Give us a brief about your band. Who are you and what do you do?
Memory Index a contemporary post-punk/dark indie project helmed by Jackson VanHorn.
When did you first launch the project and how has it come along since?
The project was launched in early Spring 2025. Since its inception, Memory Index has taken shape by writing, recording, and releasing a debut record through Cold Transmission in October 2025.
What bands and artists influenced you the most and why?
Beyond the influence of experiences and the cultural climate, my artistic foundation was shaped by those that have been with me since childhood. Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, the surreal visions of David Lynch, the existential cinema of Ingmar Bergman, and the writings of Sartre and Camus. All of which continue to inform the mood, themes, and philosophy behind the project.
If you could pick a single song from your discography to explain your music, which song would you pick and why?
“Hyper Violence” is the opening track of the album and the first song completed for the project. It set the tone for everything that followed, sort of encapsulating the atmosphere, and the direction for Memory Index.
What is your most recent release and what is it about?
Erosion, it can take on different meanings depending on the listener. But it’s about many things. The project began as a response to the moment we’re in. It reflects on the cultural moment we’re living in, socially, politically, and technologically.
Take us through your creative process. How do you compose a song from start to finish? Where do the ideas come from?
It usually begins with some kind of instrumentation. From there, the song builds organically, until the idea feels complete. Lyrics emerge similarly, words and phrases surface naturally, and the theme becomes clear. Nothing is really forced, the process is more intuitive, and the songs tend to find their own form.
What’s your current favorite song, band, or album within your scene? And vice versa, what do you enjoy the most that’s completely opposite of what you make?
Currently my favorite album within the scene is Sabbatical by Rosa Anschutz. Different and definitely heavier than what I make, but still on the moody side, I’ve been enjoying albums by Planning For Burial, Agriculture, and Deafheaven.
What is on the horizon for your project? Upcoming gigs, tours, merch, videos, etc. Name it, link it, show it off.
The focus right now is on the current record and continuing to expand its reach. Alongside that, I’m already in the process of shaping the next album. More details on live performances, visuals, and future releases will follow as the project evolves.
