99 names of god has been around for several years & has morphed into different playing configurations. It started out as a 5 piece with 2 lead vocalists (one male, one female), a live drummer, keys & Warr Guitar. Since then we have played with various musicians (among them is a classically trained flute player, an experimental noise keyboardist, an experimental guitarist, an electronic sax player and multi-instrumentalist (Mike McGary) and another Warr Guitar player (Dave Streett).) Our goal with 99 names has always been to have no limitations, and to be as extreme or as tame as we want to be at the moment. The music has always been very moody and that is definitely very intentional, and also because we are all very moody ;)

As far as personal musical backgrounds go, Jason Spradlin has played in several bands before 99 names (Last Chapter, Liquid Sound Company - on BrainTicket Records). Currently he is playing drums in Liquid Sound Company, 99 names and LifeSpaceDeath (an offspring collective of 99 names' musicians, playing ambient/psychedelic improv). His greatest influence is heavy metal, and he continues to be inspired by progressive rock & psychedelic music.

Mark Cook is very influenced by visual arts; he sculpts with sound. He began his musical endeavors by playing the Chapman Stick (tm) in the early 1990's. In 1999, he got his first Warr Guitar, and has been playing his Warr's ever since. Among his greatest musical influences are extreme experimentalists John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, Derek Bailey, Robert Fripp, Bill Laswell and too many others to list. Mark is always searching for something new & more extreme musically to listen to (his collection of over 3,000 cds would be the proof!). He has done many sessions with various musicians & maintains the integrity of 99 names. His endless contributions include: Programming, Warr Guitar, loops & samples...

(Kris Swenson) I joined 99 names originally as a keyboardist. My background was primarily visual art, sculpting, writing & vocals. I joined up with Mark in the late-90's & we've been writing & playing live ever since. My personal influences include very dark things, like the photography/artwork by Joel Peter Witkin, the intense & blaring vocals of Diamanda Galas, the artwork of Mark Ryden... These things are very influential to me when I'm writing lyrics.

Spirituality is a universal element among all societies & cultures. We equate creativity with spirituality; our name has no religious connotations.

3. What does the name "Interwoven" mean?

The title "Interwoven" refers to the intricate complexity of all organic things. For instance, there are recurring textile images on the cd artwork, as well as the living amaryllis bulb touching the leaves of dead flowers; it's about the contrast of the beginning & end of cycles. These images refer to the way I perceive the music. Individual threads that create a piece of cloth, and the extreme cycles of nature.

4. What was the idea when you made the cd?

The main idea behind "Interwoven" was to combine electronics with live playing & to blend various musical genres (progressive, electronic, industrial, ambient, rock).

5. Musically, the cd is of a great wealth. How long did it take to carry out it?

Thank you :) You are very kind. It took us around a year & a half to write the music and about 6 months to record. We were very lucky to find a good engineer to work with.

6. In my opinion the remarkable of the band your musicality is and that you are musicians of a great talent... How do you work the composing aspect?

We each write our own parts: Mark plays the Warr guitar & programs synth & percussion parts, Jason sculpts out his drum parts, and then I usually come in & add the vocals last.

7. In your opinion, which are the best songs?

Our favorites are Gabrielle, The Logos, Schemata & Red Moon - blue remix.

8. Do you think that in "Interwoven" you have achieved a personal and unique sound?

Our writing approaches are diverse enough that I think we created a somewhat unusual sound. We hope to become even more diverse in the future, combining more live improv with structured electronic-less pieces, even adding an acoustic percussionist into the mix.

9. Are there plans for a new CD?

We're always writing new music. We're taking a hiatus from playing live for a while until we have another new cd. We already have about 8 new pieces in the works, we just need the time to focus on them & finish them. The next cd will be more split-personality; completely abstract improvs followed by uptempo & aggressive music.

10. Who in 99 Names Of God are involved in other projects?

Mark has several collaborations on the side - the Minefield Band, Oil on Canvas & Life Space Death and the Mark Cook/Mitch Hill duo - all of which are currently performing live. Jason is currently involved with Oil on Canvas, Liquid Sound Company & Life Space Death.  And my side project is called Bad Little Girls get Shots.

11. How is the progressive scene in your country? What bands can you recommend us?

We've seen a prog-revival in the underground scene here in TX. There are some great local bands - Yeti & Underground Railroad would be the first two that come to mind. Nationally, the Thinking Plague and Super Numeri are excellent prog bands.

12. Thank you to grant us this interview.

Thank you! It's been our pleasure.