Photo Credit: Harper A King
When I went and saw Youth Code, King Yosef, and Street Sects on their Industrial Worship Tour in Philly there was but one name that I was entirely unfamiliar with and that was Insula Iscariot. This industrial solo act was eccentric to say the very least; huge industrial beats, grinding and distorted vox, and a backwards facing performance that culminated with the artist rolling on the floor for the final minute or so in a cinematic, horror-esque moment of vulnerability. Naturally the industrial nerd in me reached out to the act to find out more about them. And we find out a bunch about the Wisconsin-based act in this edition of INTRODUCING.
Give us a brief about your band. Who are you and what do you do?
I am an artist from Wisconsin working in visual art and music production.
When did you first launch the project and how has it come along since?
Insula has been with me since I was 16 learning how to mangle sounds in my bedroom, but it officially launched in its current form in 2023. Since then it has grown out of my room and is now an extension of myself and a way for me to understand the world.
What bands and artists influenced you the most and why?
I have been very inspired and influenced by the artists that are currently pushing the boundaries of what electronic/industrial music can be. I feel like the genre as a whole can get really fixated on nostalgia but there are newer acts that are more interesting than anything that came before them. Artists like King Yosef, HIDE, and KAVARI especially. Otherwise, I look very inward when I create and my subconscious influences me more than anything else
If you could pick a single song from your discography to explain your music, which song would you pick and why?
Acceptance. I put nearly everything I like to do with my writing in that song—the sound design, the heavy aggression, and the prettier and softer ending.
What is your most recent release and what is it about?
I released my debut album, Bloodflow (A Milky Fluid) in the beginning of August. It’s about wanting to change even if the transformation puts you through the most pain you’ve ever been in. It’s also about the horror of having a body you don’t feel comfortable inside of.
Take us through your creative process. How do you compose a song from start to finish? Where do the ideas come from?
I’m heavily inspired by coincidences and chaos, so when I want to make something new it always starts with sound design or sound hunting. When I find something interesting I can write a whole song around it. It’s a very fluid process and doesn’t always work.
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?
Spire of Fear by King Yosef and Dry Drunk by Street Sects are both amazing albums that came out this year and are super aspirational. On the opposite end, I really love Eartheater’s album Phoenix: Flames Are Dew Upon My Skin.
What is on the horizon for your project? Upcoming gigs, tours, merch, videos, etc. Name it, link it, show it off.
I just finished the Industrial Worship Tour with Youth Code, King Yosef, and Street Sects, and all I plan to do right now is hide in a cave and write. I do hope to get back out on tour again soon.
Follow Insula Iscariot:
Bandcamp (Digital): https://insulaiscariot.bandcamp.com
Merch: https://bleakhouse.co/collections/insula-iscariot
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insulaiscariot/
“Acceptance” Music Video: https://youtu.be/-wtiDkiy88o?si=rHdcZnzG2hRfKbNZ
