They say that every style has a limited life, from its prosperous origins to decline. There is, however, a current that has been in force for quite a few years and that has not declined at all: the heavenly voices. What began in the 80s with 4AD and continued with Hyperium now stars Projekt, a very successful American label that treasures some of the best ethereal music bands, such as LOVE SPIRALS DOWNWARDS, a Los Angeles duo formed by guitarist Ryan Lum and vocalist Suzanne Perry. In 1992 he made his debut with ‘Idylls,’ followed by ‘Ardor’ and his great and last work, ‘Ever.’
By Sonia Garcia
SUD: What is the meaning of the band name?
Ryan: Love Spirals Downwards? Does it have something to do with the acronyms that are formed with the initials, that is, the psychedelic LSD, and the effect that your music can cause?
Ryan: It’s just a name, we had to call ourselves somehow: it doesn’t mean anything.
SUD: Do you think drugs provide us with a new vision of the world around us?
Ryan: Yes, although it has nothing to do with the name of the band.
SUD: What is really more important: the lyrics themselves or the sound it has?
Ryan: I don’t really see the difference. What matters is the final result of the song.
SUD: Why are the lyrics of the songs never included on the CDs? Are they a secondary aspect of your music?
Ryan: In fact, there is not much to read in our lyrics.
SUD: What is the music scene in Los Angeles like? Could you name a band and the reason for their notability?
Ryan: Good bands in Los Angeles? I don’t know many. Let’s say the VON TRAPPS, formerly known as ELYSIUM.
SUD: Why do you often use Spanish words like “Amarillo,” “Ardor”, “El Pedregal”…? Have you thought about making a song entirely in Spanish?
Ryan: I think we did one some time ago, but I don’t remember. If not, maybe there will be some in the next album.
SUD: What can you tell us about your large Mexican audience? Are they more receptive than Americans?
Ryan: In general, I prefer the Mexican audience, because they have a warmth that is foreign to the American public, although in America we have also done great concerts, if we except the last ones.
SUD: What kind of problems did you have at the last Projekt Festival in Chicago?
Ryan: The conflict arose because at least half of the people who came to party, show off their cloaks and fangs, and make new Gothic friends, in any case not for the music.
SUD: Do you mean that the Goths are more concerned with socializing among themselves?What about music?
Ryan: In general, yes, they only care about themselves, and not about the groups.
SUD: How is your relationship with Projekt and with Sam Rosenthal in particular?
Ryan: We’re doing well. We haven’t seen each other much lately, but we’re still friends.
SUD: Is the acoustic guitar the ideal complement to Suzanne’s voice and vice versa?
Ryan: The two things work together, it’s not a simple combination.
SUD: What do trip hop and drum & bass suggest? Are they styles that influence you?
Ryan: Yes, much more than all those trends that people usually compare us to.
SUD: You can’t complain about the success you’ve had in America, but can you say the same about the treatment of the European press throughout your career?
Ryan: I don’t know. I don’t worry about everything the press says about us. I guess the deal has been favorable.
SUD: Does it bother you that you are included in the Heavenly Voices genre?
Ryan: It’s not a comparison that excites me, but it doesn’t bother me either. In any case, it is always better than being called a gothic band.
SUD: How important have COCTEAU TWINS been for you? What are the similarities and differences between them and you?
Ryan: I like them, but I’m also interested in at least a hundred other groups. I never know what to say when they ask me this.
SUD: How do you explain the journey from the shadows of “Idylls” to the clarity of “Ever”? Have you evolved yourself in the same way?
Ryan: I would describe Idylls, as dark; for me it’s something more than an album that sounds hippie. Indeed, we have changed since 1991… it would be good if it hadn’t been like that!
SUD: Do you want to say something to the readers?
Ryan: Thank you for listening to us. Stay tuned for our new album next year.We hope you like it.
(This was a translation of the original article below)
