The talented Lindsay Schoolcraft has made her presence known as Cradle of Filth’s keyboardist over the last five years. A skilled pianist, harpist, and singer in multiple styles, she has built up her own musical anthology through exquisite covers on YouTube and her own original works, which inevitably have garnered a wondrous fanbase. All the while, the release of EPs like 2015’s Dead of Winter and 2012’s Rushing Through the Sky have given small glimpses into what her debut solo album might bring to the table.
On October 7th, Schoolcraft’s full-length debut, Martyr, made its triumphant debut. With the material finally being revealed to the world, it was the perfect time Schoolcraft to discuss some of her personal inspirations, the musical influences throughout Martyr, future musical endeavors, and much more.
Cryptic Rock – You have spent over fifteen years exploring the many facets of musical expression, and have had many opportunities to hone your craft to become the well-versed, incredibly-talented musician you are today. Personally, is there any particular moment in your career that still holds impact and inspires you?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – Oh, wow. Thank you so much for the kind words! It’s strange how the universe has a way of balancing things out. I find in moments when I felt my worst and wanted to give up that’s when fans would write me and say “your music saved my life” or “you inspired me to go vegan,” or something along those lines. It’s those reminders that made me feel I was right where I needed to be and to keep going.
Cryptic Rock – It’s certainly the small things that can make it all worth it and that really spur the inspiration needed to carry on; hearing the positive outcomes you’ve affected can certainly make the difference between throwing in the towel and carrying on. In terms of personal music inspiration, you’ve noted a variation of artists across the spectrum from epical progressive bands like Ne Obliviscaris, with breathtaking instrumental soundscapes, to more ingenious Avant-Garde Pop artists such as Björk. Were there any specific influences that came through while recording Martyr?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – Well it’s obvious that the Fallen-era of Evanescence is in there because of writing this album with Rocky Gray. But there were subtle influences from Korn, Kittie, Orgy, HIM, and LEAH, that really shine through in certain moments.
Cryptic Rock – Having such outstanding muses for your own sound really just elevates it all the more. All the compositions of your Schoolcraft material are very melodic and breathtaking, which stands as a slight dichotomy to the overall macabre and twisted sound of Cradle of Filth. How did you come to hone the sound of your solo work, and has there ever been any entanglement between the two?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – I think lyrically Cradle has a big influence on my The Dead of Winter EP, which I listened back to recently. But the two haven’t really cross-contaminated and that doesn’t bother me at all! Cradle is its own monster that’s needs to be respected and appreciated for what it is and has always been. I don’t consider my sound to be anything entirely new; I’d like to think it’s a tribute to all the music I love. Although some fans have noted that it’s still me and what I did in my old band Mary and The Black Lamb.
Cryptic Rock – It all came together on this album, but there’s something to be said for anyone that can balance multiple designations and pull them off so well. Bringing what you love into your own craft just seems to add something extra special to it. Now, you most recently released a music video for “Saviour” off of Martyr, which fans have given an overwhelmingly positive reception and seemed to truly connect with the track. Is there are any specific facet of the song that you think enhanced this?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – That song was honestly a pure, raw, and honest, forward expression of the frustration I was feeling at the time with my new fame in joining Cradle. Some fans just do not understand boundaries, and it’s mainly about people who refuse to help themselves and lean to hard on others, eventually draining them of all their good energy. I understand demons are hard to face, but ultimately they shouldn’t become anyone else’s problem and that’s what this song is about.
Cryptic Rock – Everyone has their own limits and their own experiences so being bombarded with that all at once sounds understandably overwhelming. Obviously, in 2015, Karmaflow: The Rock Opera video game was released, and you alongside other artists like Marc Hudson, Charlotte Wessels, and even your fellow bandmate, Dani Filth, were featured as characters. How did this come about?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – The creator and Musical Director Ivo got me involved when I met him back in 2014 in The Netherlands. I was so ecstatic to be a part of it. I still have yet to play it actually!
Cryptic Rock – Let’s hope it happens soon! To delve into something unrelated to Martyr, in the last few years there has been an intense resurgence with Rap and Hip-hop in the Pop music sphere, while in comparison Rock and Metal are dwindling in commercial success and popularity with some claiming the genres are dead or dying. Being a part of Cradle of Filth, an undeniably well-established Metal band, do you think there is any weight to this and, if so, what has contributed to the downscale of Metal popularity in recent years? Are there any changes you would like to see being made to the Metal scene as a whole?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – Well, actually, all those mainstream Rock bands are loved and embraced by the Metal fans and festivals. So, they are still thriving in the underground thanks to Heavy Metal! It’s true that Rock was killed by modern production, and that mega blows, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. I still see and hear from the hardcore fans. What’s popular right now will have its time, and then people will be craving something else eventually. Hopefully that will be the return and rebirth of Rock in a new way.
Cryptic Rock – That’s a very hopeful outlook, especially in comparison to much of what’s currently said on the topic. Of course, as you said fans will always be there and popularity cycles as times goes on. On that note, Martyr released on the seventh of October, but you’ve stated that you’ve already begun some work on your next album. What can fans look forward to in future creations from Schoolcraft? Furthermore, are there any sounds, themes, or artists you’d like to work with in the coming years?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – It’s really exciting what I have planned. It’s more of a means of getting home and getting to work; I already have the musicians and collaborators lined up. There will be more of a heavy Rock meets Electronic influence in the music while keeping the symphonic element. I have so many ideas and I can’t wait to get working on these songs. Most of which are already the bare bones in demo form!
Cryptic Rock – Well, just like you Dani Filth always seems to be hard at work. Do you have any updates on work on a new Cradle of Filth record?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – No word yet, but it’s being written at the moment by the rest of the guys in the band.
Cryptic Rock – Well, I’m sure there’s plenty to look forward to on both Cradle of Filth’s new album and your upcoming material. Last question. Beyond music, Cryptic Rock also covers movies, particularly the Horror and Sci-Fi genres. If you are a fan of these genres, do you have any favorites and why?
Lindsay Schoolcraft – I love futuristic cyber-punk! Mainly the anime series Ergo Proxy. I mean, if you couldn’t tell already by my outfit in the “Saviour” music video.
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