Happy Friday, friends. Today it is an absolute honor to profile Dave French and his latest project, Semantron. It’s a name many of us are familiar with – specifically for his work with Yob, of course, but also Steve Von Till and Harvestman. Just last month he released Secrets Of A Krummholz Heart as the debut of his new ambient solo project. It is a pensive, immersive collection and the more time you spend with it and learn about it, the more you connect with it. And the timing of this listening endeavor couldn’t be better, at least for me. Having had the privilege of seeing Dave at Fire In The Mountains, sharing (and photographing) that special place and time with Blackfeet Nation, and recognizing and supporting the incredibly important work of The Firekeeper Alliance… let’s just say this is really good stuff as I continue to ride the gratitude wave of that experience. So, give Dave’s responses to our questions a read and hit play. While I know the release show for this one has come and gone, you can still catch him with SVT later this month, so mark those dates on your calendars as well. Until next time!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I have been interested in music since I was very young. When I was 3 years old, or so, I would stand in front of the mirror with my cowboy hat, wearing a toy pistol and holster and boots (and pajama pants, of course) and make up songs and weird sounds. By 10 years old, I had a partial drum kit pieced together from odd drums kids parents had in their attic or garage. I didn’t have a kick pedal, so I would literally, just kick the drumhead. The rest, is history, as they say… I was in my first metal band at 12. We played covers of Judas Priests, Green Manalishi (Unleashed in the East version), The Zoo, by Scorpions and of course, Black Sabbath, by you know who.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

I would describe the music of Semantron as deeply personal. A bit like a sonic self-portrait. Combining my earliest musical influences (Pink Floyd, Rush, etc..) and later ones like Dead Can Dance, classical composers like Debussy with my love for nature, travel, field recordings (natural or industrial) and music that pays no heed to the boundaries of genre. It’s unpredictable, expansive and always evolving.

Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

While recording the foundations of “Secrets of a Krummholz Heart” I was living in an old log cabin in the mountains. Just as the snow began to fall for the winter, a kitten appeared on the back porch. He wasn’t in great shape, and I invited him in. As he healed, his presence would have a notable effect on the mood and feel of the record. He was an inspiration for the song “At the Feet of Friendship”, which I was just writing when he showed up. He’s called Budgie. 

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

My friend, Jason Roeder once asked me, “why do all your ‘funny’ stories involve some friend of yours getting either hurt or embarrassed?”  So, no I don’t have any stories I can share… Haha!

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The heavy music scene, in general has evolved into a deeply conscientious and inclusive scene. I love to go to shows and see people treating each other with decency and being bonded by respect and kindness. One truly great movement in that community right now is that of “The Firekeeper Alliance”. Bringing the battle against the tragic rate of suicide amongst Native American populations out of the hushed realm of shame and silence and into the loud and light of empowerment, camaraderie and a shared origin and destiny through heavy music.  Check it out and support them! https://firekeeperalliance.org/

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Socially, my favorite “cause” is simple compassion and the cultivating of the understanding that we are all just Earthlings… slugs, ants, elephants and all peoples alike.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share? 

One of my favorite things is long, solo backpacking trips. It’s something I’m not doing enough of right now, as between Yob, Semantron and Steve Von Till, my time is pretty tightly accounted for through the year. When I get the chance to get out in the mountains, I’d say a hobby of mine is to take photos. The album cover “Secrets of a Krummholz Heart” is comprised of photos I took on the shoulder of Mt. Hood in Oregon.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

There are so many out there and each is doing a different thing, so it’s difficult to come up with something to suggest to critics and outlets as a whole. Like the rest of life, the world of music critics and outlets is made up of all kinds of individuals being related to or alienating readers based on their opinions and those of the reader. That’s just fine by me. Let’s keep it diverse! Thanks for talking about music.

Any specific long term goals in mind?

So many goals for this project! On the top of the “right now” is booking a full fledged tour in Europe and the UK early next year. At the top of the “general goals” list is simply to keep exploring and expanding as a musician, human being and spirit in a fleshy reality.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

There is some amazing new music coming out right now! Three of my favorite news records are;  “Breaking the Catatonic State” by Belgian band Crouch,  “Cicatrizes Do Futuro” by Brazil’s Deaf Kids, and “An Undying Love for a Burning World” by Neurosis. Ak’chamel is also pretty dope.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Semantron will play a single show to commemorate the release of “Secrets of a Krummholz Heart” at The Rabbit Box Theatre in Seattle on July 10th. I will also be playing 3 solo sets opening for Steve Von Till while I’m out touring with him as part of his band this August;

*8/19 at Big Dipper in Spokane, WA, 

*8/23 at Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown, CA, 

*8/26 at Queen B Vinyl Cafe in Cottonwood, AZ

Summarize your band in one word.

Interoexploratory

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Many thanks to Dave for the time! (And tell Budgie we say ‘hi’.)

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Secrets Of A Krummholz Heart is out now. For more information and to keep in touch with Semantron, head over to Instagram or Facebook.