Interview: Lindsay Schoolcraft From Cradle Of Filth

Cradle of Filth keyboardist and vocalist LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT, an accomplished singer, songwriter, harpist, and pianist in her own right, and having just released her debut solo album. Martyr, co-written by former Evanescence drummer Rocky Gray, offers eleven tracks of entrancing gothic rock, influenced by Schoolcraft's background in classical music. Fans of Evanescence, Nightwish, and the like will appreciate Martyrs' lush, piano-driven arrangements, while Cradle of Filth enthusiasts will enjoy hearing this darkly romantic side of Schoolcraft's music. On this rare yet exciting occasion, Tam Schilling stepped away from behind the camera to chat with Lindsay just after finishing their run of Australian shows with Cradle of Filth.

Hey Lindsay, It’s Tam here from Brisbane. How are you? “Hey Tam! I’m really great thanks!” First of all I just wanted to thank you once again for getting all of Cradle of Filth to sign my photos in Brisbane as you have no idea how much that meant to me. “Aw of course. How could I not?” You have your very first debut solo album “Martyr” coming out on October 11, you must be pretty excited about that? “I am. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!!! I’m so happy it’s finally out there after work long!” What platforms can we expect the album to be released on or is it all secret? “Everywhere and with everyone!” I read that you are putting this out to the world entirely independently, what made you decide to do it all yourself rather than let a label do it for you? “It looks like labels had adjusted their sales numbers as to what an “entry artist” is suppose to sell to get and stay signed. I had no numbers to show yet so I was probably deemed as a risk. I decided to take the matters into my own hands and I’m so glad I did. I had some incredible help along the way too.” How long have you been working on this album for? “Since the beginning of 2016. We finished up in January 2018.” I have seen the film clip for “Savior” and I instantly loved it. How did you come up with the idea for the film clip? Are the members in the film clip your full-time band for your solo project? “Oh thank you!! We filmed it at the local 200 yearly old cathedral in my city. I wanted the the video to match the theme of the song and the story in its lyrics. And yes, those are my full time band members.” I’ve been lucky enough to have a listen to your album, I particularly love how most of the songs start off with mostly just piano. It’s a creepy kind of sound which leads into the full gothic rock sound when the full band comes in. I love it! “Oh thank you! Yes we did put quite a bit of piano on that album and I’m glad we did!” You have written all the lyrics yourself; did you have a process for coming up with lyrics or is there a story behind them? “I did! It’s a collect on many works from all different years and stories.” When I first heard your voice on this album, I was instantly reminded of Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil. Who has been your biggest influence for this album? “She is definitely a huge influence on me, but so is Morgan Lander of Kittie and newly Karkaos, Sharon of Within Temptation, and also Amy Lee.” You have co-written most of the songs on this album with ex Evanescence drummer Rocky Gray, how did this come about? “Rocky found me on Facebook and we go to writing together right away! He proposed the idea and after a small fan girl moment we got right to it!” You toured to Australia last year for two dates doing your solo stuff, can we see you doing this in more states in Australia anytime soon, especially Brisbane? “Absolutely. I would love to do that!” I first heard of you when you joined Cradle of Filth back in 2013, I am looking forward to seeing your growth outside of the band and the world getting to know you for you. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me today Lindsay, do you have any words for your Australia fans before we go? “Oh thank you so much! You know I love you Aussies even if you do heckle me from the stage.” I’ve listened to this album and I think it is fantastic! If there are fans out there of Lacuna Coil, Nightwish and Evanescence – this is an album for you!

So, jump on over to www.lindsayschoolcraft.com on October 7 when her shop launches and order yourself a copy! You won't regret it!

Watch the video for "Savior" below: