Interviews

What is the artistic purpose of Fantômas? What do you wish to express or accomplish through Fantômas’ art?

We just wanted to present something different. Unique. No need to accomplish anything

What inspires the songwriting in Fantômas? Are the Fantômas comics a strong influence for you?

I just get ideas in my head that fit the Fantômas band. The comics were an initial influence.

Each Fantômas album is very unique and different from each other, yet, they are all released under the name Fantômas. Which is the link between all your albums?

I guess the people involved. At their base they are similiar. It seems natural to me.

When writing music for Fantômas, do you sit down with an idea already well established in your mind and think “OK we’re going to write 30 one minute songs today, or a seventy minute epic, or whatever” or is it more of an unconscious process?

I get the ideas early on.

Is the music of Fantômas 100% a Mike Patton creation? In which way are the rest of the guys involved in the writing process? Could you explain how would a “common” Fantômas music writing session would happen?

I come up with the concept and most of the music, but when we get together all the musicians bring ideas.

Did your latest release, Suspended Animation, present a new challenge to the band? Did it turn out as you expected?

We recorded it at the same time of the previous record, but it was obvious that they were 2 different records. They are all a challenge. Turned out great, I think. What is your opinion? [As I said in my review I think it's a great album of course! ; ) Daniel.]

I understand that Dave Lombardo will be replaced by Terry Bozzio for the European tour due to Slayer touring at the same time. How and why did you contact Terry to do the job?

It was Buzz's suggestion. Gave him a call and met him and it was obvious, he is an amazing player. He was up for anything!

Many people say that Fantômas is one of those bands that are ten times better live than in the studio. Would you agree with this? What can we expect from a Fantômas live show?

I really like the records. You can expect to hear parts of all the records....very loud!!!

Is this the first time you play live here in Mexico? Can we expect to see some other projects live here in the future?

First time for Fantômas, yes. It would be great to do more shows in Mexico. If we get the offers, we will be there.

What’s with this story about Fantômas changing it’s name due to a close friend of Mike predicting bad fortune in the future unless the name was changed?

Yes.

A friend of mine (big Fantômas fan) told me that he remembers reading something about smoke coming out of the recording system during the Director’s Cut sessions, what happened? Do you have any other interesting anecdotes related to Fantômas?

We were so hat the studio was smoking. We were voting on a new pope!

What makes Fantômas different to all the projects you have/are involved in?

The music and musicians. It is very different to me.

I know this isn’t very Fantômas related, but I would love to use this opportunity to ask you how is it like to work with John Zorn? Have your contributions with him affected you in a certain way?

He is great to work with. I get a lot of good ideas from him.

Considering that this is a Metal website, would you mind giving your thoughts of this very ample genre? Which are your favorite sub-genres/bands/albums?

I'm not even sure what metal is anymore. I enjoy extreme music of any genre. I used to really love Slayer, of course.

In which ways (if any) has Metal influenced Fantômas?

Not at all.

I’m a huge Black Metal fan, so I would love to know what you think of the (sub) genre.

Like all genres. There is some good stuff and some very bad stuff.

What are you listening to/reading these days?

Listening to Sinatra, Mugison. Reading a book about Michael Jackson.

God comes down and he will answer each one of you a question. What would you ask?

Do you exist?

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