Interview with The Red Moon Macabre by DJ Jason

Interview with The Red Moon Macabre by DJ Jason

Renzo Tellez multi-instrumentalist and mastermind of the great goth band, The Red Moon Macabre, answers some questions from DJ Jason.

DJ Jason: Renzo, thank you for agreeing to this interview.
Since Covid Lockdown, you have created a large catalog of excellent goth music. How many albums have you created now?

Renzo: First of all thank you for having me and always a pleasure Jason. Since 2021 I have created 16 studio releases, 3 compilations, and 1 live album. There are also a handful of collaborations and cover renditions.

DJ Jason: What are you working on currently?

Renzo: I just released an EP titled “Kabuki Witch” inspired by Japanese ghost stories, legends and folktales. The latest release has been getting some excellent feedback and exposure. Next autumn I will begin album number 17 that will be quite an interesting recording utilizing atmospheric elements that I have not used in the past.

DJ Jason: I remember that there were plans for an album purely with women vocalists. Is that still in the cards for The Red Moon Macabre?

Renzo: Yes, I would like to pursue that project when I have finished my 17th studio album. Now that I have integrated some more equipment to my recording chain, I am gladly waiting to begin this “Sirens” project. As a collective, it may be called something different. We will see and stay tuned.

DJ Jason: In addition to playing all the usual rock and roll instruments, you also play the Lute and have used the Lute for a track previously. Do you see yourself adding Lute to more work?

Renzo: Oh Absolutely! I have been a lover of early and classical music since I was a child. There will be more Elizabethan and Jacobean style Lute playing for The Red Moon Macabre in the future. The Lute is a majestic instrument and I am proud to be a player for some years now.

DJ Jason: You have played 2 live shows in Florida in the past (at Visitation and The Winter Goth Celebration). Where might you perform in the future and where would you like to play?

Renzo: Some plans may be in the works for a handful of North American performances. I would love to come back to Florida and perhaps returning to NYC since my last performance there was back in 1992. As of current most of my fan base is in Europe especially in the UK and in Japan. London, Berlin, Vienna, Paris and Tokyo would be ideal cities for live shows. I used to live in Europe for some time andit would be wonderful to perform there. The Red Moon Macabre is very underground and with a strong gothic cult following so I have to pay attention where it would fit best to perform.

DJ Jason: You get a lot of fan mail. Would you like to tell us about some of the content you receive?

Renzo: I don’t get much social media attention compared to other goth musical acts but I receive fan mail messages all the time like the old school days. There is too much of it to list but its mostly how the fans love my sound and compositions reminiscent of gothic rock of the eighties and early nineties. Remember I am a musician from the eighties so I do not try to recreate that sound. I’m authentic and stay true to the style of gothic guitar rock that I get the most pleasure creating, recording and how I learned decades ago. I will never compromise my style of guitar playing or sound for current trends or popularity.”A champion of gothic rock” and “goth with a capital G” are some of my favorites and there are some long letters in detail of how much they love The Red Moon Macabre.I love what I do as a musician with all confidence and it’s wonderful to know that others appreciate the music. To provide an emotion to a fan so positively strong is something I do not take for granted. It keeps me going with The Red Moon Macabre machine of creativity. I thank the fans of my work with such gratitude.

DJ Jason: You sometimes make gothic memes. Did this happen organically? Is there any connection to the band and its branding? It’s definitely a lighter side to what you do!

Renzo: Haha! Yes its been a bit since I posted some dark comic expression. Throughout the day of moments mundane I think of something humorous that entertains me and I like to share with others. A good laugh has a powerful way to mend the mood. I may have to churn up something soon.

DJ Jason: When you were a kid, your band, Kathedral, opened for Rozz Williams’ Shadow Project at the Pyramid in NYC. You were also close friends with Eric & Lisa from the legendary goth band, Requiem In White, and frequented the great nightlife that existed in the city then. Do you find yourself revisiting these formative experiences when you create your new work?

Renzo: Those golden years in NYC from 1989-1994 experiencing the nightlife and goth scene were glorious. Those experiences are forever carved into my soul. I was a teenager performing the best clubs, dancing the night away in the best goth clubs, and meeting so many legends of the rock, punk, new wave and goth scene. Famous actors, writers, fashion designers and well known artists having conversations with you. What an extraordinary time.I don’t think about it when I am creating but those New York memories, European travels and tragedies in my life provide an edge to what I do with music.

DJ Jason: Are there any musicians that you would like to work with?

Renzo: The powerful artistry of Diamanda Galas accompanied by my guitar work would be a fitting bewitching creation. I also would like to work with Anne Nurmi and Tilo Wolf. I would love The Red Moon Macabre to open for their band Lacrimosa.