Rockezine.com interview with Society 1 on May 14, 2001

with Matt Zane on May 14, 2001

SOCIETY 1 impressed with their release of "Slacker Jesus". The music has to be found between the latest Coal Chamber and Slipknot. It`s not a typical CD filled with the metal you hear nowadays, but it`s more industrial orientated dark, moody and angry music. "Slacker Jesus" is an album that you have to listen to several times before you get grasp on it. Especially for a debut (and the fact that the CD originally was released in 1999) the CD shows that there could be a bright future for this band. It`s therefore time to ask some questions…
		Can you tell us more about the history of SOCIETY 1? This explanation seems to get longer every year. We could get into the whole porn background, drug consumption, past members, womanizing and the debauchery that ensued but I think the only importance is that people know who Society 1 is now and what we are about. Paul Raven (Prong, Killing Joke) Bass, Ivan Deprume (White Zombie) drums, Sin (Society 1 keyboardist) guitar, and Matt Zane Vocals. Our purpose is creating music to expand consciousness and rallying the youth to revolt.
		Why the name SOCIETY 1? Society 1 is meant to serve as a definition of ones perception of a utopian or ideal society that accends to the height of power.
		What is the meaning of "Slacker Jesus" for you? At the time I was rather obbesed with the new millenium and thought about the coming of a second christ that saved people through desire, lust and power. Only he was sometimes more obbesed with attaining these things for himself rather than saving people.
		Can you tell us more about the - general - message behind your lyrics? The Slacker Jesus record dealt with lust, power, desire and heightened experience of these things with pain. The new record Exit Through Fear is about using fear as a guide to higher states of consciousness.
		How about your current developments with SOCIETY 1? About the new CD? We are recording the new record right now with producer Bill Kennedy (NIN, KMFDM, Filter, Megadeath). Every week from our web-site, www.Society1.net , we have streaming video updates. Poeple can actually watch us record the record.
		Tour schedule? No touring scheduled at this time because we`re not close enough to finishing Exit Through Fear but we will be getting out there as soon as it`s done. We are going crazy being home this long.
		What`s the position of the band in the States? Are you planning to come to Europe? We definitly want to get to Europe for this next record. Unfortunatley the only reason why we didn`t make it over last time was because of a lack of money for tour support.
		Which industry do you prefer, porn (Matt Zane produces adult movies) or the music industry? Why? The whole porn thing was a gimmick to gain attention and raise money for the music. Think of it this way: A guy in a crowded room screams, people stop what they are doing to look over, when they are all looking to see what the possbile commotion could be about he says what he really wants to say.
		Do you feel that you`re known through the porn industry is an advantage for your band and your life as musician? Or is it the opposite? Well it`s a positive if you look at it from a promotional point of view because I don`t think there has ever been another band without a major deal that has gained so much attention(In the states). It`s negative because everybody within the music industry thinks we are a joke or gimmick.
		Your CD came out on INZANE records. Is it your record company? You seem to be a very busy man… It is my record company and was started simply because I wasn`t going to let somebody else decide if my music was going to be released. I don`t leave my life to chance and therefore create my own reality.
		When you read; somewhere between Coal Chamber and Slipknot you will find SOCIETY 1, your reaction would be… I`m indifferent to the comparisons but hope that the fans of those bands check out Society 1.
		Which bands influenced you? The Doors, Ministry, Pink Floyd, Frank Zapppa.
		Is "Slacker Jesus" available in stores in Europe? Or where can we order it? Depends were in Europe. The U.K. yes and besides that I don`t know. We are distributed by Plastic Head. You can always go to www.cdnow.com and get it.
		Any message you always wanted to say, but never was asked before… Wake up, stop being fooled and feel.
(Ron Schoonwater)