Sasha Grey on Black Metal and Her Band aTelecine — Exclusive Interview

Most Noisecreep readers probably know Sasha Grey from her work in adult films, but that's likely to change soon. Not only has the Northern California native been starring in more mainstream films, but she also just released 'Neü Sex,' a book of photography through the taste-makers at Vice. If that weren't already enough, Grey also keeps busy with aTelecine -- a three piece group that creates music somewhere between the avant-industrial of Skinny Puppy and the sparse soundscapes of Lustmord.

Noisecreep recently spoke with Grey about aTelecine as well as some of her favorite black metal artists.Writ

How did you first discover artists like Throbbing Gristle and Einstürzende Neubauten?

A brilliant website that everyone should check out called Brainwashed.com.

What was it about those kinds of groups that resonated with you early on?

The music was just inherently different than anything I'd heard on the radio growing up. I feel the same about artists like Ice Cube, Black Flag, and Depeche Mode. It all made me want to create love and cause destruction all at the same time. More importantly, the individuals were not afraid to be individuals, which I was for a long time as a kid, and something I'll always admire.

Let's talk about aTelecine. Did you initially have reservations about letting people know that you were in the group?

Yes! Pablo and I had been making music together for a while and we were curious to see what people thought of the tunes, but we didn't want to make a gimmick out of aTelecine by using my name to promote the band. Initially we created a band MySpace without listing band members, and people actually dug it. After a few months we decided to put my name on it, and shortly after we started working with Pendu Sound on our first EP. The fear of being seen as a gimmick was still there, but we figured if people positively responded before my involvement was announced, the music would eventually rid that idea.

How did you and the rest of the band meet?

Pablo and I met in a dank club in Berlin, and became fast friends, noodling with instruments and tape loops whenever we could. We then added Anthony D'Juan, my former theater coach, and Ian C. is the latest member, and my partner.

Since what you create with aTelecine doesn't usually follow a traditional song structure, how do you approach writing each piece?

The only thing that's ever written is lyrics. Sometimes we start with dry vocals adding the music as we find a rhythm, conversely we may lay down a drone-y bass or synth which helps us find a groove for the rest of the pieces. Since adding more members, it's fun to let each other essentially take turns so we can feel out whose voice belongs in the forefront for each song -- that is, if we don't decide to bury the vocals in a more subliminal style.

Watch aTelecine's 'It's All Write' Video

In terms of releases and live appearances, what can we expect from aTelecine in the near future?

We're working on three simultaneous releases with Pendu Sound. The first, 'The Falcon and The Pod,' is hopefully due at the end of April, followed by a release in May, and in June. For the first time we'll also release songs as digital downloads, as all of our work has previously been released on vinyl or cassette only.

We've been lucky enough to make music on our terms and on our schedule, and it's the one projects I have my hands in where an economic return isn't important for all parties involved. Right now my focus is completely on acting, and if we start committing to playing live, that will take time away from my immediate goals, as well as involving parties who we'll have to meet deadlines for [laughs]. Basically, we aren't ready for the responsibilities that come with performing live. We also want to make the performances something special and interesting rather than being a group with mics, tape decks, and computers.

We understand that you love black metal. Who are some of your favorite bands in that world?

I like metal -- period! But yes, in terms of black metal, I fancy the music of Enslaved, Burzum, Krallice, Immortal, Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir, SCUM, Sunn O))), and Tsjuder. That's just naming a few.