope you all enjoy! If there's any problems with orders etc please contact timspriggsmanagement@live.com
- Tim
SPRIGGSEY- (76 Swords Of Silence) video
Finally I've gotten around to uploading the music video for the SPRIGGSEY song "76 Swords Of Silence". The mix has been updated and will be featured on the upcoming album Arthouse. The video was produced by Andrey Iskanov who is also currently working on a video for the second album, which I'm hoping to release at the beginning of 2011. In the meantime stay tuned for more tracks from Arthouse, let your opinion be known!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkQTFN5dJdk
This project.
(Category- SPRIGGSEY)
Strangely I have a lot of Electronic music laying around and nothing to do with it, so I decided to start up this project. Electronic music isn't really something that I've ever been a huge fan of, but I've always enjoyed making it. So here it is, something a little different from my ZONTOX metal project and s/t rock music. I have more demo songs on the way and hopefully a music video in the coming months, I plan to release an album eventually. But as far as this project go's, its more or less just a little something on the side to fill my time with.
- Tim Spriggs
Interviews
(Category- ZONTOX)
Just a couple of interviews I did a while back, might give you a little more insight into the music.
Interview 1
So, who are you anyway?
ZONTOX, an Australian Metal project in which all music is written, performed and produced by myself (Tim Spriggs). Born and raised in the small town of Halls Gap in Australia, living pretty much in the middle of nowhere gave you not a lot to do, music was a great escape. The meaning of the word ZONTOX? There isn't one.. Basically it's just a random word I made up, I wanted something completely different so that if you were to search up the name on the Internet, the only results you would get are of the music. People have told me it sounds ridiculous, but when it comes down to it, I think the music itself will give the name a real meaning.
Describe your sound for us.
More or less a combination of all my influences with my own little twist.
So you rate yourself then?
No not really.. I'm happy making music that I like, if other people like it then thats great, if not then so be it! I think there has to be a certain element of confidence in anything you do if you want to succeed with it.
Who are your influences?
I've more or less liked heavier music since early primary school, the first time I heard Metallica I was blown away! As far as my main influences go though, Pantera would have to be the biggest. That band was on fire, many have tried to emulate what they did and have failed miserably. I think that band was one of those things that once was and will never be again. Other bands I gain inspiration from are Machine Head, The Haunted, Meshuggah, Deftones, Slayer, Sepultura etc. The list gos on.. I try to take a little bit from everything I hear. I think that its good to keep an open mind with music, otherwise you'll wind up sounding like another number in the countless array of clones in the music world.
Tell us one of your musical secrets.
I don't know if there's really any secrets, if you want to be good at anything then I guess the key is PRACTICE. I think my secret to life is music, it keeps me sane. It's the yin for my yang!
What’s in the future?
Well an album is not too far off from being finished! Hopefully then I'll be rehearsing some bass players and drummers to take on tour to unleash the material to you all!
What’s your claim to fame?
I don't consider myself famous. But if you'd like to know how I've made it to where I am, hard work I guess. If you want something enough who's' to stop you other than yourself? I think most great things take a lot of time and effort, and if they don't then they just won't seem like great things.
Musically, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Honestly I don't know, I try not to think too far ahead. Live for the day I say, I do know that music will be a big part of my life for many many years to come! Whether ZONTOX will still be around then? It's pretty likely..
Myspace or Facebook?
Myspace is better for music, facebook better for keeping in contact with people you consider actual friends, not fans, bands etc.
Interview 2
What’s the name of your band?
ZONTOX
What’s the origin of that name?
To be honest it doesn't mean anything, it's just a random word I made up. I figured that there's enough unoriginal bands names out there right now, I think the music will give it meaning.
Have you changed the band’s name before?
Nope, I went as far as trademarking the name so there's no turning back now.
Please list the name, age, and respective instrument of each band member.
Tim Spriggs- 25 years old, Vocals, guitars, bass, production, mixing and mastering.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Metal, people can pigeon hole it to the 50 different genres that metal spans off into, to me there's either good metal or bad metal.
Who are your major influences?
Pantera is a huge one, others include Machine Head, The Haunted, Metallica, Sepultura, Slayer, Deftones, Down, Hatebreed, Meshuggah etc.
When did you form your band?
The idea has been around for quite a long time, I've been writing and recording music for nearly 10 years now. It started off more so as a hobby, just something fun to do in my spare time. Right now I'm starting to take things a little more seriously as I'm in the process of completing my first full length album.
What inspired you to make music together?
I love art, I think that music is one of the best forms of expression. What inspired me to make heavy music? I think it's best way to let off steam, and I've always had a bit of a temper.
What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to
brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available?
I don't think it's what you use, to an extent maybe, but I think its
more what you can do with it. I like my Schecter guitars.
What made you choose the instruments you have now?
They felt the most comfortable for me to play, I liked the sound etc.
Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
A combination of all, I'm not a very materialistic kind of a guy, and tend to break a lot of things, I wanted something that I wouldn't have to look after too much nor mind if someone threw a beer at it at a live show.
Who writes your songs?
I do, it's a one man deal. It's a bit of a bummer seeing bands that you like continually changing members, I figure this way the music will always be around as long as I am.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
I think a lot of the songs are quite personal, most of them are about overcoming your inner demons. I have trouble writing about happy things.
Do you think these topics will change over time?
I guess so, obviously as you get older you change. Will I be writing
happy metal songs in the future? Probably not.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
It varies, sometimes I may start a song with the lyrics, other times I may piece together different riffs I've written and form a song that way. It depends on what I have the inspiration to do first.
What are your rehearsals generally like?
At this point I don't have a bass player and drummer to cover for the live shows. As far as rehearsing the songs, I usually set my computer and gear up to play the other instruments while I play guitar and sing.
Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals
more spontaneous?
Music is a daily thing for me, if I don't pick up my guitar then I feel kind of empty. The longest break I've had from not playing my guitar in about the last 5 years would be 10 days.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music
together?
Well obviously it's my goal to improve, if your not improving then I think your going backwards. I try to set some time aside each day to learn something new and to expand my musical knowledge. I think my music has gotten better.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
Being a one man project, I don't have to face a lot of the challenges that
bands do. Getting everyone to rehearsals, member changes, conflicts of interest. I like it this way, all I have to think about now is finding some musicians good enough to tour with.
Have you been able to overcome that challenge?
It's not something that I've faced yet, but I do have quite a few people interested.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
To out-do myself with every album, I think if you're repeating yourself then things can get boring. There's bands that don't evolve from the time they release their first album, I think if you are going to repeat what you've already done then why bother.
Are you seeking fame and fortune?
I'd like to be renowned for being good at something, theres so many bands out there today, I'd like to be one of those that stand out.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Try to find your own sound, ignore trends, be open minded with your music and be yourself.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
www.zontox. com
www.timspriggs. com
Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
www.myspace. com/zontox
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or
emotional support?
My girlfriend and parents for putting up with my crap.
Any last words?
Metal on!
Mixing and Mastering business.
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
So my girlfriend came up with the idea of me starting up a music Mixing and Mastering business. Why I didn't think of it earlier I don't know, Ive put so much time, money and effort into my music and gaining the skills necessary to do what I do, yet don't seem to be getting anything back from it. Although I do make music because I enjoy it, I don't have any funding to buy me time or a lot of the ridiculously priced recording equipment that I need to move forward with my own work. If you can find a more expensive hobby than being a professional home recording engineering let me know (Lamborghini collecting not included). Earning some money from doing something I enjoy is a definite plus, while I'm hoping it'll allow me to turn my hobby of writing, performing, producing, mixing and mastering music into a proper job. If you're in a band or have any recordings that you'd like mixed or mastered please visit www.zontoxproductions.com and I'll see what I can do.
- Tim Spriggs
Reading back.
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
I cant believe its nearly been 2 years since I started blogging about my life. After reading back on some of my past blogs I feel a cross between wanting to grind my teeth and a weird sense of accomplishment. I did put a lot of effort into my entries, but it does make me cringe a little when reading back on some of the ridiculous things I may of said or thought in the past. I only deleted a couple of the blogs in which I thought had no real purpose anymore, I try not to get too fussed about what people might think right now. If you get offended easily by peoples opinions then you shouldn't be reading someones blog in the first place. These blogs are about my journey, not about trying to prove that I'm the better person or trying to impress anyone. No ones perfect, I have no problem admitting I have flaws and I'd like to think I've come a long way since.
Reading back on a lot of my past entries was somewhat draining, as it reminded me of the kind of mindset Id been in at the time. Its almost like I could feel what I was thinking at the time I wrote the blogs, its all a part of life I guess. I'd like to have something more than a couple of photos and memories to leave behind before my time is done on this planet. I have no bad feelings towards anyone, as some of my past blogs may of depicted. Right now I'm working at making some changes in my life that I think Ive been putting off for too long. I'll at some point be starting up a blogspot to where hopefully a larger audience will be able to read about my journey. But this whole process is more so for myself, just another coping mechanism I need to schedule into my life. I'm currently in the middle of working on 3 albums and starting up a business, once things settle down a little Ill be making more of a effort to post here more often. Till next time..
- Tim Spriggs
My latest endeavor.
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
So I got drunk, decided to stumble down some stairs on my head. I got rushed to the emergency room, spent the following 10 or so hours there with my head all bandaged up, in a neck brace and my head taped to a hospital bed. I was then being carted backward and forwards, getting brain scans and scans on my spine to check that I didn't have any brain damage or a fractured skull and/or spine. It wasn't the most fun of nights; well it was until I decided to invent a new way of going down some stairs. I had to get my head stapled up but I'm alive and fine, unfortunately the new hair-cut I got earlier that night isn't. Weirdly my hangover this time was not as bad as the last time I drank, but at least I didn't have staples holding my head together then. I guess I'll have to take it a little easier on the sauce next time.
- Tim Spriggs
Metal singers out there.
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
Or those looking at getting into metal screaming I definitely suggest that you get The Melissa Cross 'The Zen of Screaming 1 & 2" DVD's. Its vocal coaching for not only singers but also screamers, I purchased them after wanting to tear my own head off with frustration in not being able to control my voice as well as I wanted to. It's given me a lot of techniques and exercises that have helped me to become a much better vocalist. The first DVD comes with a warm up exercises CD that you can use before singing etc, there's a lot of useful tips on how to avoid damaging your voice also.
- Tim Spriggs
Randomness
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
So Ive had somewhat of a mental block when it comes to writing lately, I cant seem to put my finger on why.. A lot of the time when I start writing, the only thing that seems to come out is a bunch of depressive, personal and sad bullshit. I don't think its even possible for me to write about something happy, I have no motivation for it. Writing about flowers and sunny days, it just doesn't feel right, apart from sounding like a complete girl its just not something that I need to get out.. Sure I could imagine a nice beautiful place and write about it but why the hell would I need to be doing that if I was happy in the first place, maybe it'd help cheer me up. Or just maybe I could just use half of that energy to do something 50 times more constructive, whatever. I guess maybe when I get a life Ill be able to brag about all the amazing adventures Ive been on, or maybe just the fact that I'm stuck at a boring 9 to 5 job every damn day not living the life that I want for myself. Each to their own.
Ive been slack with my blogs lately, but I don't feel like I should force myself to write if I don't have the urge or drive to write about something worthwhile. I dragged myself in to see a councilor the other day, I kind of went in there with a skeptical attitude. I feel like Ive been over my problems so many times now that I'm sick of talking about them, I want progress.. Ive been to councilors, hypnotherapists, psychologist, and whatever else a mentally unstable person can go to. I think you can only talk about your problems so much before you finally feel like you need to do something about them, I mean isn't bringing them back up just reminding you of what you'd rather forget about? Surprisingly I feel that she made me realize a couple of things that haven't been brought up before, its hard going back to places that you'd rather leave in the past. But if they're affecting your future then I guess something has to be done. Maybe understanding WHY you have the problems that you do helps, but once you understand them then where do you go?
I feel like Ive pretty much gotten to the core of every problem that I have within myself, and basically when it comes down to it, all the theory in the world aint gonna do shit if you don't put it to use. I think there comes a time where you choose to either do the right thing, or the wrong thing. I just dunno, Ive become so accustomed to doing the wrong thing all the time. But I'm getting there step by step, if only there was a fast forward button or something. I'm not getting any younger and I have a lot of goals for myself, just getting over these couple of hurdles will make a hell of a difference.
- Tim Spriggs
Machine Head/Pantera.
(Category- Personal Diary Entries)
So I just downloaded a track from the upcoming Machine Head album, the thing isn't due out for another 2 or so months. The song is called Aesthetics Of Hate. Amazing song, it kind of has a more raw sound to it as did the older Machine Head albums. Words cant express how much the first two Machine Head albums had an impact on me, they remain a huge part of my life and a big influence on where I choose to take my own music. I love the attitude and honesty that came with a lot of the old school metal bands, these days its just seems like a bunch of pretty boys wanting to portray the image of their older metal hero's, when in reality the originals weren't acting. They actually felt what they were putting into their music. I will buy the album when it comes out, as I have brought every Machine Head album more than once (due to my carelessness of Cd's)! Machine Head and Pantera remain my all time greatest influences, they had their own style and they LIVED the music they made. I'm still waiting for a newer band to come out that can have an impact on me such as those bands did, the one band that comes close is The Haunted. I love the last two albums that they've released. So if you don't know Machine Head or The Haunted go and check em out, I think both these bands are hugely underrated. They aren't just doing the typical trend ass thing that everyone is trying to do these days.
- Tim Spriggs
Categories
Archives
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Tims Links
- www.spriggsey.com Official website of Tim’s Electronica project SPRIGGSEY!
- www.timspriggs.com Official Tim Spriggs Website!
- www.zontox.com Official website of Tim’s heavy metal project ZONTOX
- www.zontoxproductions.com Home to Tim’s music mixing and mastering business!
