Hello Chip and welcome to Brutal Resonance! It’s a pleasure to have you on the site. Let’s start off with the basics. Who is in Scars Are Soulless, what kind of music do you produce, and what are three of your favorite albums of all time?
Chip: Thank you very much for this interview and having me. Scars Are Soulless is an Electro Industrial / Harsh EBM solo project I created back in 2009. I write all music and lyrics. For live performances I share the stage with a life long musician and friend of mine. His name is Mike Pimentel. My first EP was released also in 2009 on Still Alive Records. My latest album "Vendetta" was produced by Ivan Munoz-of the Industrial band Vigilante. It was released February 25th through Insane Records. Three of my favorite albums of all time is hard to say. Faderhead's "Asteria" is one of my all time favorites. SITD's "Bestie:Mensch" and Velvet Acid Christ's "Lust For Blood" are absolutely awesome.
Grab your copy of "Vendetta" in digital or CD format above!
What got you into the industrial scene in the first place? Were you involved in any other bands prior to Scars Are Soulless?
Chip: I initially stumbled across Industrial music by accident many years ago. I bought a CD which I thought was a heavy metal band. To my disbelief, I was unsure what I had purchased. It was an early Velvet Acid Christ CD. I dismissed it at first, but upon returning and giving it a more focused listen, I was drawn like a moth to a flame. This style grabbed my attention and would not let go. From there I expanded my search and got into bands such as Combichrist, Psyclon Nine and VNV Nation. Prior to Scars Are Soulless I played drums in a heavy metal band for many years.
And when did the idea of Scars Are Soulless come to you? When did you decide that this was going to be your big project?
Chip: The idea of starting an Industrial project developed in 2009. After a much-needed break from my previous band, it was time to move forward. I had just quit a heavy metal band I had been part of for many, many years due to creative differences. Scars was born out of this frustration. I took some time off and eventually the musical fire returned within me. Facing an open road and the musical freedom of deciding what it was I genuinely wanted to explore, I made the jump from metal to Industrial. I also decided to become an artist rather than jump into another band as a member. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve musically, and what a better way than with Industrial. Although, admittingly, at the time I was out of my element. My first EP was very raw, yet I knew right away that this was to be my calling.
Where does the name Scars Are Soulless come from? What does it mean?
Chip: It means battle scars. Something we all carry around with us. Our scars are infinite. It’s something we all share and relate to in one form or another. The name comes from regrets, bad choices, frustrations, and sadness we all have to some degree. Whatever demons we may carry within us as we travel this journey through life. It’s the inner darkness that screams to be let out.
“Vendetta” was originally out in 2012, or at least that is when I reviewed the album. The album and Scars Are Soulless, for that matter, vanished from the internet. What happened? Why did everything disappear?
Chip: This is an interesting story, and one that often gets confused. I wrote the album "Vendetta" back in 2012. It hadn’t been mastered. I tried to find a home for it through a few labels but didn’t quite find what I was looking for. I did not want to self-release the album, so as time passed, I made a decision to simply put it on a shelf for the time being and redirect from the studio to performing live as much as possible. I played numerous shows, opening for acts such as Psyclon Nine, Imperative Reaction, Nachtmahr and The Birthday Massacre. I also took part in playing guitar in Vigilantes 2012 USA Tour. This is the project of Ivan Munoz. As time passed quickly, I returned to the studio recording numerous side projects which expanded many different styles. I collaborated with Mike Pimentel, a partner on many of these projects. We had our own small independent label which we called Industrial Revolution Records. This centered specifically on our own material and projects. Still, Scars sat on a shelf waiting and watching. Eager to return someday if the timing was right.
And, in contrast to the previous question, what made you bring back Scars Are Soulless?
Chip: I always knew the day would come when I would resurrect Scars Are Soulless. For personal reasons, "Vendetta" had to be born for me to continue with this project. I was fortunate to have crossed paths with Evgeniy Vorozheykin of Insane Records. He expressed genuine interest in my project and offered me a deal. The time was right, the label is incredibly supportive, and they have amazing talent. I finally found a place to call home for Scars. Soon enough, Vendetta was mastered and finally completed and released February 25th, 2021. The funny thing is I would create the same album today as I did back in 2012. It is very old school. I am old school. I enjoy good solid rhythms, with thunderous kick drums. Music that gets the blood flowing and makes you want to run through a wall.
Tell us a little bit about the cover art and title of the album. Is the title vendetta something personal for you? And how does the crow and dark imagery correlate to the album?
Chip: The cover art was actually created by Travis Smith. He is an American graphic artist best known for designing heavy metal album art. He is one of the most talented graphic artists in metal today. He has done work for many established bands such as Devin Townsend, Katatonia and Nevermore. I reached out to him requesting a custom cover for my industrial band Scars Are Soulless. He accepted. I was extremely fortunate and honored he created my album cover. The title “Vendetta” sets the overall theme for the album. A prolonged bitterness engaged nine songs of anger, mistrust, revenge and regret in a hopeless world. The crow symbolizes courage and determination. Suspending dark themes and mystery.
Now that Scars Are Soulless is back, what else do you have planned for the project? Will you be working on singles, EPs, or perhaps another full-length album?
Chip: I’m mainly going to concentrate on full length albums for the next several years rather than singles, EP's or even Re-mixes. I have begun working on the next album tentatively called "Resurrection." It should be out on Insane Records early 2022.
Lastly, I would like to thank you for your time. You can mention anything I may not have below!
Chip: Thank you very much for interviewing me for Brutal Resonance. Our paths have crossed once again after all these years! I appreciate the support as well as your dedication to the industrial and dark electronic music scene!
