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Storybox

Montana: The songs came first. Most of the recording was done when it was time to think about the cover.

Was the cover concept your idea or something created in the mind of the photographer?

Montana: It was a little of both. I told Carl Yrwin what I had in mind. I wanted something that would describe the title by itself, because I was not using the title on the cover. Something that would show the holding back of emotions, will and power. Carl came up with the cover himself.

Are there any chances of releasing that photo in a poster size?

Montana: Not really but if someone wanted one bad enough, it could be facilitated on demand.

Your music has been quite a hit on a number of radio and compilation formats. Among these, Woobie Bear Music featured you on their Beartracks 3 compilation. What is your take on the development of 'bear boy' groups that are surfacing as of late?

Montana: Well the only 'bear boy' band I am aware of is Bearforce One. They have achieved much more in a short time than most in 10 years. But most of the 'bear' acts I know of are solo artists. They have more exposure now. thanks to the Internet, Woobie Bear and Bearapalooza. I am glad to have been a part of both. I have great respect for both Greg Hudson of Woobie Bear Music and Freddy Freeman, who started Bearapalooza, although I have never considered myself a 'bear' artist myself. It should be said that the Woobie Bear Music compilations are not made of 'bear' artists only. The track on Beartracks 3 was not as Storybox, but Storybox does appear on two other Woobie Bear Music compilations. Equatronic and Babylonia have appeared on their compilations as well. Woobie Bear Music has expanded to much more than just the 'bear' scene alone.

You state that your track 'No Dancing Allowed' was based on the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. Do you secretly harbor any fear or reservations that the sentiments within the parameters of the song may also be chillingly prophetic with the current nightclub scenario in large cities at some point in our future?

Montana: 'No Dancing Allowed' didn't start with that idea originally. In fact, the title itself was a joke between a friend of mine and I. It started when I had recorded one song for the previous CD I released. He was dancing to a rough demo, and I said, 'Hey, no dancing allowed!' It was then that I thought it was a great name for a song. Then I decided it would be the title of the next CD I'd make. Then the song came, and it was subconsciously that I wrote a fictional account based on the riot. I hope it is not prophetic. The word 'dancing' could be substituted for anything else you'd want to do that you feel you must fight to keep your right to do. But if it is happening somewhere, I hope it gives people the will to do something about it.

'Never Wonder' was created based upon your partner Ron and his negative past relationship. Why do you think many artists, particularly gay artists, shy away from approaching this sad reality in their work?

Montana: I wouldn't say they shy away from such subject. A lot of gay artists tend to be more political with their material, so they write more about issues like equality, human rights, being proud, or being the butt of jokes on TV or cinema and things like that. In the past, with my first release, I was told my lyrics were not gay enough, and that was fine with me. I prefer to write material that is more universal. I don't particularly care to cater to one community over another. That is not to say I wouldn't tackle issues that affect me as a gay man, but it is not my priority.

'Fantasy' is a heavy track based upon many egocentric men. You hold no punches with lyrics such as, 'Body of a god with the face of an angel / How someone like that could be cruel / Soul of the devil and mind of a killer / You are so collected and cool.' Have you ever witnessed someone like this after they have fallen from their conceited pedestal, and would you plan on creating a song dealing with this fall?

Montana: Yes, I have, and it was not pretty. Looks fade. I've always thought what is inside a person is so much more important than the outside beauty. The song was not written about anyone in particular, even though I had a similar experience. It was more based on the idea of having a major crush on someone you think is the most beautiful person you've ever seen and how badly you want to be with them, but once you get to know them you realize the fantasy was much better than the reality you faced. Writing somewhat of a sequel to 'Fantasy' is something I have thought about but have not really dabbled with yet.

What is the personal significance of your covering the Lennon/McCartney tune 'Things We Said Today?'

Montana: There isn't one, really. I actually had started working on 'I Am the Walrus' instead, but found it tedious and got bored with it. I switched to 'Things We Said Today' because I wanted to do a lesser known Beatles track. A lot of people consider their songs to be untouchable, so I had to make sure I could pull it off if I was going to make a synthpop version of one of their songs. This song just happened easy and fast. It was not recorded for the album, though. It was decided to be included at the very end. I'm glad it's there.

'Dream Ghosts' deals with your frequent nightmares. In your opinion, are creative people more prone to being plagued by nightmares, and how do you see them as a help or hindrance to the creative process?

Montana: Perhaps. Creative people feel pressure to better themselves all the time, but I don't know if having nightmares is good or bad for creativity. I guess it is a double-edged sword. It can either push you to go beyond or block you completely.

Are there plans to have your songs on the Logo network?

Montana: Nobody has approached me yet. If anyone out there wants to produce a video, please contact me. Ha!

What other topics would you lyrically like to tackle that you think haven't been said from your perspective yet?

Montana: I am working on a song tentatively called 'Closet' which is sung from the point of view of someone who is remembering how suffocating it was to be in that sort of prison. There are many things to be explored yet, but I intend to do less 'love you, love me' songs for the next full release.

Your style of 'poptronic' is actually the norm rather than the exception in many underground goth clubs. Are you a fan of that genre, and did you knowingly create the music to appeal to this segment?

Montana: Yes, I have always loved synthpop music, especially the older stuff. It's been a great influence in me. However, I did not record the album specifically for the club-goers or club DJs. I simply wanted to record an album that sounded like the music I wish I could hear on the radio today. When I am working, I try not to think if others will like it or not. I record for me. If others like it, then it is a major bonus and a great feeling. Although I do let some selected ears listen to my demos for outside ideas and opinions, ultimately I make music for my own enjoyment.

What's next on the Storybox horizon?

Montana: The immediate plans are to finish a single this year with some remixes to be released by late fall or early winter. I hope to be able to get remixes from artists on my home label, but other contributors are welcome, too. Then next year I'll probably start work on a new Storybox full release.