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Lindsay Schoolcraft, singer songwriter, and harpist, as well as Cradle of Filth keyboardist and vocalist, has just released her debut solo album ‘Martyr’. We chatted to Lindsay about releasing the album independently, getting permission from The Cure to cover one of their songs, working with former Evanescence drummer Rocky Gray on ‘Martyr’, and why Tim Hortons is keeping the good coffee for Canada!
Hi there Lindsay, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions, it’s much appreciated.
“Thanks so much for having me!”
Our pleasure! You’re back home now after the Cradle Of Filth London Palladium gig, one that has been called the ultimate Cradle Of Filth gig. It certainly looked incredible, how was it for you?
“It really did feel that way. It was an incredible experience. I’m so glad I got to be a part of it.”
Is it hard to say goodbye to the Cradle Of Filth guys when the tour ends, or do you look forward to the peace and quiet?!
“Haha always. My home is my refuge. I do miss the guys, but we keep in touch via text and email and occasionally call one another. It’s been a long two years with two world tours and I am excited to just relax at home and start writing music again and playing my harp more!”
Onto your incredible, fresh-out-of-the box debut solo album – ‘Martyr’, what emotions were going through your head in the run up to its release?
“Oh thank you! It was really stressful, but once the fans started writing me and telling me how much they liked my music that’s when I really felt like I did something right.”
The response has been amazing, did the fact that it was self-released, without any label backing, give you any sleepless nights? Or was it in fact the opposite, no label interference – meaning piece of mind?
“It was a rough two weeks after we released, with little sleep for me and putting out the packages myself, but I had the help from some awesome friends! Now things are a little more quiet and running smoother. I’m happy I did it. I don’t think a record label could have given me the same care towards the fans like I did.”
The fact that the album was self-financed and self-released, and still looks incredible is a testament to your willpower and your overall vision for what ‘Martyr’ should look like. When I first saw the cover art on both ‘Martyr’ and the 7″ double vinyl for the single ‘Savior’, I was lost for words, it’s obvious that the artwork means so much to you. Who designed everything? And more importantly, can people still buy the 7″ double vinyl from you?!
“Aw thank you! The artwork was done by Russian animator and illustrator Anastasia Solti. And yes! There are less than 100 left and I won’t be reprinting them. You can still grab them at www.schoolcraftshop.com ” – (check out the 7″ double vinyl for ‘Savior’ here)
It is stunning and Christmas is just around the corner! Now, ‘Martyr’ is obviously a deeply personal album, at times it leaves the listener both drained and euphoric, how much did the writing process take out of you?
“If anything it liberated me to be able to say all the things I wanted to say and express myself how I’ve always wanted to.”
The pacing on the album is I feel, key, the mid-section of ‘Blood From A Stone’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘Remember’ sweeps the listener off their feet, then ‘See The Light’ crashes in with the harsh vocals from Xenoyr of Ne Obliviscaris and blows you away!
“Oh, yes. That’s exactly what we planned to do with the song running order!”
It certainly worked! One of the many highlights on the album would be ‘Remember’, it’s a beautiful piece with many facets to it, is that a harp that features towards the end? How hard was that to master?
“The harp has not been the easiest journey, but has been one of the best pursuits I’ve taken on in life. That section in Remember is 3 parts played separately at different times. My approach to learning the harp has been more open to self interpretation than I was with piano being strictly classic so I have had lessons from people who perform all styles like folk and Latin. I’m glad I’ve had the outlook because it’s allowed to play, compose, and enjoy the harp in a way I didn’t know possible.”
Cool! Back to the album, was it crucial having Rocky Gray as a sounding board?
“He was so vital in making this album. Guitar and drums are not something I’m strong with composing on. He really completed this album for me in so many ways I didn’t know possible. And he also forced me to become a better writer and that I really appreciate.”
We have to talk about the stunning cover of The Cure’s ‘Lullaby’, what’s actually involved in covering a track by someone like The Cure? How many hoops do you have to jump through?
“I got lucky and when the people helping me get the permissions told me it would take 3 months but we submitted on a Friday and got the permission the following Monday morning they were floored. But when it came to building our own cover it came very naturally and rocky knew exactly what he wanted to do with it.”
Will people have the chance to check the songs out in a live setting, and if so, where?
“Yes! We are playing Toronto on December 6th at The Garrison and in Montreal on December 7th (venue pending). All updates will be posted to www.lindsayschoolcraft.com “
Speaking personally as someone struggling to cut down their meat consumption and move to a more plant based diet, what advice can you give me?
“The sooner the better. You can get so much protein from so many clean sources like beans, nuts, and grain. I never have an issue eating out and finding a balanced meal. I say do you research and make the switch ASAP. It’s so much easier to do these days. Hopefully you don’t end up with a hummus addiction like I did haha.”
You never know! What other issues at the moment do you feel particularly strong about?
“Still anything to do with animal rights, but also the current state of the climate. I wish people wouldn’t be so horrible towards Greta Thunburg because she is doing a great job. I also recently watched the documentary “It’s a Girl” about the gendercide in India and China and it’s really pushed me more to care about women’s rights. I’ve had my struggles as a women in this society, but not to the point where my life is so degraded and threatened. This is something I would really like to see change in the world today.”
Now that Tim Horton has finally brought his coffee (and timbits) to the UK, what will be the next great Canadian export?!
“Ah the coffee they serve at the UK locations is nothing like the good stuff we still serve in Canada! I feel like y’all have been ripped off! And I dunno what we have to offer you next. Subway sandwiches?”
Subway? We’ll skip them! Thanks for your time Lindsay, the album is stunning, and emotional on so many fronts, good luck with it’s release,
“Thank you so much! So happy to hear you enjoy it!”
