Alternative Music
Goddess Rock: An Interview with NiNi Burkart
Dateline: Monday, January 23, 2006
By: EDWARD O'TOOLE
By: Phenomena Esotericist-at-Large
With music and lyrics inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and the Grand Inquisition,
along with a more realistic look at classical fairy tales, Industrial Gothic
Goddess rock group Corvo could be set to become the latest craze. Blending
aggressive, avant-garde electronics, horror film-inspired organ and piano, and
powerful, passionate female vocals, CORVO's signature sound has been described
by peers and fans as "evil opera" "apocalyptic" "atmospheric," "so scary it's
beautiful" and "sexy as hell." NiNi Burkart, lead vocalist of Corvo, is
interviewed by Edward O’Toole, Phenomena’s aesthetic esotericist-at-large.
Ed - You publicly state your belief in the Goddess, tell us about it.
NiNi - I bought my first book about witchcraft at a store called Esoterica in
New Orleans. After having been raised Catholic and Christian for the first half
of my life, it was really scary to open that book. Teachings of hell and demonic
possession and all of that old-world hysteria still predominates modern-day
religious circles, but I knew that something was missing in my spiritual life.
Why did I relate more to the stories of Greek Goddesses than to the Bible? Why
did I feel like I could speak to the trees and the animals? Why did I often find
myself singing to the moon as if it were the "God" that I'd learned about in
Christianity? Why did I secretly wish that I was a Native American Indian who
knew how to commune with nature and use it for power?
Honestly, as a child, I didn't mind going to Catholic Churches and schools. It
was not a negative experience at all. It's why I still welcome crucifixes into
my home and onto my body, and why I love all of the trappings of it – the
incense, the candles, the shrines and the altars. It's very much a part of me –
it's half of my life! Christianity will always remain a very important part of
who I am spiritually.
But even my parents could tell you that I was not a "religious" girl, rather, a
very spiritual one. My mom told me that I used to talk to "angels," and that I
had a "sixth sense" that always freaked her out a bit. When we were forced to
pray the rosary in chapel once at school, I rebelled against it, because I hated
having to "learn" by exact "rote" how to be spiritual. Shouldn't one's walk with
"God" be as natural as speaking to a person? I thought so. Pretty revolutionary
[and weird] for a grade-schooler. It got me in trouble a lot, but I couldn't
deny it. I will always be one to question and to seek, and to not mind so much
that I'll never "find."
Even though it felt "wrong" at first to learn about Pagan religions, and to
accept the fact that I was drawn mainly to Celtic Paganism and witchcraft, I
jumped in. That true seeker in me recognized that I was not complete in
Christianity/Catholicism. My own truths were not those of the Christian
ideologies that were pounded into my brain, and it took years to unlearn the
concept of "Hell" and "One God" and "The Only God." My hugest problem with
Christianity [which remains so] was the patriarchal focus of that religion. It
was not enough for me, nor did it resound within me as something right and true.
So in seeking and learning about other religions, my identity in the Goddess
became a huge personal truth. My spirit really woke up and said, "AHA! THAT'S
what I've been missing!"
The thing is, my spiritual life is not "Goddess-centric." If I wrapped myself
completely in only the female aspect of divinity, it wouldn't be right for me,
either. Now that I've awakened to the Goddess, my spiritual walk feels complete
because I am now aware of both God and Goddess. In my heart, if I concentrated
only on Her, I would be depriving myself of a balanced spirit – just as what was
happening when the first part of my life revolved only around God. So you will
not see me participating in Goddess oriented covens or worship ceremonies, just
because it's not my own personal truth to be that. You will find me conversing
with the moon, and calling out to certain Goddesses when in need of help.
However, you will also find me doing the same with the sun, and with certain
male deities. Obviously, because I am a woman, I relate more to the Goddess, but
I also learn so much from God. The Goddess is who I am, and The God protects me
like a husband. –I personally need both in my life.
Ed - Okay, tell me about your personality (from an Aries point of view).
NiNi - Although my birth date falls under the astrological sign of Aries, I am
not a "true" Aries. Red and fiery, yes. Take charge? Yes. A strong leader? Yes.
Very driven? Yes. But conversely, my personality is also very laid back and
flexible for an Aries. I can "give in" to arguments and I don't have to be "the"
leader. All of my life, every time I've ever read anything about being an Aries,
about 50% of it seemed right, but in my heart, something was always missing.
In the year 2000, the missing puzzle piece was found in Salem, Massachusetts. G9
[my band mate/husband] and I visited the city for their annual "Eerie Events"
festival in October – Friday the 13 th on the night of a full moon, to be exact!
It was on this night that I visited my very first psychic. The time and the
place felt right, and fate led me to a numerologist named Mark. I told him
nothing about myself, except for my birth date [including time of birth]. As he
consulted his books, he said so many things that lined up with my life, it was
evident that he was "the real deal."
The most amazing and fulfilling revelation was when he told me that I'm equally
Aries and Gemini by nature. He told me to consult both signs and give each equal
weight whenever I seek astrological aid. So basically, I'm both a Cardinal sign
[Aries] and a Mutable sign [Gemini]. – I am one with leadership skills, but also
one who can be flexible. What he did not know is that when I was born in April,
it was two months premature! Had I been born in the actual month originally
planned for me, I would have been a Gemini.
Somehow, the opposing dynamics of these signs have [I think] worked together to
help me fulfill the roles of being a good leader and communicator. They've
definitely worked together to help me as an artist because as a performer, it's
really important to take constructive criticism well, and to not be "married" to
your ideas. I'm more of a collaborative artist; but I'm also a "front-woman," so
it helps to have the leadership qualities of a true Aries, but also the
pliability of a Gemini. It was really quite an epiphany to finally understand
why all of these years, I'd always said to myself, "Hm…that [Aries] sort of
seems like me, but not totally!"
Ed - Why are you so interested in matters macabre?
NiNi - I always joke about my personal origins in horror and the macabre. I can
trace it back to the very moment it happened and the way I describe it is this:
Bram Stoker stole my virginity.
I remember being about 10-years-old and ordering a graphic novel of Bram
Stoker's Dracula from my grade school's book club. I earned it with my
allowance, and since it was a "comic book," I guess my parents didn't think much
of it…if only they knew how much it would change their daughter. Actually, I'm
glad that they didn't - they would've never let me near that book!
My Dark Lord, those images and that story made me feel so many delicious things!
I'd never really seen fangs until I saw them illustrated in that book! And the
beautiful vampire brides in their float-y, sensual, see-through gowns? I wanted
to be them. Oh and the puncture marks in Mina and Lucy's throats seemed so
frightening, but so…beautiful. And that gorgeous, dark-haired, caped man who
made me feel things in places that I'd never felt things before. And the ability
to shape-shift? That castle? Wow, what a read! Some of my first tangibly sexual
stirrings as a prepubescent girl happened the day that I read Bram Stoker's
Dracula. From that day on, anything having to do with monsters, haunted houses,
ghosts, vampires, and deepest, darkest places would instantly suck me in…and so
it remains.
As an adult, it goes way beyond literature and art and sexuality. I believe that
ultimately, my interest in the macabre is just a continuation of my spiritual
self. I've always been so sensitive to a realm outside of this human plane,
which often reaches into the depths of death and comes back out again. I became
such a liberated person the moment that I stopped living for "the magic wand
that fixes all hurts" and understood the value of embracing darkness, and
drawing upon its power. When fears still confront me [as they always will], I
have no problem staring those "monsters" right in the face because…well, I do
that everyday anyway in a more aesthetic sense, so why not literally as well?
Ed - You quite well known in the Gothic community and, soon, will be very well
known! Who do you see as the current trend leader in terms of gothic style,
Gothic music and the public face of Gothic image?
NiNi - Although several "chain" types of stores have found a way to capitalize
on what's become a more public face of the Gothic [sub]culture, I still don't
really feel that there are any current "trend" leaders. I'm actually really
thankful for that, because"trend" and Gothic – in my opinion – should never
really be complimentary.
As far as being a true leader, I think that Gothic Beauty magazine is doing
wonders for Gothic fashion, music and the public face of Gothic image. Just the
fact that we now have a legitimate and pretty widely distributed magazine
available to represent our world sort of legitimizes it – makes it more credible
to the outside world in a sense, which is fantastic.
As a connoisseur of all things Gothic, the magazine has really proven to be a
great guide and source of inspiration to me, and I know to many. The fashion
spreads – especially now that they're in full color – are always tasteful and
inspiring, and they cover a wide range of styles from Romantic to Cyber to
Lolita. I love how the magazine doesn't exclude anyone, and even fuses together
styles that one would never think could work. It covers the larger, easily
accessible clothing labels [Tripp NYC, Lip Service, Torrid, etc.] but also the
specialized "boutiques" like Heavy Red, Kambriel and Crimson Empress. The
magazine celebrates all body types, all ages, all price ranges, and does not
perpetuate stereotypes or single out one certain style as being "the" style.
Gothic Beauty is the same way with music – they conduct features, interviews and
reviews of the most widely known Gothic bands, but they also cover bands that
may be a little more underground or new to the scene. They're also excellent at
"discovering" bands right before they suddenly explode into the mainstream – I
witnessed this with H.I.M., actually. Then when you factor in all of the
articles on Gothic travel, authors, artists and events, they've really got it
covered.
And what's great is that Gothic Beauty is becoming increasingly available at
many mainstream stores – I found my very first issue at a large "chain"
bookstore -- so you don't have to be in some exclusive underground "clique" or
live in New York City to have access to so many incredible possibilities.
Exploring all of these options and allowing the readers to choose what's best
for their own personal lifestyles is in my opinion the heart of "true" Gothic
culture, so I really applaud them.
Ed - The Gothic subkultur is an acquired taste - how do you think it could
improve its image to make it more mainstream, or would that be anathema to its
ideals?
NiNi - I think it's elitist and unrealistic in this day and age to expect to
keep our subculture purely underground and in the shadows. Just because our
sense of the aesthetic and creativity reflects the darker aspects of humanity
does not mean that we should be afraid to express ourselves and be open with
those who prefer the light. Aren't we almost insinuating that "dark is bad" if
we act like we can't be "public" about it? We're a kind of Renaissance people in
this modern era, and we should share and celebrate what makes us different –
openly, if we wish. And if we don't, that's okay, but we shouldn't be surprised
then if the myths and prejudices about our subculture remain ignorantly
perpetuated by the masses. As the Vampire Lestat beckoned to his dark family,
"Come out, come out, wherever you are!" I guess I sort of echo that invitation
as a way for our subculture to evolve into a new era.
Ed - For those readers who have only just begun looking into Goddess-based
religions, eg Wicca, Neo-Paganism, etc, what advice would you give in terms of
avoiding the pitfalls of dodgy cults, commercialistic nonsense, etc.
NiNi - Question everything. Research everything. Discard the notion that one
certain path is "it," because it's not. Be eclectic. I call myself a Christian,
Buddhist, Satanic, Celtic Pagan. – Well, that's a joke, but not really, because
I've studied each of those religions and guess what? I've learned something
valuable from all of them. And I'm not even done studying other religions to
boot. Treat your spiritual path as "lifetimes of research" that you'll never,
ever find the answer to.
Most importantly, make your spiritual decisions as carefully as you would a
major investment like a house or a car. I know that sounds awfully unspiritual,
but humanity is so reckless with the spiritual realm and so careful with the
practical, maybe we should start treating our spirits a little more
pragmatically.
Finally, never doubt the power of that little "voice" inside of you that says,
"This isn't right for you. This isn't it!" Your spirit is waaaay older than you
are…and it will always tell you what's right for you – you just have to give
yourself enough quiet time and care to listen – not to other people, but to
yourself.
Ed – Finally, what do you see as THE subkultur in 10 or 20 years time? We've
already seen Gothic merge with cyberpunk - what's the next step?
NiNi - I see a growing obsession with Japan. Visual Kei, Manga, Anime, Lolita
[and its various incarnations], Japanese "street fashion," J-Rock, martial
arts…our love for toys and trinkets and technology…Japanese films and filmmakers
like Takashi Miike. In 10 to 20 years – heck, just in 5 years – the subculture
is going to look a lot like the streets of Japan. And I look forward to it!
Ed – Thanks.
CORVO is currently in the studio working on their first full-length CD, planned
for release in Summer 2006.
With music and lyrics inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and the Grand Inquisition,
along with a more realistic look at classical fairy tales, Corvo is my bet for
the latest craze.
I’ve got a feeling they’re going to be big.
Edward O’Toole, Slovakia, January 2006. Non Serviam
A preview of Edward O'Toole's upcoming book, Clavis, can be found here. The
Aestheteka discussion forum can be found at aestheteka.forumwise.com.
Who are Corvo?
Dark, Gothic and Sexy – Music for the Third Millennium
From their Bio - A strong European aesthetic combined with a passion for Gothic
imagery, art and storytelling led CORVO to adopt the raven as their dark totem.
Their name is derived from the Italian word for raven or crow.
Drawing from a diverse range of influences such as female-fronted metal [THE
GATHERING, LACUNA COIL], progressive rock [GOBLIN, ROXY MUSIC], new wave [THE
CURE, SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES], underground dance and industrial [SKINNY
PUPPY, NINE INCH NAILS] and pioneering electronic composers [VANGELIS, TANGERINE
DREAM], CORVO integrates and fuses these styles with operatic flourishes in a
traditional rock context.
Blending aggressive, avant-garde electronics, horror film-inspired organ and
piano, and powerful, passionate female vocals, CORVO's signature sound has been
described by peers and fans as "evil opera" "apocalyptic" "atmospheric," "so
scary it's beautiful" and "sexy as hell."
The heart of CORVO is the male/female duo of G9 [instruments] and NiNi [vocals,
lyrics]. With years of professional experience in a variety of musical genres -
including opera, jazz and pop - NiNi brings an expansive vocal range and unique
dramatic flair to CORVO's body of work. G9's background in symphony orchestra,
jazz piano and avant-garde electronic rock provides the canvas for NiNi's
lyrical storytelling style. Their mutual love for macabre imagery and a sinister
sense of humor infuse the CORVO sound with all the colors of darkness.
This marriage of beauty and horror, electronic and organic, classical and
experimental, appeals to more than just Gothic metal and industrial music fans;
it speaks to the diversity of individuals who experience the same love affair
with the macabre.
CORVO's self-produced demo "TERROR EYES," scheduled for release in early 2006,
features three fan favorites - "ZANN," "THE DEVILS" "FAIRYTALE," as well as
their Halloween club hit, "FANTOMATIQUE" as a bonus track.
