Her Despair Interview
Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD. What type of artist are you?
HD. Her Despair play primarily gothic music, mixed with aspects of rock, punk and metal. These influences culminate in a suitably unholy cacophony of sound; simultaneously delivering lyrics that keep one eye on the erotic, the other on the theologic.
PD. Tell us the brief history of yourself.
HD. Initially started in 2015 as a solo studio project and releasing debut album “Hymns For the Hopeless,” I subsequently searched the local steeples to assemble the full band. Since then our focus has been to deliver live performances wherever and whenever possible, whilst composing and recording our new EP. Entitled “Mournography,” it is due to be unleashed on the 20th of July this year.
PD. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
HD. Musically, The Sisters of Mercy have always been the predominant influence. Others would include such bands and artists as HIM, Rammstein, and Nick Cave. Non-musically, The Bible.
PD. What are your dreams and goals?
HD. Doing a tour, playing exclusively in churches, is something that would certainly be high on the list of hopes and dreams. We could call the tour “The Gospel According to Her Despair,” or something similarly ironic. Sadly I fear that may be slightly difficult to attain due to the nature of some of our lyrical content, but who knows what the future may hold. I suppose the ultimate dream would simply be to expose as many people to Her Despair as possible, and supporting some of our favourite bands live.
PD. Who writes your songs, what are they about?
HD. I tend to come up with the basics of the songs, then we’ll work on them together as a band. Fleshing out the skeleton, so to speak. Lyrically I find myself drifting towards themes such as religion, love, sex, and the end. As mentioned earlier; one eye on the erotic, one on the theologic.
PD. How do you promote your band and shows?
HD. We’ve taken some deliberate time away recently whilst finalising all the various aspects of 
“Mournography,” but now we’re ready to lead the congregation again we’ll be promoting through digital, physical, video, and merchandise. There are always new ways arising to promote yourself, so we’re excited to embrace different prospects.
PD. What do you think about downloading music online?
HD. We’re always happy to pay for the music we enjoy, whether through legitimate streaming platforms or buying from a digital store. Personally I would not use any of the less legal ways of obtaining music for several reasons, not least because I’d like the bands I enjoy to make some money so they’re able to continue touring and recording new music. Having said that, if someone were to download Her Despair songs from one of those slightly questionable sites or programmes, I’d probably just be flattered we were available on there in the first place.
PD. What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
HD. We don’t have a record deal, so unfortunately aren’t in a position to share much insight on that subject. Sadly the general consensus on the record industry doesn’t seem to have been wholly positive in recent years though.
PD. What song do you wish you’d written and why?
HD. Lucretia My Reflection by The Sisters of Mercy; in my opinion it has everything that a song should have. It’s catchy, it’s powerful, it’s straight-forward, it’s complex, it’s intelligent, it’s sexual, and I notice something new about it every time I listen to it. Besides that, perhaps the hymn “Jerusalem,” but probably not due to the same adjectives.
PD. What are some of your pet peeves?
HD. To be honest, despite our imperceptibly melancholy appearances, we’re a fairly relaxed group of individuals. Lack of punctuality and organisation would certainly be contenders for me 
though.
PD. What is your proudest moment in music?
HD. Finishing “Mournography.” I have never been prouder, or more excited, of a group of songs that this band performs, and we cannot wait to share them. Abandon hope and pray.
PD. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
HD. Live announcements will follow in the near future, so please keep up to date on our Facebook page. You would be welcome to join the sermon as we are always delighted to see new faces and meet new people, and we guarantee you an evening of unique music with plenty of appropriately eerie theatricality.
Her Despair links:
Band location – Reading England
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