Women-led musical projects are, unfortunatelly, still rare in extreme metal. However, slowly, but surely more and more female musicians are gaining success in that style of music and oftentimes enrich the genre with fresh ideas. Australian solo musician Emily Highfield and the impressive debut iof her project SULDUSK are one example of that development. In the following interview with the artist behind the project you can read more about why the debut, despite having screamed vocals and distorted guitars, is not predominantly a metal record, what other muscians brought into the album as well as what has been a bigger problem for her than sexism up until now.
The name of your solo project, SULDUSK, has a certain mysterious sound to it. What is the idea behind it?
It is inspired by a combination of sul meaning ‘receive’ in Korean, and dusk being a liminal time of the day – between the light and the dark. It is also a Dungeons and Dragon reference to a tribe of wild elves. All meanings are relevant.
Did you already create music before SULDUSK or is it your first creative outlet?
I have always been involved in music from early days, but I took a break for a long while. I then started writing and uploading onto Soundcloud which was very inspiring and motivating.
What do you think is the creative core of SULDUSK, the essence that can be found in every single one of your songs?
What a great question. All the tracks on „Lunar Falls“ were written on acoustic, and also perhaps all the tracks draw from imagery of nature.
You combine dark folk and post-rock in your music, with the addition of some black metal. What exactly inspired you to combine these genres?
Composing has always been about creating an atmosphere for me. Acoustic richness in dark folk can be effective in expressing a stark honesty, but to fuse that with the wider textures that more extreme metal can offer is very exciting. I absolutely love the production of washed out harsh vocals as used by Coldworld, and Unreqvited, and the deep melancholy of depressive black metal like Austere.
The black metal elements are present, but a bit more in the background than the other influences. Are you maybe also considering writing more harsh sounding songs in the future?
Yes, I feel there are some coming on the next album absolutely. It will be an album of more extremes.
Your songs partly remind me of Emma Ruth Rundle, Sylvaine and Myrkur. Are these artists among your role models or do you draw your inspiration from other sources?
I deeply respect these artists – they are wonderful composers and definitely inspirational trail blazers. I would say musically, I am more influenced by elements of Agalloch, Opeth, Trees Of Eternity and depressive metal, Unreqvited, Heretoir and Austere.
Women are still in the minority in extreme metal. Did you have to deal with rejection because of that, has it perhaps even increased the curiosity of metal listeners about your music, or do you think that this is actually of no particular impact?
It isn’t sexism that I have encountered in metal. More it is a form of ‘elitism’ which is very disappointing. However, personally speaking, overall I have been very lucky and have had goodwill from people who understand that I am from the same metal tribe although I come from another place.
With „Lunar Falls“ the release of your debut album is coming up. Do you think that the fans of your first few songs will appreciate the record as a whole or are there songs some might take time to get used to?
It really depends on the listener and what they expect. It is an album of neo-folk, with flourishes of atmospheric black metal or doom, not the other way around. It is quite vocally driven as well. The people that connect with it, really connect with it on a deeper level, and that is heartening.
You’ve worked with some guest musicians on the album and already played live with renowned bands, and some of your songs have also been shared on the YouTube channel of In The Woods… How did you manage to gain a foothold in the scene so quickly?
I think I have been lucky and have had support from people who understand that I am just doing my own thing, and that perhaps this is a type of new offering.
As already mentioned, some guest musicians contributed to the album – but SULDUSK is still a solo project. So, do you write your songs all on your own or have your fellow musicians also contributed to the songwriting?
Going into live performances and studio, I have a concept of what I would like in certain sections of the tracks. I provide this to the musician and together we shape the outcome. Having said that, two tracks on the album were definitely shaped a lot by other composers, being „Drogue“ with Skyggefigurrer, and „The Elm“, which is based on „Sinking Ships“ by Juha Raivio and Aleah Stanbridge.
Are there certain musicians with whom you would like to collaborate in the future?
Yes absolutely. There are too many to mention to be honest!
In my opinion the production of the album sounds very professional and polished. Would you say that you are a perfectionist in that matter?
Thank you. The supervising producer of „Lunar Falls“ is Mark Kelson who was amazing to work with. He was absolutely pedantic in the best way. We spent one whole day just picking out which configuration of vocal mics to use!
According to your label, on „Lunar Falls“ you’re dealing with the search for identity and the things one has to sacrifice or overcome in that process. Can you tell us more about what this is all about?
Some of us are lucky enough to grow up in a loving place of belonging and a strong sense of self. Some of us are not. We are sent blindfolded through this maze of life and have to find our own way. Innocence, joy and wonder can become lost. Spending time in nature, can fortify us during such challenging times, and help us reconnect with our true inner nature.
„Lunar Falls“ is dedicated to the late Aleah Stanbridge. What connected you personally with her?
Aleah, to me, represents an ultimate loss. She was a spectacular composer and vocalist who never lived to see the effect her music had on others, as her album was released after she died.
As already mentioned, your song „The Elm“ is an adaptation of Trees Of Eternity’s „Sinking Ships“, which was sung by Aleah. What gave you the idea to rewrite the track and release it on the album?
„The Elm“ is a tribute to an amazing artist who died just as her career commenced. I heard „Sinking Ships“ and then when I found out she had just died I mourned for this artist who had profoundly moved me. I asked Juha Raivio if it was ok to include my adaptation of the song on my album. He gave me his blessing. He understood that I wanted to carry on the spirit of the Nightingale and let more people discover this amazing artist who left a beautiful legacy.
The song „Aphasia“ was accompanied by an official music video already some time ago. Why did you choose this particular track and what was the idea behind the concept of the video?
The music video director Dillon Pearce chose to work on this track as a passion project and he responded to the visual concepts I raised. Essentially the theme is about embracing your shadow – to find strength in the darkness. That is, to accept that is part of our humanity for good or bad.
Which of your tracks do you think is the most accomplished one you’ve created to this day?
I am very self critical, and feel my next album will be even more of a reflection of what I envision. However, I am very proud of „Lunar Falls“ for a debut, and of all the tracks on the album, „Sovran Shrines“ is a reflection of the songwriting direction I wish to take. It takes the listener on a journey.
For the release of your debut you worked with Northern Silence. For what particular reason did you choose this label?
Northern Silence is well respected for curating some of the finest underground releases in atmospheric black metal ever! Torsten, the label manager, expressed belief and a deep understanding and appreciation of the album. Also, he is one of the hardest working people I know, and he loves what he does.
Can you tell us what’s planned next for SULDUSK?
After playing some amazing live supports for Anaal Nathrakh, Lindsay Schoolcraft, Zeal & Ardor recently, I wish to start working on bringing „Lunar Falls“ to life with bigger instrumentation and an even more immersive show. A few small tours here and there are planned. Also, I have started working on demos for the next album.
At Metal1.info we usually end our interviews with a short brainstorming. What do you think about the following terms?
Low-fi production: Raw and real has its place. I love it.
Australian nature: Dangerous and beautiful
Blast beats: Perfect when used selectively.
Pop music: Every now and then something of substance will emerge.
Feminism: Grateful to the pioneers.
SULDUSK in ten years: Writing songs by the sea!
Thanks again for this interview. Would you like to say a few last words to the readers?
Thank you, Stephan, for these well thought out questions!
I hope the readers enjoy the album.
12. April 2019 Stephan Rajchl
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