CHRIS REIFERT (Autopsy) – Drink tons of alcohol

This guy is a living legend. He started Autopsy, perhaps the most brutal band in the Bay Area back in 1987. It is not very much information one has gotten out of Chris in this interview, apart from some drinking humor among his short answers. Here are regardless Chris Reifert of Autopsy and his contributions to The Deepthroat Series.

When did you start doing extreme vocals (What year and at what age)?

I was 18 when Autopsy got together and needed a vocalist. We couldn’t find anyone for the job so I ended up going for it and it worked out pretty well.

What made you start to do extreme vocals?

It was necessary in order to have any sort of vocals in the band, though Eric did a bit of vocals as well.

Can you describe the technique or the techniques you are using?

Uuuuhhh, open up and let ‘er rip. And go from the gut. That shit’s gotta come from deep down. It needs to be guttural and loud as hell!

Has your technique changed during your career?

Nah, there’s not much science to it. Having said that, my voice was a bit screechy when I first started out.

Have you ever hurt yourself by using a "wrong technique"?

No. There has been a couple of times where we had gigs to follow through with while I had a cold which would cause a loss of talking voice the next day, but that’s no big deal. Gotta deliver the rotten goods, ya know!

Is there something you do on a regular basis to keep your voice in shape? Any routines?

There is one exercise where I lift the can of beer up to my mouth and bring it back down repeatedly. It’s very strenuous but that’s the price to pay. Haha!

Do you think it can be dangerous to do extreme vocals?

Only when I’m throwing knives while doing vocals. Look out!

What is most important for you – to make cool sounds and interesting rhythms, or to have a clear diction/pronunciation?

Depends on the song I guess. Sometimes you can hear what the lyrics are and sometimes it sounds like inhuman glass gurgling from beyond but there are lyrics in those instances also, believe it or not!

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?

Everyone has their own way I suppose. Honestly I’ve never asked anyone else about it. Whatever sounds cool I guess. I have heard of folks who use sprays or take screaming lessons though and I find that funny as fuck!

Do you have any advice to people who wants to start doing extreme vocals?

Yeah, drink tons of alcohol!

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.

I like me, myself and I quite a bit! Why not?

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.

I think you should hit up Wayne Newton. Danke fuckin’ shoen up yer ass!

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