This conversation with prolific goth rocker Scary Black out of Louisville, KY first appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of UnObscured. As we’ve continued to crawl out of quarantine and figure out the new “normal”, Scary Black is touring selectively in parts of the U.S. Due to their upcoming touring in both Tampa (Thursday, October 27, 2022 at New World Music Hall for the WMNF Halloween Ball) and Miami, FL (Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at Gingers Bar & Grill for The Witching Hour Showcase), we wanted to get this interview out there to help familiarize readers with this fantastic artist.
Scary Black
OU: Can you tell us about some of your influences as a musical artist? Any artists outside of the goth scene that helped develop your current sound?
Scary Black: I’m a pretty big fan of Ennio Morricone. I like a lot of those sounds from the old Spaghetti Westerns and the moods they invoke and that’s something I try to incorporate into my sound.
I have so many influences. But I’ll stop at just this one because I can go off on this one all day.
OU: Can you tell us about your music writing process? Are you the only person involved in the Scary Black project or are there others involved with production/mastering etc?
Scary Black: Singing in the shower seems to help a lot. Sometimes a melody or something will stick and then I’ll go map it out on my keyboard. Sometimes still dripping wet cause I don’t want to forget the idea. Those things tend to slip rather quickly. And then later on I’ll build around that idea.
Damn, I play notes out of tune? Finding out this way is sorta like having a “kick-me” sign on my back.
Yes, I’m the only person involved with Scary Black. I figured if I learned everything on my own I could save some money. Playing in bands with other folks is easier cause you can split the cost in the studio, but I’m just way too poor to do that on my own. Also learning new things and not having to rely on others is kinda tight.
OU: What have been your greatest challenges in getting your music out there? Have you experienced any challenges in person or within the goth scene getting accepted and recognized as an artist?
Scary Black: I hardly advertise anything because I think bands that do that are annoying as shit, and I don’t want to be that guy. The music will speak for itself and if you have to pester people to listen to it, then you should probably do some self reflecting. I’m just surprised anyone wants to listen to my music, and for that alone, I am thankful.
OU: How does your music tie in to your experience in the goth scene or in mainstream society? Are there any particular themes in your music you feel passionate about that end up in your music or lyrics?
Scary Black: I’ve got a lot of unresolved issues from childhood. I can’t say I feel passionate about them, but it does feel great to get them out of my system through music. Aside from that, I do, however, like to touch on the darker side of human nature. It’s more of an in the moment thing rather than an observation of it. Also, sex, fantasy and bdsm.
OU: We’ve seen your recently posted digital artwork that you’ve been working on lately. How did you get into that? Do you have any other artistic or creative interests?
Scary Black: I just wanted to try something different. I never thought I could create digital art so I gave it a shot. When I made my first piece I took note on how much it calmed my soul. I enjoyed that feeling and didn’t want it to go away.
I tend to rotate my interests which are writing, music, and art. I also started making a video game last year as a way to put all my interests into a single project.
OU: You normally have elaborate ‘scary bird’ outfits for the stage. What goes into these looks and the inspiration behind them? Why a bird?
Scary Black: My good friend Edwin (AndrOspore) is an incredibly talented artist who brings my visions to life and builds these beautiful costumes by hand, you should definitely check out his work.
The vibe I was originally going for was somewhere between raven and a fallen angel—mid fall. For reasons...But I have a hard time taking myself serious so “scary bird” is what usually comes out of my mouth when people ask.
OU: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you? How have you been in the last 12 months?
Scary Black: My waistline has expanded considerably. And honestly, I don’t know. I don’t feel like I am the same person anymore. Something changed.
If the pandemic wasn’t happening right now, where would you likely find yourself traveling to? For business or for pleasure?
I really don’t like to leave my room, so nowhere. And if I was going somewhere, it would 100% be for business. I’d like to try to “enjoy” myself eventually though.
OU: In this Obscura Undead zine issue we have been highlighting artists of color, yourself included. Can you add any insight or experiences in being an artist of color within the goth scene and tell us what it is like?
Scary Black: I don’t know where to start with this one. I spent most of my younger years in the punk scene, and with that said, I don’t think the goth scene actually understands racism. Like, it’s not a deal breaker if you know what I mean, and that shit is super cringe. Like, vomit worthy. On the other side of that coin, there’s the whole white savior thing. Like, congrats, you support the Blacklivesmatter movement, but maybe shut up for a second and shine a light on a black artist if you care so much about what we have to say, and don’t get pissed when we say something you don’t want to hear. This is our fucking experience, not a chance for you to look like a “good person” or what the hell ever. And also you don’t have to preach anti racism to us, do that for the folks who refuse to believe there’s a problem. We exist and Goth is not white by default so don’t act like it belongs to you and we are visitors, this shit is for everyone. I swear this feels like a never ending battle. I’m happy when I see other goths of color and when we meet there’s an instant bond, cause we’ve all been through the exact same shit.
OU: Is there anything you’d like to say to everyone reading?
Scary Black: I love you, and do your best. Get some rest, drink some water, try to create something, call your friends and tell em you love em.
