Who is Klaryssa Korol?
I am the founder, creator, producer and art director of Chamber of Echoes, an industrial/post-apocalyptic/
victorian music-art-fashion-visual project. Wow, that was a mouthful.
My role in the project is pretty extensive so I'll just name off a list of things I do: Vocals, lyrics, arrangement, composition, production, synth, programming, engineering, mixing, sound design, keys, piano, drum machine, artwork, graphic design, overall project concept, design concept and visuals.
Outside of the project, I am an outgoing introverted person that rarely goes out because I am always creating, but when I do go out, it is usually for some kind of art/music/visual media/fun social event with other like-minded individuals. I like to hide away, and it's pretty hard to find me. I spend my free time doing digital and traditional art, graphic design, playing video games, going to industrial clubs, concerts, art shows, cooking, reading about all things spiritual/occult/metaphysical/scientific/music business, and I like to sleep a lot too lol.
What role did music play in your childhood, did you grew up in a musical family?
I began classical piano training at 7 and a half years old, which pretty much set the foundation for everything I know today in music. I had to learn theory and classical pieces which I hated because I felt I didn't have any control over what I really wanted to learn, and the kind of music I wanted to bring to the masses in the future. I still hate being controlled when it comes to anything concerned expressing myself. I dropped out of classical training at 15, and after that delved into the world of learning by ear which is easier for me anyways, programming, sound design, engineering, and production. I gained all of my musical ability from my mother, who grew up playing the accordion, was trained in opera, and is a classical and folk guitarist.
When did you enter the so called “darker music scene” and what does this scene mean to you?
The "darker music scene" was something I always enjoyed, but was kind of afraid of growing up because I was raised in a very sheltered environment. I was forced into Christian elementary schools, and an all-girls Catholic high-school where that kind of thing is strictly forbidden, not to mention I was pretty much the only one in school that I knew of that was into anything dark music or art wise. I kept my interests hidden, and looked like a completely normal homecoming-queen type. When I got out of high school I did a complete 180 degree change overnight because I finally allowed myself to be a part of something that always felt completely natural to me, and it was such an awakening experience. It freaked everyone else out because I looked so completely different, and many people weren't used to me expressing my interests in the dark music and art scene/occult/ paranormal ect, thought I may had some sort of crazy problem hah.This scene to me means complete and total freedom in every sense of the word, it's also a family that can last a lifetime because in this scene I have found it has drawn me directly to such amazing people that have 95% in common with me; they have really turned into my family and we will remain close forever:) I am in complete creative freedom and it's absolutely thrilling to be able to merge mindsets with others, having an unspoken understanding. I finally have a huge network across the world that relates to my interests, activities, new ways of thinking, and all of these people are so accepting, passionate, humorous and encouraging, not to mention collaborative ;)
You are the only member of Chamber of Echoes, can you give a brief introduction to it?
I started Chamber of Echoes officially in 2006. The name came to me right out of a dream state in the middle of the night. When I was younger, I always tried to write rock songs, but with an acoustic piano, and it was never satisfying to me. That alone just could not get the job done. I could never fully express the music I had inside of me with a solitary instrument. When I was in high school, I discovered Nine Inch Nails, and fell in love with Pretty Hate Machine. Since no one else had anything else in common with me in school, I had no idea this kind of music was really out there as sad as that is...everyone else around me was into pop stars, and I didn't have anyone else to discuss my love of industrial music with. It was then that I discovered that there was only one person behind the whole project, and that Trent Reznor did pretty much
everything himself, on keyboards. Then I thought, "hey why wouldn't I be able to do that?" I started teaching myself programming and engineering at 17, and aspired to be the female version of Trent Reznor, doing everything myself, but only on hardware and MIDI. I am just realizing this definition isn't so brief! Well, that is how this project got started, though a lot has changed. I am still the main person behind this project but it is evolving with additional members. I am the only permanent member, because I tell the others they are not completely obligated or confined to this project forever. I still write/produce/arrange 90%-100% of the songs, and since I am not the best guitarist in the world, my friend/guitarist Grey takes my ideas for guitar and really builds on them and embellishes them, adding a completely amazing dynamic to my sound that wouldn't be possible without him. He isn't on the first album, but is on the one I am currently writing. There are also other live members, Chris, who is the most phenomenal and versatile drummer I have ever come across, and who also takes direction perfectly, and the newest member Ryan, who must have a photographic memory when it comes to learning bass!
There are also creative collaborators outside of the physical band who are part of the "Chamber of Echoes Collective", a group of family, close friends, and art friends who help with all behind the scene aspects of the project, most notably Lexy who is a miracle; She designs, and maintains the main website which is a huge project in itself, manages flyers and promotion, art direction with me, accounts, makeup design for photo shoots, creative direction, and uh, too many other things...she is my female creative twin, and also John, who does out film art, video recording of rehearsals, and visuals for live shows. So many others as well who help with input on costume design, emotional support, band babysitting, merch booth helping, financial sponsorship and backing, and critiquing.
However, this project is more than just about the music. It's also an art/fashion/visual project as well. It's like an outward reflection of all the inner workings of my mind and heart; a life-timeline from all of my interests in the visual and performing arts, to how I would want the world to look and be perceived through my eyes. It has a whole entire environmental feel of a mash-up of industrial-post-apocalyptic-victorian/rococo and the beauty of grunge, decay, and rebirth, and is about complete collaboration with my audience through means of remixes, visual art, design, film art, poetry, and anything concerning with expressing one's individuality as a means for an outlet, and a creator of their own personal world. I am creating a movement.
Can you explain the name Chamber of Echoes?
I am still trying to figure that one out. It was sent to me in the middle of the night, like it was a thought that was given to me, and I liked the sound of it because it sounded so ancient and mystical, yet familiar. Another possible name was going to be "Made From Mirrors", but that one didn't quite feel right...
What made you decide to have Chamber of Echoes a one girl band, what are pro’s and con’s of this for you?
It's not something I really decided, it just kind of turned out that way! I was always afraid to be a leader of a project because I didn't have a lot of confidence in myself awhile ago. I always was trying to put bands together and no one had the same influences as me. It was SOOOO fucking frustrating, especially the whole "you're a girl, what do you know about music shit"...I finally gave up on the "band" thing, and just started doing everything myself, which sounded a lot more put together and cohesive! Slowly everything formed, and all the right people fell into place, and it just worked out to my favor :) As far a being a girl in music though, I don't really think of any con's other than being on my period on the tour bus, which would be pretty shitty, lol except, I will have my creative entourage with me on tour which is half female anyways :) But yeah I haven't even gone on tour, so no bad experiences yet, except the occasional sound guy asshole at some venue that is like "oh wait, what chick actually knows what an XLR cable is " :: rolls eyes:: And the pro's are, well there are too many, but the main one being living in an actual creative environment that I made completely to my liking, ALL THE TIME! mwaha!
Can we consider Chamber of Echoes to be a multimedia concept or is it basically a musical act?
It is both of those things, a live musical act, live multimedia, and collaborative multimedia...
What are your visions for Chamber of Echoes, what are your goals and dreams, what should Chamber of Echoes be about?
I hope for it to keep on expanding in every area in which it is evolving! There are more albums to come, everyone is working on new artwork and designs, fans are participating in Q&A sessions, also are collaborating in the forums, posting their latest works of art, lyrics, poetry, ect. This project should be about a new movement for our future generations, focusing on using multiple forms of creativity as a means of an outlet, and for expressing oneself and desires through interaction and collaboration.
Doing art/fashion/music/visuals, how do you find the balance and do you work on different things at the same time or concentrate on one aspect?
Actually, it's not as easy at it looks! It is really hard to balance so many multiple subjects, so I have quite a few close friends helping me run everything. Even though this project it still so new to the music world, it gets pretty hectic with all the things I have to try to do, so I pretty much just focus on multiple things at the same time which is not always productive, but eventually things get done.
If I was asked to label Chamber of Echoes I would call it industrial pop, I mean it has a nice crunchy sound with great beats but also great melodies, hooks and vocal lines, can you find yourself into this description?
Yeah, most definitely. I didn't necessarily plan on it having such a pop feel to it; it just kinda evolved on its own. I think even though I re-did the initial EP, too many other hands were still trying to grab at the creative process, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; instead of pulling from 4 influences, it so happened under the direction of others I was encouraged to pull from 24. This next album that is coming up is really where I want to be musically, and I am much more knowledgeable and focused this time around.
Your music is a meltingpot of different styles, what music do you listen to yourself and does this find its way into the music of Chamber of Echoes?
I listen to an extreme vast range of music, anything in the vein of industrial and synth rock, to russian electro pop, african tribal music, and motion picture soundtracks...and you can hear little flickers of those influences throughout the EP.
You just released a double ep, unbound and set free / under lock and key? Why did you do it this way, the only thing that deviates is the production?
I was working with a major label recording studio in North Hollywood, CA under the direction of two big name and well known producers, even though I wanted to help assist in production. I wasn't really allowed to do anything I really wanted to do musically, because they were worried about their reputation and were extremely focused on making me a quick cash-making disposable product. Not only did I suffer the loss of my own musical integrity, watered down talent and vision, but I also endured emotional abuse to the point where it made me break. I ended up with a "product" of something that was not even remotely me; It sounded like Kelly Clarkson with black lipstick. I had to show the music world what I was really about, so I decided to re-do and re-produce the same songs for a debut EP, but to release them both together in a double-disc set; Disc 1 showcases my versions of my songs as I had originally intended them to be, While Disc 2 shows the more manufactured pop product they tried to mold me into for a quick buck, or if that wasn't their intention, I don't know what was.
How are the comments so far on the ep?
Actually since the release of the EP my fan base has grown by the 1000's worldwide, crossing over on all demographics. To be honest I haven't got one bad remark from any listeners which is actually quite surprising and a relief! Most people can pick out most of my musical influences right away, and so many have said how refreshing it is to hear my type of music compared to everything else that is going on these days. I get plenty of positive feedback which keeps me going, and lol, now I even have a few stalkers which I wasn't really even expecting!
How did the recording of the ep go, did it all work out the way you planned or not?
I don't want to go into how the first EP process was because I don't want to get sued, but it was emotional hell and I felt bullied and brainwashed. Maybe that makes me paranoid, but some people in this industry are pretty disgusting individuals and are fucking evil. However, the second time around, it was quite fun! It was a bit scary at first taking back control, because I was made to feel that I was completely inadequate and brainless previously, but when things began to start rolling, I got really comfortable and became very experimental. It was very freeing.
What was the most challenging of the recording of this ep?
Making sure that I was accurately representing myself...creating customized sounds and textures from scratch...and varying the song structure with emotional vocals all while keeping it interesting to the audience.
Since it was the first ep you must have discovered you can improve on some things, what things do you want to improve yourself?
Things I can improve on vary anything from writing more relatable lyrics, to really understanding the process of the way my genre works. I need to also keep on working on my engineering, and mixing skills, but I have improved on production skills, composition and arrangement for this next album, and I have a clearer understanding of the important facets of my genre.
For live shows you have a full live band, who is in your live band and what is their role?
Yes, I have a live band, but they are like my band family. Grey plays guitar and sometimes does backup screaming...also sometimes he assists with formulating more constructive riffs, or more catchy guitar phrases. Chris is the drummer, and percussionist, and Ryan is the bassist and newest member. In addition to playing live, they individually contribute to the art/visual/concept portion in one way or another.
When playing live with a full band, do the songs really deviate from the ep versions?
Actually they do, but for the better. There is a lot more power and raw aggression live, and I like that.
What can people expect of a Chamber of Echoes live show?
Even though many of the songs are down-tempo, we definitely have a lot of energy. I talk to and interact with the audience a lot, and we are dressed up in our uniforms with our logo patches. Live visuals usually stream in the background to go along with whatever song we are playing, which includes well-orchestrated backtracks, and we have customized instruments. Well, Grey and I do, I am trying to get the other guys to do the same...but I am pretty sure they don't want to make their equipment look like it came out of a barren wasteland. We sound better than the album live because there is so much raw emotion, energy, feeling and power...but while I am pretty hyper and goofy in real life, onstage I come across more seductive and soft-spoken.
How can people purchase the double ep?
You can purchase physical copies from cdbaby.com, amazon.com, or the ArtiSans Label store, or you can buy digital downloads from mostly every major online distributor such as iTunes, Napster, Shockhound, ect. I encourage everyone to buy the physical album because I spent a really long time on doing all of the artwork for the packaging, the photo manipulation, the layout design which is in the shape of a cross, and the story behind the double EP. Each physical CD includes both albums, and I personally like the feeling of a physical album because it creates that physical connection between you and the artist.
Any last words for the readers?
HAHA! I think I have said enough...and I am surprised anyone has even made it this far! So thanks to those who have read this to the end!
www.myspace.com/chamberofechoes