Interview:2004/03/30 The Hierophant

The Hierophant Interview
Interview with Tim Skold
Date	March 30, 2004
Interviewer	.tim

Recently we were given the opportunity to interview Marilyn Manson bassist Tim Skold... and what better way to launch our revamped website than to give our visitors an exclusive interview? In case you've been living under a rock for the last few years, Tim Skold co-produced "The Golden Age of Grotesque" LP with Marilyn Manson and replaced former bassist Twiggy Ramirez. Now, onto the interview:

The Heirophant: First thing's first: Explain how you met Marilyn Manson and how your relationship evolved into your becoming producer of The Golden Age of Grotesque, and shortly thereafter, the band's new bassist?
Tim Skold: Perhaps it was mutual female acquaintances? Maybe it was fate? How or why? By curse or by chance? Is it a spell or is it love? Could it have been the blame for the 042099 Trench Coat incident?
The Heirophant: When you officially joined Marilyn Manson was there some kind of an inauguration party?
Tim Skold: Neh, we'd been working together too long for that, besides, we hardly need an excuse/reason to party.
The Heirophant: You're probably aware of some fans' nostalgia for Twiggy Ramirez, your predecessor. Do you feel that replacing the former bassist is a difficult endeavor so far? Have you considered donning a dress to alleviate some concern from these bitter fans?
Tim Skold: I've always liked Twiggy, still do but with some of my older pictures floating around I don't think I need to put on a dress to make a point.
The Heirophant: The band has finished the first installment of the Grotesque Burlesque tour. Certainly there had to be some bizarre incidents during your time on the road. Can you give our readers a juicy tour story?
Tim Skold: There are many different variations of insanity and we are determined to explore as many as we possibly can. Legalities prohibit me from going into detail.
The Heirophant: Despite the fact that you're fairly new in the band, summarize some pros and cons of being in Marilyn Manson.
Tim Skold: The "Pros" tends to cancel the "Cons". It's hard to bitch with a mouthful of lobster.
The Heirophant: Is there a particular song on The Golden Age of Grotesque that you're exceptionally fond or proud of? Do you have a favorite song to play live?
Tim Skold: The Golden Age of Grotesque was one of my favorite parts of the show because I was playing the upright bass. That track is also my fave off the record because the way it came about.
The Heirophant: The studio and the stage... Which do you prefer and why?
Tim Skold: You have to break a few chickens to make an omelet.
The Heirophant: Is there a certain routine you have before performing?
Tim Skold: Vodka and Pogo!
The Heirophant: You assisted in producing The Golden Age of Grotesque. Judging by other interviews, Manson seems to be very satisfied with your ability as a producer. Will your role as producer continue with future Marilyn Manson albums?
Tim Skold: My role as a producer will continue, as will Marilyn Manson.
The Heirophant: Walk us through your typical day while you were producing The Golden Age of Grotesque.
Tim Skold: No, there's not a lot of walking and no day is typical.
The Heirophant: What do you like to do for fun when you're not touring or working on music?
Tim Skold: Absinthe.
The Heirophant: Who/what are your biggest influences as a musician?
Tim Skold: Quick list off the top of my head, in no particular order and with several blaring omissions: Abba, the Beatles, Sex Pistols, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Yngwie Malmsteen, Pantera, Wagner, Bill Sienkiewicz, Quentin Tarantino, Led Zeppelin, Walter Hill, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, Carl Orf, Trevor Brown, Vivienne Westwood...
The Heirophant: Previous to your current career with Marilyn Manson you were in KMFDM. What are some key differences of being in Marilyn Manson as opposed to KMFDM?
Tim Skold: Day and night. Apples and oranges.
The Heirophant: Was there any bad blood between you and any of the other KMFDM members after you left the band to join Marilyn Manson?
Tim Skold: No, why would there be?
The Heirophant: Will you be doing any work with KMFDM in the future? If so, what role will you play in the band?
Tim Skold: No and none. Nothing of that kind is planned.
The Heirophant: How did you come about getting the chance to join KMFDM?
Tim Skold: I met Sascha in Seattle when I was working on the skold record in 92 or 93. When I got out of my record deal with RCA a few years later I let him know and he asked me to contribute to the "Symbols" album.
The Heirophant: Will we see a new solo album or see a re-release of your first solo album?
Tim Skold: No and not. Nothing of that kind is planned.
The Heirophant: How involved was your work with KMFDM? How much creative control did you have?
Tim Skold: Working with Sascha was a great experience, we worked very close and very intensive. All good creativity is outta control.
The Heirophant: In regards to the MDFMK album: how much of a fan base do you think you gained from the album and the tour?
Tim Skold: Sorry but I don't really spend any time evaluating my "fan base", nor do I ponder the response of certain demographics.
The Heirophant: Did MDFMK vanish because of the fact that Sascha k. wanted to get KMFDM back together?
Tim Skold: Haha, it's funny how time passing can put things in a certain light. MDFMK vanished to make way for KMFDM as little as KMFDM vanished to make way for MDFMK.
The Heirophant: Early in your music career you were in Shotgun Messiah, which was formerly known as Kingpin. Most of us have seen the cover of Kingpin's 1988 LP "Welcome to Bop City." What is your opinion on rock music during that era? Also, I have to ask - do you still have that outfit?
Tim Skold: That outfit got me out of Sweden. I don't really have an opinion on that era, that was then, this is now. Nah, I don't think I still have it but I could look...
The Heirophant: At what point in your life did you abandon prospects of working a typical 9-5 job and dedicate your time to pursuing music-related projects? Is there any advice you can give to individuals aspiring to a similar career in the music industry?
Tim Skold: After getting out of school I spent a year at a Volvo Factory and then a year in the Army, besides that I never had a "proper" job. I'd say "That outfit" worked pretty well.
The Heirophant: Thanks for doing our interview, Tim. Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
Tim Skold: Yeah, but not while everyone else is listening.

thnX.

.tim

End of Interview

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