DAVID CARESS

PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL HALLAHAN

1. I am always excited to interview a fellow Mainer, so welcome! Would you please introduce yourself, where you’re from, and tell us a little about your musical background and formative influences?

I’m Dallas Seger, from Bangor, ME 04401 (if you're mailing me a check). They tried to destroy my mind with public schooling but despite that I grew up like a weed sprouting from concrete to fulfill the prophecy.

2. Am I detecting a Misfits reference with “Caress” or is this a coincidence?

It must be a coincidence.

3. How would you describe the music of David Caress and what influences are you channeling?

The project is influenced by Molchat Doma, Depeche Mode, Qual, and Drab Majesty.

4. How does the David Caress material and persona differ from your band Manic Abraxas, and what impelled you to explore this sonic direction?

What’s Manic Abraxas? David Caress is an ego maniac, and insufferable and temperamental artist of the highest order. He doesn't want to share the spotlight with anyone but his reflection; that's why he had to go solo.

5. Understood. Azure comes out October 9th. How long has this project been in the works and what was the writing process like?

The earliest forms of David Caress go back 3 or 4 years. The emphasis on DC is rhythm so I always start with a beat or bassline and build off of that. Very seldom did I start with a melody, key or guitar part.

6. What themes does the record explore? Can you give us a kind of (spoiler-free) bird’s eye view?

For themes, the record covers an array of emotions, experiences and perceptions, some real and others imagined. It could be a tender observation or a murderous desire.

7. What was the recording process like? Also, I understand Justin Hamm of Dying Mind (who I interviewed in July) assisted in some manner—what was his role in the process?

Justin is my muse although I can barely afford him. He would sit for hours in a meditative trance in the corner while I recorded in the comfort of my luxury home. A subtle nod or head shake from Justin was the compass that held me true to the vision and with these tools, I made the most perfect record of all time.

8. You are also the owner and luthier of Seger Guitars. What can you tell us about the business and could you speak to the bespoke and human nature of your craft?

I am NOT a luthier, that term has been abused by charlatans. Part of David Caress was a healing journey for me to heal my PTSD from talking to too many musicians.

9. A promoter with unlimited funds and artist access—including access to a time machine—is putting together a one-night-only show with you on the bill. You get to choose the other four artists you’ll be sharing the stage with, at their peak from any era. Who are you picking and why?

This one's easy, I would book David Caress four times although I almost considered COMPLETE and Wesley Willis.

10. Thank you for your time! Any last words, shout-outs, or plugs for the readers?

I’d like to shout out and thank David Caress. Please check out Seger Guitars, unless you're poor, in that case don't bother.