Some artists defy your expectations. Some artists exceed them. Herr Nox aims to do both. The gothic synth-rocker from rural Quebec creates a dark blend of alternative sounds held together by melodic hooks and emotional vocals. Herr Nox’s second album Where Shadows Fade arrived in February. While the sound of this new album ventures into more organic territories than its 2018 predecessor Stargazer, the lyrics push further into dystopian themes and long for an empathetic revolution. Today the iconoclastic outsider comes out of the shadows to tackle my dumbass questions. Enoy — just don’t call him up to tell him how much you liked it:
Introduce yourself: Name, age (feel free to lie), home base and any other details you’d care to share — height / weight / identifying marks / astrology sign / your choice.
My name is Herr Nox. I’m 27, or at least that’s how old I was back when I was bitten. I live in the woods near the city of Quebec. I’m multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, producer, mixer, videographer and graphic designer. So you could say I’m the great explorer of mediums.
What’s your latest project? Tell us everything we need to know.
My solo project is my main project at the moment. I’ve just released my new album Where Shadows Fade. It’s available on a really nice looking golden-colored vinyl. Not only that but it’s also hand-numbered and signed. If you’re a fan of goth, metal, synthwave and progressive music, I really think you’ll dig that one.
What truly sets you apart from other artists?
I guess you could say it’s my tendency to not go for what is expected. I don’t think I will ever settle into one specific music genre. My worst nightmare would be to be stuck making music that only fits one genre for eternity.
How will my life improve by listening to your music?
I’m not really sure if your life will improve; it might get worse actually. But at least you’ll have fun going down.
What living or dead artists would you collaborate with if you could?
David Bowie, without question. I’ve always enjoyed his “out-of-box” approach to music.
What artist or style of music do you love that would surprise people?
I listen to a wide variety of music so I really don’t know what would surprise people. Actually, a question I’d like to ask is what artist or style of music do people think I DON’T listen to? I’d really be curious to hear the answers.
Tell us a joke.
Spotify is pretty good one.
What useful (or useless) skills do you have outside of music?
My super-power is that I’m tired all the time.
What do you collect?
Vinyl records are the only thing I collect. I’m actually the kind of person who doesn’t like to hoard stuff. Vinyls are the exception.
What would you like to be reincarnated as?
I see my cats living the good life and there’s no way I’d chose something else.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness / total misery?
Being stuck doing small talk in an elevator going up forever is my idea of hell.
What’s your greatest regret?
This might be an uncommon thing to say, but I have no regrets. I’ve always lived my life the way I wanted to. Ask me again on my deathbed. But as of today, I have no regrets.
What are you afraid of?
People. Quite literally. Especially when they give you an unexpected call. What kind of psycho still uses a phone to call people?
What would the title of your autobiography be?
An Android Dreaming of Electric Cats
Who should play you in the movie of your life?
Some people told me that I look a bit like Tom Hiddleston. I guess it’s not a bad choice.
What’s your motto?
Always put yourself into someone else’s shoes before judging.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Everything I need to make pizza.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d love to be immortal so I could be there when interstellar trips become affordable.
What’s the silliest thing you believed as a child?
That God existed.
What world record would you like to break?
The world’s lowest jump seems like something that’s attainable.
Check out Where Shadows Fade below, watch Herr Nox’s videos above, and hit him up on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
