By Hank Justice
If you’re a local music and/or party lover, chances are you’ve heard or seen Astari Nite‘s name on a flyer or Facebook event. Well, this energetic, Miami-based new wave/indie/post darkwave band is definitely no newcomer. Mychael Ghost (vocals), Albert Grey (guitar), Illia Tulloch (drums), and Miquell Monch Sallons (bass) have been rocking stages since the fall of 2007.
They have gotten the distinct privilege to open for major acts such as Assemblage 23, Modern English, Andy Rourke of The Smiths, Apoptygma Berzerk and Stars. This band is currently a favorite of Miami’s The Kitchen Club event, and with good reason.
Today we celebrate the release of Astari Nite’s first single “Pyramids” from their upcoming debut album.
Astari Nite’s brief but expanding discography includes their 2010 self-titled debut that features the single “True Romance” (there was an excellent full-length video created for it – below). This was then followed by “Astrid” off of their 2011 EP release Requiem Mass. Their other hit single titled “Waves” was released in 2012 as a teaser for their first full-length album slated for the spring of 2013.
An interview with vocalist Mychael Ghost:
Your band name. Tell us the story of how you guys came up with it.
I believe each band member has a different idea in their head in regards to this answer but here is mine… I have always admired the original painting, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and in fact, I use to have a decent copy of it hanging on my wall many years ago. I would often lose myself in a daydream while gazing at it so the name always stuck in my head. When it came time to name our band, we were in agreement, and our drummer Illia finalized the spelling.
What would you say your songs are about, for the most part?
Love, deceit, fact and fiction an imaginary world.
Who would you say are your greatest musical influences?
I’ve always admired The Cure, New Order, The Sundays and Depeche Mode. Later in life I found myself listening to Placebo, Interpol, The Strokes, and most recently Tegan and Sara has joined my collection. I do care for many other artists but these just seem to be on top right now.
Do you have a favorite song you have ever written? Why?
It’s a bit strange; I am finding that when writing a song sometimes you just don’t know the meaning once you begin and it takes time for the whole story to play out… you know what I mean? I always admired our song “Astrid,” which is about a friendship that comes to an end. It’s about the time when there is no pulse left from either of the two people involved and it is the end.
What’s the most bizarre that’s happened to any of you or all of you while you’ve been on stage?
When opening for the band Stars at The Culture Room, there was a moment when midway through their set they took the time to actually thank Astari Nite for performing with them.
What’s been your favorite city to perform in thus far?
New York City was a magical place where I met some amazing people that I hold very dear to my heart.
What musician, dead or alive, would you interview if you were given the chance?
Robert Smith
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m really into comic books and I also find sleeping quite enjoyable.
What was it like working with Grammy award-winning producer Steve Thompson (Blondie, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, Metallica) to record your first full-length album?
In life it’s obvious we all get taught lessons; Astari Nite was very fortunate to have a wonderful teacher. Steve has a way with words and he makes ideas that I never knew existed come to life. He is a magical person and I feel safe saying that he is also my friend.
What do you guys have planned for the future (near and far) that you can tell us?
Currently, we are in the process of filming a video for our new single “Pyramids,” as we anticipate the release of our record which should be sometime in autumn. There are several other things that come to mind, however, a piece of paper states I can’t say anything at this time.
Astari
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