MOUTHY ISSUE ONE
February 2003
A COVENANT OF THORNS
interviewed by Ian C Stewart


A Covenant Of Thorns is the solo vision of Scott-David Allen, a bedroom Martin Gore for the future. His songs embody the gloomy atmosphere of early tracks by Gary Numan and the recent output of Mortiis, echoing the studio-bound ethos of other synth-goth pioneers.

Who does what in the band?
A Covenant of Thorns is just myself (Scott-David Allen). I tend to be somewhat of a control freak, so I usually handle just about everything I can.

Where did the name come from?
I came up with the name by chance. I was looking for something that would convey a certain mood or feeling and at the same time parallel the music.  The name is somewhat confused.  It represents the double-edged nature of things, how two things that may appear contradictory can coexist in harmony.

When did the band form?
That's kind of a trick question. I've been writing songs since about age seven.  Several of the songs on Hallowed & Hollow existed in one form or another well before A Covenant of Thorns existed.  It was in 1993, after quite a few projects, that I began using the name A Covenant of Thorns.

How do your songs come to be?
I don't really have any set pattern to creating songs.  Sometimes I write the lyrics and then write music later to fit the lyrics.  Other times I write the music and add lyrics to it.  Either way, I am usually just creating new sounds or doing everyday things and get an idea and run with it.

Who are your five biggest musical influences and why?
My five biggest musical influences change by the minute. I think everything I hear and like influences me in some way. It really depends on my state of mind.  During the making of Hallowed & Hollow, they were easily Gary Numan and Depeche mode. I think I must have listened to Dawn at least once or twice a day, brilliant album. At the moment, I think they are probably Slowdive, Drowning Hazel and Coldplay. Slowdive has an incredible moodiness. I love the way everything falls into place. I think Coldplay influences me in a different way. I like the fact that there is a solid foundation built around the song writing.  You listen to the albums and every song is great.  Drowning Hazel is the solo project of a friend named Frank Fuller. We have done a half dozen or so projects together over the years and he has consistently inspired me.  Every time I get too stressed out and caught up in the details of creating an album, he plays something he is working on for me and I am ready to go again. 

What's the biggest show you've played so far?
I don't really play live that often.  In fact, the last time I did was in '92, before A Covenant of Thorns.  I like to spend a lot of time writing and creating.  I am most at home in the studio. 

www.acovenantofthorns.com


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