From Parenthood to Rockstar: How Family Fuels My Musical Journey with Animals In Denial
From the early days of receiving his first guitar at the age of 14 to the present, Christian Imes of Animals in Denial, has remained unwavering in his pursuit of passion and skill, venturing from local bands to self-produced music.
The latest release, "Crash Course Volume 1: Blue Light Special," unveils a musical journey characterized by six meticulously crafted tracks that Imes’ versatile talent of instruments, ranging from baritones to vintage Strats. Notably, the infusion of AI tools in the revisited versions elevates the production, underlining the project's commitment to exploring new avenues in music creation. The album takes a distinct departure from prevalent industrial goth scenes, embracing an overarching theme of triumph over negativity and persistence in artistic creation.
Tracks like "Because Reasons Revisited" set the tone, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Imes's sound from its rough demo origins. "Catch Me" intricately weaves expressive elements from a Zoom A1 processor and the resonant tones of a Baritone Antiqua Squier. Imes's self-taught expertise extends beyond guitar mastery, incorporating subtle bass tracks and heartfelt lyrics dedicated to his wife. The spirit of Buddy Holly and 50's pop nostalgia echoes in the track, harmonizing seamlessly with the emotional depth.
Innovative concepts shine through in "Hope," where Imes captures the essence of band improvisation and melds it with a jazz-infused beat and hip-hop groove. The collaborative efforts of Logic and Ableton result in a track that unfolds organically, with first and final takes defining the creative process across all the album's compositions. Drawing inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, a jazz-influenced exploration unfolds in a six-minute masterpiece featuring intricate lead licks. Imes skillfully incorporates multiple guitar tracks, emphasizing the raw, unedited form to create a captivating sound.
"Reminder Revisited" injects a dose of fun, employing Imes's 1985 Gibson Les Paul Studio. Inspired by Cheap Trick with a touch of country swing, the song serves as a love note to Imes's wife, with catchy choruses and intersections of rock, blues, and country. Imes’ enthusiasm for the role of AI in the creative realm is evident, as showcased in the revisited versions.
Looking further into the inspiration behind the music, it is the unwavering support and inspiration from Imes’ wife and their two boys who are the real driving forces behind his daily commitment to music. Christian says:
“The unwavering support and inspiration from my wife and two boys are the driving forces behind my daily commitment to music. Without the experience of parenthood, I might have abandoned my musical pursuits altogether after encountering the uninspiring atmosphere of the industrial music community. Witnessing talented individuals, whom I admired, languishing in misery and apathy almost led me back to the path of theoretical physics in academia.”
Becoming a parent then, transformed Imes’ perspective on being an artist. It taught the importance of resilience and pushing forward with what is right. Early on, he had to put music on the back burner to ensure that the children's needs were met. Despite continuing to work on music, he faced limitations in how far he could take it and the time he could dedicate to it. It took some time to establish a balance that allowed the possibility to pursue music effectively alongside parental responsibilities.
In those early years, live performances were limited to within a couple of hours from home, and lifestyle remained straight-edged to prioritize being mentally and emotionally present for our boys. Fast forward, and now that they're older, they are actively encouraging me to fully embrace my musical aspirations. Their unwavering support is so compelling that quitting is not an option.
To shield his children from undue scrutiny and pressures, Imes and his wife have kept them out of the public eye, fostering an environment where they could develop their own values and interests. They believe in teaching them how to think rather than what to think. Surprisingly, they naturally gravitated toward music, with our youngest diving into drums, synths, and bass, while their eldest, initially a guitarist, has expanded into synths and drums.
The family motto of "never give up, improve, and come back to try again" is not just a saying but a guiding principle. Family jam nights have become a cherished tradition in the Imes home, and the mere presence of family in the room sparks creative riffs. Being a parent has transformed how music is approached. Recognizing that mistakes are part of the creative process, Imes has learned to clean up the mess and stay true to my values.
In essence, family has served as both anchor and muse. The support of family not only fuels the dream but also keeps Imes grounded and accountable.
The intertwining of parenthood and music has been a profound and enriching journey, proving that family is not just the foundation but the very heartbeat of a musician’s enduring legacy.
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