One Step to Hell was produced/mixed by renowned Producer Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, 3TEETH and No Doubt). The band also recorded with Chuck Macak at his studio while creating the album. One Step to Hell offers a tantalizing base of industrial Metal and contains elements of Post-Hardcore and Post-Rock. Programmable Animal brings in all of the best elements of each genre and bends them to their will. The album has tells a very personal story for Founder/Vocalist Drepsea. It delves into a time when his life was flipped upside down by narcissistic and backstabbing people, also the passing of a loved one and almost losing another loved one due to drug addiction.
Interview Meikee Magnetic
Where were you born, where are you now?
Drepsea: I was born in the Chicago area, currently living near there.
What was the spark that ignited the creation of the group?
Music gave me a sense of identity, soul and purpose. The band was started years ago as a solo project and became a creative outlet for me to express my views. I found music to be my passion at an early age.
Describe the type of songwriter you are and the parts that make it so:
My songwriting primarily revolves around situations that I’ve dealt with, it’s almost therapeutic to me. I view creating music purely as an expression of the soul, I allow whatever feels natural in the writing process. I can’t force myself to play something I don’t enjoy or feel any connection to. Usually a song will start with an idea/situation in mind followed by a particular guitar riff or melody. Lyrics are typically last, the music helps guide the words to completion. Sometimes we don’t know why we are drawn to certain notes, it is something visceral. Though the exploration of where it takes you is the exhilarating part.
How have you been feeling since everything was shut down?
I’ve honestly been okay, but I do miss shows. The pandemic has definitely put me right back into the studio, which is where I like to be. However, I’m concerned for those who this is affecting financially and health-wise. I’m hoping this all resolves in the near future. We all just need to stay optimistic though.
Tell us your experience working with producer Sean Beavan:
It was simpatico, he would send me a mix and it was right each time. I wanted to take the listener elsewhere, to create the personification of flesh in battle with the soul. Hence, the industrial sounds contesting against ambience. Sean nailed this approach, he is a sound genius and understood the project fully. It is hard for me to find musicians that understand the sound and what I am going for, so it was a relief to find someone who did.
What have you discovered about yourself that’s new?
That I can be more positive than I thought. In the past, I’ve tended to look at situations a bit more pessimistic. Though, there is so much good in the world, especially if you can help contribute to it.
Future plans:
Our future plans are to release more music within the year or two. Currently, we are working on another release. Once shows / tours start happening again, we will be on the road as well. I love creating and doing this, so the future looks promising.
What does Dark Beauty mean to you?
An old saying comes to mind, “In Sterquiliniis Invenitur” used by renowned psychologist Carl Jung. The idea is, “That which we need the most, will be found where we least want to look.” Often translated to “In filth it will be found.” I’ve always been attracted to dark things. I think because it tends to look past the facade that situations or people portray. I find beauty in truth and a lot of the time, truth lies in the darker regions that most wish to never explore. This project delves into the dark and it tells exactly how I feel, it’s my truth. It’s me confronting my shadow, to contest light and dark. You can’t have one without the other, the realization of that is beauty.
MORE INFO:
www.facebook.com/ProgrammableAnimal
