1. What's it like being one of the oldest members of the Metanet community?
It makes me feel...arthritic, to say the least! It's the big 3-0 this year, as well. Although, it's a good thing that there are a a wide range of ages within the community, and it really highlights N's appeal factor. Plus the age gives me lots of stories to tell.
2. What kind of maps would you say that you make primarily?
I'm not really sure. If you went by categorisation, it would be action maps, definitely. As for an actual style however...it's a hard thing to define. There is something weird in there, particularly the tilesets. But I'd like to think there are also some elements remeniscent of the Metanet levels in their.
3. I hear you're planning a map pack. What are the workings behind that?
Indeed I am. In fact, it's well past the planning stages, it even might be out by the time this gets published! It's a rather odd collection of levels, because, usually in a map pack, it's either lots of authors all doing roughly the same amount of levels, or just one author. This one is actually an amalgam of both. I also think it's one of the quickest multi-author map packs from conception to release - I only started organising it at the end of December. It's a pretty good line up as well, I reckon. There's me, Caero, Demonz, lord_day, Qix. Yahoozy and Kablizzy.
4. How'd you get Kablizzy to agree to doing a map pack with you?
Haha. Well, it's probably a bit easier than you'd think. Since we're of the same orientation - map-making wise, at least - it's actually quite easy. Obviously the key thing is not to demand too much from him - there is only so much one bunny can do after all!
5. Anything exciting happening with Noctambulant?
Well, we're pressing ahead with the recording of Omen, which is a long and arduous process, however very much enjoyable nonetheless. I've just been penning some lyrics for a new song, in fact. The thing with making this type of music is that the entirety of it's production, from origin to packaging - it's just really one long journey. We've been at it for 2 and a half years now, with breaks, naturally. I've certainly enjoyed following the process.
6. How did Noctambulant get it's start?
Funnily enough we're in the process of writing a short biography for the album sleeve, but it's way too long for here. So this is a condensed version. I started out in 1992, making a crude variety of thrash in my post-school band, Martyrium. There I met with Jon (Noctambulant's drummer). However, as a band we didn't last long. Me and Jon went through university pretty much together, and we became better with our instruments. In 1995 we formed Noctambulant, and again stayed with metal up until 1998, when we had a bit of an argument and fell out with each other. During the period we were split up, we both explored other types of music, mine predominantly being jazz. I learnt to play the alto saxophone, which now has a smooth but fairly large role in the smoother aspects of Noctambulant's music. In 2004 we reformed as a trio with Jeff, and began writing a demo. The demo eventually worked it's way into a full album, and as we see it now, a 2CD album. Our ideas have progressed infinitely since, though, so the music has changed rather drastically in the relatively short time period. I'll stop typing this now.
7. Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Very much so. Don't be afraid of the avantgarde and progressive styles of music, otherwise you'll find yourself making boring pop droll, going nowhere. Pick one instrument and stick with it. You can change the styles of how you're playing, but, until you're playing at your peak, you're not ready to move onto improving another aspect of your musicality. And the third is a simple one; Practice, practice, practice!
8. If you were a monster truck what name would you go by and why?
Well, it would have to be a snappy, sharp name. However, contray to that, I think I'd go for "Ujaku". It sounds exotic, but it's actually the name of a Naked City song, with excellent squealing free-jazz-style alto sax. The same squealing you get at the racetrack and such. Hehe, a loose connection, I know, but a connection nonetheless.