Totality: Interview with The Way To Light

The Way to Light is a relatively new musical project coming right out of Texas. I have done a couple of reviews for releases by The Way to Light now, and have really gotten into and appreciate the work. To find out more about the project and what is in store next, I caught up with the driving force behind TWTL, Austin.

LG - First and foremost, how about you introduce yourself?

AR- Austin Rathmell, I am the sole acting force behind The Way To Light. I also played guitar in the band Botfly. And have also started a new project from the ashes of botfly called FALM.

LG - You were once part of the criminally underrated band Botfly. What happened to cause the demise of the group?

AR - The band was actually somewhat dysfunctional. The vocalist and I wanted to go one way with the project, the others wanted to go another way. As much fun as we had performing together, the band never turned out to be what we had originally intended. Eventually the split was just inevitable. Dustin (vocalist) and I always wanted botfly to be really raw, violent, and noisy. The others wanted a cleaner more polished version. So eventually we decided to end the band. We had begun to feel it was nearing its end anyway. But since then Dustin and I have rejoined and have started FALM. Which will be what we've always wanted from Botfly. Raw, Violent, and Harsh.

LG - What made you take a different approach to music with TWTL?

AR- I never felt complete satisfaction with what I wrote with Botfly. I always thought "this or that could be better". So after the band broke up I wanted to write some music that I would truly enjoy and I didn't want to work with anyone. I was honestly tired of what I produced with Botfly. So I decided to try something different. I had been wanted to start a solo dark folk style project for sometime, so I finally pushed myself to do it. After that I just began fiddling with recording a bunch of acoustic riffs that I had been playing for years. And after about 2-3 months, "That Place Now Forgotten" was born. And I fell in love.

LG - The creative process is obviously strikingly different for a project such as this. What is involved in the creation of TWTL tracks?

AR -The creative process is somewhat different from each song/ release. I don't have a set way of writing songs, I kind of try new things each time. I think that gives the songs more originality, rather than me just plugging riffs into a formula. In the beginning I would write as I was recording. Id lay down a riff and begin adding over it and the song would just form itself in a way. Now I spend more time getting a basic layout done in my head or written down before recording anything. But I think both processes are useful, just depends on the song. Sometimes Ill start a song based on a riff I like, or sometimes even a lyric I write will give me ideas on how I want a song to sound. Like I said, its different each time.

LG - What was your inspiration for the project?

AR - One of the main inspirations for this project was the Church of Ra, in its entirety. Everything they did spoke to me on a level I can't describe. I think it was from their light that I truly found the soul to this project. Another influence, oddly enough, was the band VVegas. They have a few acoustic songs that really inspired me to create this music. They're so haunting, but they also carry hints of beauty within them. I think that is something that has truly crossed over into The Way To Light.

LG - I know exactly what you mean about VVegas, I too have found their acoustic stuff to be gold. In my opinion, Fruition is easily one of their best tracks. VVegas is obviously quite connected to Roses Never Fade. What is your involvement with this group, and how did you become involved?

AR - Fruition is easily my favorite track as well. Within the past few months I have been working with Nick Fiction on some new RNF tracks. I am merely collaborating on this release. I am doing vocals on a few tracks. I got in contact with nick via facebook randomly a while back. We talked for a while, and eventually I talked about us collaborating on something together, and we decided on myself working on some of the new RNF songs. So we will see what comes forth. So far the new stuff sounds good, its a different mood from the original first 2 releases. But it is still solid.

LG - In a little over a year, TWTL has already produced three releases. What is in the pipeline for the future?

AR - At the moment I am working on a few tracks for a split, cant say who with just yet, but it should be a good one. I am also diligently working on a full length album. I am really taking my time with it and am very proud of where its going so far. After I finish the recordings for these releases I will start getting everything ready so I can start playing Live shows!