Interview with Alex Novak of The Venus Fly Trap

British cult outfit The Venus Fly Trap have just released their new 'Icon' LP.

Tomatrax caught up with Alex Novak, the band's lead singer, to ask a few questions.

You've just released your first album of new material in around a decade, what have you been up to over this time?

I have been busy running a record shop-spiral archive records,dj-ing,putting on gigs,vft gigs,put out metamorphosis best of vft on vinyl,re-issues of previous bands i have been involved with tempest-5 against the house on vinyl/cd, religious overdose-glass hymns cd...exhibition of my artwork..reformed my first band the isaws for some final gigs.. and not forget writng and recording icon album..

What made you pick 'Icon' as the album's title track?

Inspired by religious/film/fame aspects of the word icon...the nature of modern celebrity via warhols quote.. everyone will be famous for 15 minutes...

You've said that the album was inspired by ancient mythology, are any specific ancient myths reflected in the songs?

How pre-christian humans invented gods inspired by nature..and how that developed into god in the image of man.. is it all a product of our imaginations..

What was the inspiration behind the album's front cover?

I took the photos for the album..both myself and Andy come from a graphics background..its a photo of a mannequin which is an idealised
version of a human...

You've said that This is music created for imaginary films for your mind, have you thought of bringing the films in your mind to life to match your music?

Inspired by films ...like tarantino to have a try..but different people will see different images..like the listener to have there own ideas..

The band's been around for over three decades and have put out a stack of albums and EPs over this time, is it hard to keep coming up with new ideas?

Not for me..it just takes more to realise these ideas..then promote and get it noticed in amongst all the other distractions going on..

Where did the name The Venus Fly Trap come from?

I liked the contradiction of a plant that eats meat..and the connections with the planets/mythology/sci-fi..plenty of imagery to play with...

Do you ever listen to your own music?

Yes..when there is a new album..like to listen to our albums in order..to give the new one a context..

What other music do you listen to?

A lot as i run a record shop/dj/go to see bands..listen to bbc radio 6..which is eclectic music station..

Now that your album is out what do you plan on doing next?

Basically..get out and play as much as possible..and promote the album..and here we are..

Check out the Venus Fly Trap's Facebook page to find out more!