The Downbeat Podcast - Manuel Gagneux (Zeal & Ardor)
My guest on the podcast this week is Manuel Gagneux, mastermind behind Swiss avant-garde black metal band Zeal & Ardor.
Z+A mix the style of European Black Metal (a genre notorious for it's link with racism) and elements of African-American Spirituals and Gospel with electrifying results. We talked about the band's unlikely beginnings on the darkest parts of the internet, black magick, reappropriating Richard Wagner and of course: Manuel's dream festival.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 | intro
4:47 | pronounce "gagneux"
5:00 | meshuggah in glasgow
6:48 | "bed time liner" for 80s synthpop band
8:40 | "the best kept secret" in the netherlands
10:38 | headline tours
12:42 | black metal supporting acts
14:30 | black metal purists/elitism
17:01 | inception of Z+A
18:45 | alan lomax
20:30 | devil is fine
25:02 | being an anonymous artist
26:39 | demos
27:38 | over-arcing album themes
29:00 | graphic novel/netflix
30:10 | incantation lyrics
35:02 | self-titled album
38:38 | satanism in music
42:05 | german/wagner
46:38 | interest in the occult
53:17 | twitch
59:23 | having children
1:00:40 | the downbeat dungeons & dragons
1:16:00 | beer
1:17:23 | scoring music
1:19:53 | daniel p. carter
1:21:20 | notation/outro
Пікірлер: 96
Craig please let the man talk. I know you don't do it intentionally and do it out of excitement but you interrupt him a lot and take a lot of time to think of what to say while doing so, and it kind of kills the flow, and when you have someone on a podcast you want to hear what they have to say. I'm not trying to shit all over your thing here, it was good overall, just trying to give constructive feedback.
@reynlord666
Жыл бұрын
the guest can talk during the lot of time it takes for me to think of something
@spencergoodnews6186
Жыл бұрын
On the flip though I’m here for The Downbeat energy as much as the guest. If I wanted straight question / answer I’d wait for the magazine interview. Gotta keep the personality or everything may as well just be an NPR/BBC thing.
@reneschneider4740
Жыл бұрын
This podcast has a fine flow to it, both people clearly having a good time nerding out about the things that they like about music. To be pretentious about it, learn how to listen to different conversation types. Not everyone communicates the same.
@tragicurnspill
Жыл бұрын
Manuel is an awkward person and probably enjoyed Craig talking alot. I know I'm the Same in conversations. Not everyone likes to talk about themselves.
@noname-ng6sj
Жыл бұрын
Yeah I disagree with this one. There's other podcasts if this ain't your vibe. I normally don't like it, but with Craig it's the opposite effect. I think he's pretty slow on his own, but with a guest; they feel that much more comfortable. He should definitely keep doing what he is doing. In order for your constructive feedback to matter, you need to preface this with your credentials and reasons why you're one to listen to. If you're "just a fan", you need to prove that the show is doing worse (as in, not reaching Craig's own goals) because of this. I would 100% argue it's the opposite and the reason why he keeps growing. We all miss our lovable sarcastic dick friend who's actually a sweetheart with some great stories. I loved the flow on this one, first Manuel interview I lasted more than 10 minutes listening to. Mostly because I didn't think they'd get on that well together, but they did. Manuel was laughing, having a ball yet he actually played ball and did the generic questions as well. It was really good. (I've worked in long-form content creation since 2007)
Seen ZEAL & ARDOR twice this year and both times it was just mind-blowing. Thanks Craig for getting Manuel on the Pod!
@jaydenrock
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Saw them live too. They were the best sounding live band I’ve ever heard. MGMT was number 1 until I saw Zeal and Ardor. The bass in that building made my chest vibrate. It was kinda like a spiritual experience. Met them after and they signed my records for me. The nicest guys ever. They literally took the time out and talked to everyone, took pictures, and signed stuff. Every member.
Black Metal needed a band like this so badly because the genre pool was getting so stale. Was getting tired of the Deafheaven cover bands. But Zeal and Ardor is a once in a lifetime band. My only wish they made more content. I’d love to have a Live Blu-Ray of Zeal and Ardor. I have their Live in London record and I actually prefer that album over all they have released. What an amazing band. It’s criminal they aren’t bigger.
@BMdegen
Жыл бұрын
You will find good black metal once you stop gazing at your shoes, mate
@madeINaBATHtub
Жыл бұрын
He’s right though. There’s something very rare and unique w Z&A. The fact that the idea started from a 4chan mix genre experiment backs up the fact that the stars just aligned on this concept and how well he executed it
0:00 | intro 4:47 | pronounce "gagneux" 5:00 | meshuggah in glasgow 6:48 | "bed time liner" for 80s synthpop band 8:40 | "the best kept secret" in the netherlands 10:38 | headline tours 12:42 | black metal supporting acts 14:30 | black metal purists/elitism 17:01 | inception of Z+A 18:45 | alan lomax 20:30 | devil is fine 25:02 | being an anonymous artist 26:39 | demos 27:38 | over-arcing album themes 29:00 | graphic novel/netflix 30:10 | incantation lyrics 35:02 | self-titled album 38:38 | satanism in music 42:05 | german/wagner 46:38 | interest in the occult 53:17 | twitch 59:23 | having children 1:00:40 | the downbeat dungeons & dragons 1:16:00 | beer 1:17:23 | scoring music 1:19:53 | daniel p. carter 1:21:20 | notation/outro
@reynlord666
Жыл бұрын
Wow thanks 🖤
@vinterfjell
Жыл бұрын
@@reynlord666 🖤
The Death Grips gimmick absolutely rocked me 😂 I've loved the music but now I love the man himself!
"this isn't going to be interesting... I used a SNARE preset on the VOCALS" like, bro😂
This is the only brickless podcast worth watching tbh. Glad you're finally making the big upgrade though
Zeal & Ardor released one of the best albums of the year. Fact. New song, "Firewake" is just fantastic. Fact. This podcast is top fucking tier. Fact.
My favorite thing lately is to discover bands and then look them up and watch Craig interview them to find out the juicy stuff about their music
Couldn't care less about 99.9% of black metal, finally had the pleasure of seeing Z&A live in Hamburg last week and it was actually insane. Knowing the songs and lyrics I was still stumbling all the time because of the intensity of the show. They sound every bit as great live, energy and stage presence are humbling and the closest comparison I could come up with for their lightshow is Perturbator at Wacken Open Air this past August. Couldn't recall any other light or pyro shows for the live of me and I usually do not care for either anyways so do with that whatever you want. Huge fucking recommendation from me and I'll be there again any time I get the chance to!
First heard Z&A at a festival in august last year. Never heard of them and wasn't even gonna go see them but my friend insisted. That was absolutely the best show all year. Seeing this band from the front row and them starting with church burns instantly had me hooked. My favorite newer band since then. And my album of the year by a long shot!
Craig I love how clear and crispy this sounds. I wish everything sounded like this. I think I’ve listened like three times.
When you did the Kermit voice I thought you were imitating Chris Barnes vocals. Killer podcast as always
Dude, Manuel is funny as fuck. Cracks me up every time he delivers one of his deadpan lines. Absolutely loved this episode.
This is the Manuel Gagneux I've been waiting for! Thank you!
Thanks for the awesome quality and the guests! I had never heard of Zeal & Ardor, I’m in love!🖤
Thank you for having him as a guest. Never heard of this band and now I can't stop listening. Amazing
Another great episode, Manuel's such a fun guy (you too Creg, but you're always here), another back catalogue to work through thanks to the podcast. The worst part of these is being made aware of bands that have been touring in the UK that probably won't be back for a while, but it's a small price to pay. Stay edgy for the right reasons!
Fuck yeah! Love this channel, and after discovering Zeal and Ardor like three weeks ago, they're all I've been able to listen to.
I saw Z&A live in May in London this year and I happy cried when they started playing. They're been my favourite band for 5 year 😂🖤
Omg!! I was thinking, “I’d add Bjork but no way he’s gonna” right after the death grips convo and what does he say next??? “Bjork” Danny Brown & jpegMafia cross sets, Rammstein Mr. Bungle or just Mike Patton with random special guests Lightning Bolt in the center of the crowd between set changes. End the amazing festival with Sigur Ros as go to bed liner.
Great podcast! Went to see Mastodon in NYC last year and Zeal and Ardor opened. Never heard of them before that but am fan now after that night. What an amazing live show and energy.
100% my favorite podcast episode
He seems so nice, he's on my priority list of artists I want to interview one day!
Zeal & Ardor has quickly become the main staple when I listen to Metal ever since I heard Devil Is Fine when it was released. I haven't been able to see them live yet since I'm not in Germany anymore and it KILLS ME! They also have given me pause to look into Black Metal as a genre again because I was ticked off when I saw all the racist undertones that comes with bands in the space and I'm glad that it gets addressed by you guys here. Thank you for name dropping some bands you like and I haven't heard of yet. Cheers Craig, first time I came across your channel, great interview, I like your attitude and you got a new subscriber today!
Late one year to watch this one, but fuck dude, this was a fun interview with Manuel! If you get another chance in the future, please invite him again. It waz really fun to listen, like you both vibe along and got lots to talk to.
Craig thank you for having him on, their self titled album blew my mind when I heard it 🤝
I saw Manuel and the guys in Gothenburg last week, amazing show! His vocals are so dynamic in terms of being sweet and beautiful and also extremely powerful. Listen to a live version of Don't you Dare at the last bit to hear just how powerful his voice is. I got the bootleg for the show I attended and I recommend that EVERYONE gets it, you support the guys (and gals) AND get to keep the memory forever!
what an engaging dude. I loved this one, Creg.
fantastic episode!
I’ve seen them twice and it is everything you want it to be and more. Powerful and fuckin gnarly. Love forever 💜
Good podcast, love the brick 👌 Love Zeal and Ardor
I love that every time a new episode of the podcast comes out, I get to check out a new band. Super fun episode!
Love black metal and when I heard Zeal & Ardor I went on a binge for a month (so far), not sure why you couldn't like both.
album of the year easily. for 2022. Im seeing them live tommorow actually. Im looking forward.
great episode like all the ones you've put out man
More algorithm but also this is a fantastic podcast
You guys do look amazing
29:00 Hell yes! I will be buying that graphic novel.
Hype to see a sponser! Congratulations brother
I think the new album may be a masterpiece. salute!!
haven't been able to get into Z&A and i have seen them live but this was such a fun conversation and the new studio looks sick!
that was dope. love the alternate satanic history idea and Craig was bang on about doing it with a guy like Jordan Peele. I really hope he runs with it!
Goetterdaemerung is a sick piece.
if you like black metal can we get a reaction or some video on Oranssi Pazuzu? I think the guys from that band are breaking all sorts of boundries would absolutley LOVE IT if you got them on podcast
A tv series would be golddd
what a nice surprise
"Vargner" got me... lol
Just subscribe to the GOAT even if the bricks are not there ..... that's all
"Mario hell is brickless..."
Hellyeah
"Vargner" made me laugh out loud
I can only watch a podcast if it’s bricked up.
Did he actually say İçli Köfte @1:06:54 ???
34:25 the movies make it end badly to discourage you from actually doing it
No way a new video??
the dream festival is a 5/10. Not enough Death Grips
today i learned wagner invented edging wow
I like the bricks 🧱
@reynlord666
2 ай бұрын
i like your username
@i_like_metal_music
2 ай бұрын
@reynlord666 can you give me a shout out for my KZread music playlist.
hes so awkward and adorable
'rithm
A L G O R I T H M
Love Zeal And Ardor 👆👇
Idk what to comment
Algorithm
I stopped listening to metal. Z&A made the genre enticing to me..once again
I .... I shower.
B R I C S 😉
creg
Not really a fan of this band. But since it's you Craig ... I've left this open and close to muted. So you still get the numbers
@ericthorpe5670
Жыл бұрын
How very open-minded.
@NotMrDaine
Жыл бұрын
@@ericthorpe5670 Well Eric, you see, art is completely subjective. And quite frankly, I didn't want to subject myself to an interview with a band whose music I don't fuck with. Especially since unlike you, I wasn't "discovering Zeal and Ardor like three weeks ago,". Although speaking of subjective fucking ... how's your mum?
@ericthorpe5670
Жыл бұрын
@@NotMrDaine It's not like it's a video of a live concert. It's two dudes talking. You can't listen to a guy just because you don't fuck their music? That's some dumbass shit. My mother is fine. Thanks for asking. Brilliant segway, by the way. It didn't seem forced at all.
@NotMrDaine
Жыл бұрын
@@ericthorpe5670 ... Segue my guy. Segway is a brand
@ericthorpe5670
Жыл бұрын
@@NotMrDaine Potato/Tomato. We're splitting hairs here fella.