FRANK MULLEN (Suffocation) – Couldn’t talk for 2 days

Planen var å få gjort dette intervjuet under Inferno, men ting gikk ikke helt etter planen når det kom til Suffocation og intervjuene vi skulle gjøre med dem. Derfor tok jeg kontakt med dem i ettertid ved litt hjelp fra Relapse og slik gikk det til at Frank Mullen endte opp i The Deepthroat Series.

 

ET – When did you start doing extreme vocals (What year and at what age)?
FRANK – I started doing vocals at 18 which was 1988

ET – What made you start to do extreme vocals?
FRANK – I was playing guitar at first and I was ok nothing great and then I said let me see if I could sing so I tried and then I couldn’t talk for 2 days but I kept trying and then I just happened.

ET – Can you describe the technique or the techniques you are using?
FRANK – Basically I just sing from the gut its all about the power you get from the gut and this way you have the longevity without destroying your throat.

ET – Has your technique changed during your career?
FRANK – No it’s always remained the same I just don’t cup the mike like I used to on the first albums

ET – Have you ever hurt yourself by using a "wrong technique"?
FRANK – No not really

ET – Is there something you do on a regular basis to keep your voice in shape? Any routines?
FRANK – Nope nothing

ET – Do you think it can be dangerous to do extreme vocals?
FRANK – I guess if you push to hard you could do some damage but I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do this without injury

ET – What is most important for you – to make cool sounds and interesting rhythms, or to have a clear diction/pronunciation?
FRANK – I think a little of both I want it to be powerful but understandable as well

ET – Do you think that extreme vocals can be made into a science, like "this is how it works for everyone, to make this sound you have to do this etc"? Or is it more intuitive and individual how to do it?
FRANK – I think its just like some people can really sing and some people can do extreme vocals not everyone can do it if we could then everyone would have this amazing singing voice or sick death metal voice

ET – Do you have any advice to people who wants to start doing extreme vocals?
FRANK – Sure if you want to try it out go for it but if its not for you don’t force it

ET – Mention three extreme vocalists whose style you admire, and explain your choice. What specifically do you like about the styles of those three? Also mention three vocalists (not necessarily extreme vocalists) which you have been influence by, and explain in which way you have been influenced by each of them.
FRANK – I have always liked Martin from Pestilence, he always sounded like he had such pain in voice. Barney from Napalm Death was always a favourite because he has just raw power and of course Chuck from Death, he always added feelings with brutality in his vocals.

ET – Who do you want to challenge in this series? (Who should be the next extreme vocalist to answer these questions?) Give a brief explanation for your choice.
FRANK – I guess you should talk to John Tardy from Obituary.