House of Light
With sparkling sounds and fiery words, House of Light contrasts the gloomy and the rhythmic, exploring heavenly realms and passionate feelings. They evoke the 80s wistfulness in the face of the technological deluge. Their sound is a dolorous harmony, with traces of shoe-gaze in a post-punk milieu. They resume where U2 ceased with “The Unforgettable Fire”. Listen to “Still Life” and “NYC”, two splendid songs from their album “21st Century Prayer”, and witness their brilliance.
How did you discover your love for music and what are the main influences that shape your musical style and identity?
I think it started at the age of 10 listening to Pop Music like Blondie & Abba. The effect was so strong I can remember the room, where I was standing & the feeling of these guitars and two part harmonies ripping through my body & soul. That was enough to win me forever.
As far as influences go, it's all over the shop. From 80s pop to more new wave stuff. I can hear on this influences from Radiohead, Nick Cave, New Order, Sigur Ros. I'm also influenced by the instruments themselves like Juno & Prophet synths.
What was the motivation behind your latest release, “Still life” and what’s the message that you want to convey with it?
I don't have an intent. I wrote unconsciously & usually don't remember writing songs or lyrics. But I think it is something to do with innocence lost, biting into that foreboding tech apple. A faustian pact sacrificing our natural . It seems to be about a universal separation and waiting or hoping for a return to something more of the spirit.
The song is also part of your album "21st Century prayer", how would you summarize it for our readers?
It is quite a mix, shimmers of shoegaze, electronic grunge, dancy postpunk songs, clouds of choirs. It's a bit all over the place but there are threads running through and it is organized in the fashion of a journey. In fact its orginal title was Electric Odyssey but that's a bit grand.
Did you choose from a pool of tracks or did you have a specific number that you worked on from the start?
Also an unconscious process. I mean you expect or hope for 9-11 songs to arrive and fit. I think it's mix of fish pulled from the sea at different times. So yes, more from a pool as a you say. Good word for it.
What are some of the difficulties that you encountered by working on the album?
There was the problem of going too far out to sea & having to return. Lost in the mix. I actually gambled on the US election & won $10000, so money wasn't a problem. Overall it was quite long. But often fun too. Oddly I disagreed with the producer. I wanted a more postpunk sound, like Joy Divison which was on roatation in myhead & he was pushing for more a radio-friendly sound. Years later I agree with him. Sometimes it's good to be defeated.
Do you have any plans to perform live on stage soon?
Yes, I play tonight in Belgrade and next week in Berlin @ Schokoladen Oct 18. UK in November @ the Shackelwell Arms. The dates are on our IG & Spotify. Also a new vid on our Youtube.
What are your objectives for the rest of the year?
Release a new vid for Cold this month. Sort of a soviet-styled synth epic shot in Berlin. November a new tune Amidst the Window Flowers, which is more a classic flowery ballad, a lone wolf that didn't fit on any album. Even a Christmas song. Hope it's not too cheesy. & next year our next album Dysphoria.
