Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (http://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
Zakk Weathersby: I typically describe Cryptic Confinement as an instrumental metal project. It’s a creative outlet for me and a relaxing way to escape from the ordinary.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
ZW: I grew up in Arlington, TX. I still live in the area. When I was in fifth grade, the school orchestra teacher stopped me in the hallway. She noticed I had somewhat long fingers and because I was tall, she said I would make a good double bass player. I was a bit reluctant, but she insisted I give it a shot. “Just try it for two weeks” she said. “If you don’t like it you can quit”. I ended up spending 3 years in the school orchestra, and my experience as a bass player helped me to learn guitar. So two weeks ended up being a life-long endeavor for me.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
ZW: Well I’ve been inspired by countless musicians over the years and encouraged by many friends and relatives. Since my music is all instrumental, I just typically focus on how it sounds. It’s not really about anything. Song titles are generally just after thoughts. Short phrases that sum up things that are on my mind. Maybe something I’m dwelling on or something that just intrigues me.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
ZW: Creating and sharing music is my most important goal as an artist. The more I get to share that music, the more accomplished I feel.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
ZW: A few years ago, Paul Allender (ex Cradle Of Filth, The Blood Divine) reached out to me. He was quite impressed with my music and even offered to help me promote it. Paul is one of my all-time favorite guitarists so when that happened I was stoked. It felt like such a great accomplishment to know that someone who had inspired me so much, not only listened to my music but actually liked it!
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
ZW: Well, I’m terrible at networking and promoting so pretty good considering that. As one of those bedroom artists, I’ve got to say it’s much easier to create now than it has ever been. Cakewalk software has probably been the most useful songwriting tool I’ve ever owned, aside from my Les Paul.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
ZW: I purchase digital music all the time. Keyword: purchase! When I was younger, I never really thought much about Lars Ulrich and his fight against Napster, but he was totally right. Even as a bedroom artist, it’s not cheap to produce and promote music. Purchasing digital downloads is a much better way to support an artist you like. The margins are almost as good purchasing physical merchandise and it’s a win-win for the artist and the fan. There is less overhead cost which is good for us and because digital downloads are usually cheaper, the fan’s money goes further so they can afford to support more artists.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
ZW: Well I really don’t get the hype about streaming music. I cannot stand having my music interrupted by commercials, and subscriptions to paid streaming services don’t really do much to help artists at all. I would really like 
to see streaming services reworked in a way that is fairer to artists. Afterall, people don’t listen to Spotify so they can hear that same Home Depot commercial over and over again.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
ZW: Well besides a new Cryptic Confinement album, I’ve also been working on building a couple of guitars for myself. I’ve got a friend helping me with that and I’ve been interested in doing it for quite a while now. It’s quite a tedious process, but I think it will be worth it.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
ZW: The best place would be our Bandcamp page. All of our music, merch and updates will be available at crypticconfinement.bandcamp.com
Cryptic Confinement links:
Band/Artist location – Dallas, TX.
Facebook – You Tube – Bandcamp – Merch – Reverbnation –
Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer –
Check our page for Cryptic Confinement
