Florida based Astari Nite, has clocked up ten years on the dark scene, playing people their brand of goth music. The latest album, out on Negative Gain, titled Resolution of Happiness is their fifth, and one might say, most interesting yet. The band has been incorporating a more shoegaze feel into the music, a throwback to their influences such as David Bowie and Lush. In between touring, lead singer Mychael Ghost, was gracious in talking to us about the band and the new album, which seems to have been born of both grief and the strong bonds of friendship that hold this group together.

Congratulations on Resolution of Happiness, which I believe is your fifth full length studio. Astari Nite has been releasing music since 2014, so I am wondering how the dark alternative scene has changed since you first started out?

Thank you Adele! You know, I am not too certain about what I have released in the past though “Here Lies” and “Resolution of Happiness” are still mint to me.

 Sometimes it’s easier for me to leave songs that I write in specific periods of my life, far away and alone. I find it to be therapeutic that way. At least for today, I feel that way.

During the band’s travels throughout the U.S., UK and Europe, I met DJs, Promoters, bands and wonderful people who support this vibrant scene.

With social media platforms available, it also seems that more and more people enjoy sharing playlists, spinning music online and being very vocal on what they love or hate. This world is massive and there is space for everyone to share and love.

I have heard the Florida darkwave scene is pretty big, so could you tell us how you started up the band?

I met Illia, the drummer for Astari Nite at a Roller rink. I was sipping on a soda pop, and he walked up to me and said, “I like your Jeans.” Shortly after he offered me some candy and he and I ended up skating to disco for hours.

We decided to start a band influenced by what we had blasting on the jukebox religiously!

 It took some time to find our guitar player Howard Melnick and bass player / Keyboardist, Danny A.E. I guess it was all fine and dandy once we agreed that Abba, Bowie and PULP rule the school!

The new album has a dreamy quality about it, through the echoing guitar work and yet it has a beating goth rock heart. Can you tell us a bit more about the concept behind the album?

I guess jumping in from putting out the Here Lies album a couple of years ago, we wanted to steer away from the gloom. We wanted to do something a little bit brighter as a nod to the nineties, which we were heavily influenced by during this record. And I think jumping down and speaking about facts in my life kind of put color to what the boys in the band were putting together musically. I was able to tell more of a story rather than hiding behind this shade of gloom, I guess you could say.

I am gathering a lot of the writing and recording for the new album happened during the height of covid. How did all this help or hinder the creative juices?

The death of my brother and father had a great deal to do with my creativity. The decline of my mother also played a part! I can’t really speak on behalf of the band, though I know they guided me through what I was going through mentally at the time. They walked with me and allowed me to sing or say whatever the fuck came to mind. The three of them saved my life! They showed me how to breathe again without being so shy.

You gradually released a few singles in the lead up of the album, one of those being the mesmerizing “Bowie in Daydreams.” How did you end up writing this track, and for you personally, how big an influence is Bowie’s music?

This was a special time for the band and I! This period is what we call the “Summer of Love.” A lot of traveling with our circle was happening. We were totally in bloom.

David Bowie was the soundtrack to our lives during all these magical memories being created. This song was a perfect way to pay respect to his beautiful soul along with telling our own story. For me, it was another way of saying goodbye to my sweet brother, Ryan. I miss him every day!

Another single is “Necessity Meal,” and I am curious about the story behind it….so what is it all about?

Danny from the start was engaging a hybrid bass line very reminiscent of The Doors and Funkadelic. His idea was to have Howard add additional guitars in respect to an alluring Hendrix style anthem, which would surely elevate the chorus. Once it was gift-wrapped, the song met its glam rock introduction. Staying true to my sincerity, I speak of feeling messy during strange and unusual occurrences while normalizing innocence.

I hear hints of early Christian Death in this album and vocally sounding like Rozz Williams, especially in the track “Tongue Tied Galore.” Was this a conscientious thing or a complete fluke?

I’ve heard so much about Christian Death and how Rozz Williams was such a beautiful person. His music is something that I have never traveled through. Some of my friends around the block mentioned that I would love his records. In time, I am certain that I will get around to it. There is a time and a place for everything. Perhaps I am not mentally prepared as of yet. Maybe sometime soon fate will come my way!

Is there a favorite track off the album?

Tongue Tied Galore

Astari Nite is very much a live band, so has it been a joy for you bring new music on tour?

I do enjoy it a bunch though at times, not having enough space to play other favorite tracks can be such a drag at concerts. I want to make people happy! It’s just a crying shame at times that I can’t play every song that is expected.

Oh, the choices that we must make in life can really make you want to swim in the deepest ocean sometimes.

After ten years, what is it about being in this band and scene that compels you to create great music?

The goth / alternative scene is a big inspiration for Astari Nite to continue to write music! The people that I have met at concerts really make me smile the most. Our band has been fortunate to share songs with the world. I am also very passionate about meeting everyone at our shows. It is important for me to attempt to say hello to everyone who took the time to make the night special.

Which bands right now do you enjoy or find inspiration in?

Abba, The Beatles, LUSH and Rosegarden Funeral Party! Yea that is where it is at currently. I’m digging all the colors that their songs throw into the sky.

What is next for Astari Nite?

Finishing up a new single that will come to life fairly soon, followed by an EP slated for a 2025 release! I’m in love with writing music. I feel happy and pretty in my current state of mind.

Although the Resolution of Happiness album was released this past June, being in the studio once again with the bandmates is the closest I will ever get to redoing a childhood that was stolen from me. I am at my best when I’m in a room with Illia, Danny and Howard. You know what I mean, love the ones you’re with! 

Resolution of Happiness | Astari Nite

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