7/21/2005

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Aaron Anderson: How was the musical project known as Saviour Machine born?

Eric Clayton: That is one of those questions that can lead to a 4-hour reply! ; ) In order to give you a detailed account of “The Birth of Saviour Machine,” it would require dedicating an entire interview to the subject….so, here is the VERY brief “nutshell” version….

I founded SM in 1989 with my brother Jeff Clayton and our friend Dean Forsyth. By the Grace of God, I had recently come out of a five year period of severe drug and alcohol abuse….like most recovering addicts, I truly needed somewhere to place my energy and was literally “on fire” with conviction. After rededicating my life to Christ, I was given a vision for this project….I felt then as I do today….like the beneficiary of a great miracle! SM was a way to give something back to Him as well as an Evangelical opportunity to reach out to others living in darkness.

AA: Was it hard for you to get started in the music business back in 1990?

EC: The problem in 90’ was that there was absolutely no “niche” market for us, making it difficult for record companies to know what to do with SM? (unfortunately, the same problem continues today! ; ) After recording demos and manufacturing 1000 CD’s independently, we distributed hundreds of copies to entertainment attorneys, agents and record companies throughout the Los Angeles area. Despite a number of legitimate “bites” and/or offers, a cold reality set in fairly quickly that what we were doing with SM was NOT commercially viable. We got a lot of interesting feedback. We heard repeatedly, “Overtly Christian lyrics will be hard to sell!” “Try to take a more political approach!” “You’ll simply have to find a MUCH more subtle way of communicating your Christian message!” “You look great, you sound great and we see lots of potential but the Christian element won’t work at all!” In so many words, they said “If you are willing to drop the God thing, (or bury it deeply) we can make you rock stars!” Obviously….from the start, that was NOT the point….our goal was to be a part something innovative, powerful and creative which would glorify God! What profits a man to gain the world but to lose his soul?

AA: How did such a devoted Christian like yourself eventually get signed to such a non-Christian label such as Massacre Records in Germany?

EC: I grew up very ignorant of the fact that there was a growing “Christian Rock” scene…through much frustration in our attempts to sign a “secular” record deal and after being banned from several local So Cal clubs for our stage theatrics, a door opened for us to perform at a Christian Metal festival in late 1991. This single event was our introduction to the scene and it ultimately led to our signing a deal with the “Christian label,” Frontline Records in late 92’…the rest, as they say…is history!

(LONG story short) -Our debut album was released in June of 1993 - people freaked - massive hysteria and controversy ensued - Frontline asked us if we would please “go away?” - We did….leaving Frontline in late 1994….seeking new representation….

This new representation was found in Germany….In 1995, my new managers and I formed MCM and released SMI, SMII and Live In Deutschland independently…. We sold several thousand units throughout Europe but soon realized that we were limited in our resources….we sought a partner for greater distribution in Europe. Massacre Records was the label that courted us most seriously….they quickly showed us that they were sincerely behind what we were trying to do with Saviour Machine. The licensing deal was set up to be fair and it gave me the freedom I needed as an artist to produce all future SM albums as I believe they should be produced….The market in which Massacre was deeply rooted was the “Black Metal” scene and though highly unorthodox for a group of Christian Artists to enter this scene, we believed this was the direction we were being called….After some serious prayer and consideration we decided that signing with such a label would give us an amazing opportunity to somehow “infiltrate” this scene….it was a challenging experience then….as it is today!

AA: What’s one of the weirdest live gigs you have ever had?

EC: We performed at the largest black metal festival in the world in 1997 - The Wakken Open Air Festival in Germany….Saviour Machine was the first “Christian band” to ever perform at what is considered by many to be an openly satanic music festival. It was a very disturbing, highly “draining” experience but, it was also a moving and powerful Blessing to all of us….I have never felt more “protected” by God’s Grace!

AA: Do you feel alienated from the Christian music scene?

EC: Not anymore….there was a time when I did but time is a great healer and with time comes great understanding….there will always be those in the Christian music world who are simply not capable of embracing a project like this….Saviour Machine is far too obscure, “artsy” and confrontational for most people’s taste…. Unfortunately, this day and age, Christianity and innovative art don’t seem to walk hand in hand!

AA: The new Saviour Machine album “Legend III:II” has run into many production set backs and delays over the past 4 years, what has caused the greatest set back in production?

EC: This question could lead to a novel! First - I was “encouraged” to split the last installment of the Trilogy into two separate albums…this means two productions instead of one and inevitably leads to twice the work it could and should have been!

Second - Many complicated circumstances have transpired over the past few years which are very delicate and extremely difficult for me to discuss at this time….there WILL be a time when this is all over that I will speak openly and candidly regarding the “sorted details” of everything….until then, I remain focused on the work at hand!

Third - I am a “psychotic perfectionist” who is continually striving for the greatest album humanly possible….providing that I don’t end up confined to an institution before this production is complete, I can assure you that it will be worth the wait! ; )

I am truly thankful for all the loyal fans that have been so patient.

AA: Do you feel that the amount of time you have put into this recording has been worth it?

EC: Without a doubt! I strongly believe that Legend Part III:II is Saviour Machine’s

greatest work! The immense power and magnitude of this project is being realized on a daily basis and by the Grace of God, will continue to be realized until completion!

AA: Do you think fans of SM “get” what you are trying to do with your music?

EC: I believe there are different levels to “getting” it. As far as I understand, nearly forty percent of all SM fans are not believers but they somehow appreciate the passion and originality of what we are doing….although many fans do not share my belief or fully comprehend my “intentions,” I believe that many experience something powerfully moving. There are many who are into SM simply because we are so unique and we don’t sound like anything else. Obviously, those of Faith and particularly those who study eschatology will “get” the most out of the Legend trilogy….it is based solely on the Prophecies of The Bible and is the most comprehensive study ever set to music….As with everything in this world….we seem to get out of it what we put into it!

AA: After nearly 10 years of producing this musical interpretation of the book of Revelation, you are finally nearing completion, what inspires you write this music?

EC: It is something like Faith….something intangible yet profoundly REAL! As far as I Understand, the definition of the term “inspiration” is God-breathed! I’ve always believed that this project is divinely inspired. I have strived to be faithful to a calling!

AA: I find it hard to describe to others what the Legend albums sound like could you help me out?

EC: Probably not….but I’ll try! It’s “The unofficial soundtrack for the end of the world!” That’s the only term which fits….a post modern apocalyptic rock opera.

AA: What do you hope to accomplish with SM?

EC: Fifteen years ago….when I was a young, naïve, ambitious artist….I would have said “I want to shake up the world, Evangelize, provoke thought, Inspire!” Somehow, over the years your expectations become more realistic and you begin to realize there is simply no way to reach such a grandiose repertoire of goals. Today…I hope and Pray to be able to continue to move people….to “Inspire” in some small way! As an artist, I hope that what I’ve been a part of with SM will continue to have some “shelf life!” From a spiritual perspective….if ONE person has been encouraged in their faith or found a sense of strength through the work of Saviour Machine, I am truly blessed! Ultimately….if even one soul has been led to Christ, it has been worth an eternity!

AA: Eric I want to thank you for your time, it’s been an absolute pleasure.

EC: You are welcome my friend….the pleasure is mine!

AA: Take care.

EC: God bless you!


To learn more, and listen to the music of Saviour Machine please visit them at myspace.com/saviourmachine, or visit their official website at – saviourmachine.com