November 16, 2015

If you’re on this site, then no doubt you’re as huge a fan of John Carpenter as we all are. And his debut album “Lost Themes” has been on heavy rotation here since it’s release earlier this year.

While a follow up album from the “master of horror” is still a ways off, his record label Sacred Bones has done the next best thing. They’ve just released a full length remix album simply titled “John Carpenter’s Lost Themes Remixed.”

Among the contributors to the compilation are J.G. Thirlwell of FOETUS, SKINNY PUPPY, SILENT SERVICE and more. And while I rather enjoy a lot the remix album has to offer, I’m completely taken aback by the reinterpretation of “Night” by Zola Jesus and Dean Hurley. It’s the sole track on the album to feature vocals and lyrics, and it’s as haunting as it is beautiful.

This kind of perfect marriage of artist and artist doesn’t happen often, so we reached out to Zola Jesus to discuss what it was like to rework a track from one of the most celebrated filmmakers and composers of our generation. Listen to the remix right here:

Blumhouse.com: What are your earliest recollections of discovering the work of John Carpenter? Do you remember which of his movies you saw first & the impact it had on you? And what are among your favorites of his filmography and scores to this day?

Zola Jesus: ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK was probably one of the first Carpenter movies I saw, since my father was a fan of the movie and watched it often when I was young. I remember feeling very impacted by the vivid futurism of the movie, and how it felt a little jarring in between the usual ilk of action movies. My favorite Carpenter movies are THEY LIVE and THE THING, and my favorite score is hands down ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13.

BH: How’d the remix project come to you? Dean Hurley is known for his collaborations with David Lynch, so had you guys every worked together before? And the prospect of “remixing” and adding something to an existing Carpenter track, was there any intimidation? Or more excitement?

ZJ: Dean mixed and co-produced my last record “Taiga,” so we were very used to working together. It was very intimidating to remix Carpenter, because it’s kind of sacrilege. So, I was of course intimidated. But I tried to approach the remix as almost an extension of Carpenter’s style, rather than trying to make it into something totally different. And maybe selfishly, it was my own way of being able to participate in his world.

BH: How’d you land upon the track “Night” as the track to rework? There’s so many great tracks on Carpenter’s “Lost Themes,” I was just curious if that was the one that personally stood out for you on initial listen or if it was assigned?

ZJ: It was very hard to choose a track, since I liked them all, so either Sacred Bones or Dean chose to pursue Night.

BH: I’m always fascinated by the collaborative process when it comes to music. When you settled on the track “Night,” what was the process in adding the melodies and lyrics? Because it’s the only remix on the album to have vocals on it and it really stands out and transforms the song. I was just curious if initially hearing it (and knowing you were going to add to it) evoked any specific imagery or lyrics?

ZJ: The nature of the collaboration between Dean and I, was that Dean re-arranged the song, and then I added vocals. As soon as I heard Dean’s re-working of the song, I imagined the perspective of a game hunter stalking humans, which I felt could easily exist in a Carpenter film.

BH: Have you had a chance to listen to any of the other remixes on the album yet, and if so, which ones are you digging and grooving to the most?

ZJ: Yes! I like them all. I find JG’s very interesting, because he takes the song in such an orchestral direction that is really beautiful and cinematic.

BH: Lastly, John Carpenter announced a gig in Iceland, but apparently he’s got another album on queue and will tour the US. Given the chance, would you be game to jump up on stage and perform your version of “Night” with him? I’m just excited at the prospect of seeing John Carpenter play music live!

ZJ: Ha, that would be a dream! I’m not sure what his plans are for the live show, but to share a stage with him would be nothing short of surreal.

You can pick up John Carpenter’s LOST THEMES Remixed via the official Sacred Bones website right here. Visit the official Zola Jesus website at: http://www.zolajesus.com/

*Special thanks to Jacqueline Greed and Adam Higgins for helping make this interview possible!