Luke Easter interview

Interview with Luke Easter
May 29, 2003
by Steph Perry

Where Moth And Rust Destroy is an awesome album – thanks for the opportunity for this interview.
Thanks for the compliment. Here’re the answers to your questions.

How has the reaction been to Where Moth And Rust Destroy?
The response so far has been very good, very positive. We get a lot of mail, and I’ve seen a lot of reviews, all of them have been overwhelmingly good.

One of my favorite songs from Where Moth And Rust Destroy is “Convoluted Absolutes”. Can you talk about the inspiration behind it?
I had the “Koko signs her A-B-C’s…” line for awhile before we started this album, but I didn’t know what, if anything, I’d use itfor. I wasn’t sure if it’d really work for a Tourniquet song. When I was flying out to do WMARD, I was working on the lyrics for the song. I started drawing parallels in my mind between the way animals are conditioned to behave a certain way or perform certain tasks, and the way the world around us, especially the media and educational system, is conditioning our minds to think a certain way.  It’s getting more difficult to have an opinion or belief system that does not jibe with the status quo. It’s gotten to a point where most people don’t seem to think for themselves anymore. If it’s on TV, or a teacher says somethings true, people accept it as fact. As a result everything has become relative; it seems like no one believes in absolutes anymore. Not many people will take a stand for something they believe in, because they’ve been conditioned to go with the flow and not make waves.  As a Christian, I know there are absolutes, and I believe that we have a responsibility to be vocal about the issues we’re faced with in life. That’s basically where the song came from.

It’s amazing how the imagery of “Drawn and Quartered” relates to so many religious groups that have been tortured and killed for believing in their God. Do you find that people are close-minded to religions outside their own beliefs?
I think closed-minded is not the right way to look at it. If you are following a religious path, and you truly believe in it, why would you have any need for another set of religious values? For example, I am a Christian, a follower of Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ was and is still God. I believe that He died, was buried and rose from the grave 3 days later. I believe the Bible is the word of God. This is the basis for my life and my art. What use do I have for Buddhism or Islam or any of the other religions out there? I certainly respect the rights of others to follow whatever religion they choose, but I also have the right to follow mine. My religion is more than a religion. A religion is set of rules and rituals for showing devotion. I really don’t like the word religion. I have faith in God.

What’s the status of the touring guitarist and a tour?
We’re still auditioning people, and we hope to have someone locked in soon. As soon as that’s in place, we’ll start planning shows. I’m really looking forward to getting out there as soon as we can.

Your vocal ability is amazing, from melodic to metal, your range is intense. Does your character change along with your voice?
Thanks. I’m not sure I understand the question. My demeanor and physicality change a little from voice to voice. I’m not an actor, but I guess it’s similar to an actor playing a role. Some of the vocals I do are straight singing or shouting, but some are more stylized, character type vocals. The “lecturer” voice in “Archeteuthis” I have to stand a certain way and get into the right head space to do that properly, so I guess, if I’m understanding the question correctly, my character changes for that voice.

How did you and Ted meet?
I met Ted at my audition for Tourniquet back in 1993.

What keeps you busy outside Tourniquet?
I’m married. I have other work I do outside of Tourniquet. I’m pretty involved with my church. I hang out with friends. I am a huge movie buff.

Did you develop your deep relationship with God as a child or later?
I was raised in church, but I didn’t really get serious about God until after high school. Following Him is the best decision I’ve ever made.

Is Luke Easter your birth name?
Luke Easter is my real name.

What was your first rock concert?
The first Christian show I remember seeing was Steve Taylor in 1985. My first non-Christian show was the New Jersey Syndicate tour with Bon Jovi and Skid Row.