Musicians

SPOTLIGHT ON PAGAN BANDS - Butterfly Messiah

SPOTLIGHT ON PAGAN BANDS

Butterfly Messiah
interviewed by Dean Jones 

One of Paganism’s new breed of darker, edgier bands, Butterfly Messiah, began in 1998 when Robert Davis (percussion) and Shannon Garson (vocals) merged their individual styles into one elusive and captivating aesthetic. Soon joined by Josh Harrington (keyboards), the threesome developed songs that span the genres of EBM, Ambient and Synthpop to create a sound that cannot be put in any simple pigeonhole. We caught up with the busy band to ask them about their music, their faith and the crossroads between the two.

nW: Was it a conscious decision as a band to be openly Pagan?

Shannon: It wasn’t a decision we came to logically. When you express your soul as an artist, it doesn’t make sense to hide anything so meaningful as one’s spirituality. We are doing what brings us to bliss.

nW: You are associated with both the Pagan and the Goth communities; do you think this limits you in any way?

Robert: We’re making music that’s a bit of a break from the kind of music traditionally considered “Pagan.” We’re only limited by labels if they are considered to be exclusive.

nW: Is there a theme to your new full-length release, Priestess?

Robert: The overriding theme for Priestess was dynamic change on every level; change for us personally and changes in society and growth of spirit.

Shannon: Priestess is about honoring the Goddess within, the tiny voice of intuition so often unheard, the female divinity who holds the Grail. Within the actual CD case you’ll find symbols, such as a mirrored tray; when you lift out the CD you see a reflection of yourself. Who are we but reflections of each other? Where will you find the Priestess? Within.

JACQUELINE ENSTROM-WATERS AND JASON

PITZL-WATERS.


» Originally appeared in newWitch #02

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