Interview with Ludovico Technique

«Darkness that permeates through the skin outward»

Ludovico Technique is an American industrial gothic metal band from New York City. Formed in 2011, the band is fronted by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumental artist, Ben V. The additional touring members of the band remain anonymous. Formed in 2010, Ludovico Technique derives their name from the Anthony Burgess novel, as well as the Stanley Kubrick cinematic adaptation, A Clockwork Orange.

Despite the fact that you can find almost anything on the internet, there is not much information about Ludovico Technique. What is the reason for such an aura of anonymity and mystery? 

Ludovico Technique: The music is the most important aspect of the band. When it comes to that subject, there is a large amount of information available online. Aside from that, not much else interests us to put out there. Our fans appreciate that it's all about the art.

What were you so inspired by Stanley Kubrick and Anthony Burgess that you decided to take such a name for your musical project? 

Ludovico Technique: We are fans of dystopian future novels among many other genres. "The Ludovico Technique," being a fictitious behavior modification therapy, was created to turn someone into a "good person" by the standard of what the government deems as good. We find things of this nature very interesting.

According to rumors you also do most of the work on the video and visual part yourself. How do you manage to combine all these tasks? 

Ludovico Technique: The band enjoys the visual aspect of artistic expression, which allows us to express the art in more than one way. Although it is time-consuming, we believe it's worth the effort

Many musicians have said they came to music and art because they felt misunderstood and struggled with depression. Would you say that music came to you to fight your inner problems? 

Ludovico Technique: As artists, we express things we know well, or have experience with. If a person has experienced depression, speaking about it may come naturally. Through speaking about it, one may feel it less, and music helps to achieve that.

How did you come to idea of your stage look/image/style? 

Ludovico Technique: The band's stage presentation is an expression of the energy contained in the music; it represents a sense of darkness that permeates through the skin outward.

Who would you like to hear a cover of your song from and how would you feel about any cover from fans? 

Ludovico Technique: Fans often will sing our songs and send us links to their social media where they post videos of it. We appreciate it, we think it's awesome that they feel so connected to the music.

What song would you say is your biggest hit or the most important song to you? 

Ludovico Technique: The band's most-streamed song is "Absence." However, we feel that all of our songs contain parts of ourselves in them, and so all of them hold an important place to us.

How has your approach to your work, music, and art changed since your first album? 

Ludovico Technique: The band has become more efficient in our approach to expressing ourselves more clearly and directly these days.

Have you ever been confused with other musicians or celebrities? Do you remember the most embarrassing situation you have been in because of your profession? 

Ludovico Technique: Sometimes people may not be that familiar with Gothic things so they may only know one or two artists that also wear black or make up but that's fine, I don't think it's embarrassing at all.

What would you like to say to people who claim that the time for this style of music is past? 

Ludovico Technique: Gothic music will always have a place in the hearts and minds of those who connect with that type of artistic expression. There's a always a place for it in the world.

How do you feel about using AI to create music? 

Ludovico Technique: The band doesn't personally use AI, but we believe that it's up to the individual to decide whether or not they want to use it.

Are you planning to release any new material in the near future? What inspires you most at this time in your life? 

Ludovico Technique: Yes, the band is planning on releasing new material in 2024. We are currently inspired by the dark and macabre aspects of human existence.

What about the European tour? Are you planning one in the near future and what bands would you like to tour with? 

Ludovico Technique: The band is playing a big UK festival in 2024, with a tour around it. We enjoy playing with other bands that are also passionate about what they do.

And a word or two for music fans...

Ludovico Technique: We want to take a moment to thank every individual who connects with what it is that we do. We believe that a world without music is a much darker place, and so we're glad to share that energy with all of you.

Беседовала Jenet Bonishi