13 Days of Halloween Horror Interview: Richee Mathwin (LEADROBOT)
As part of 2019’s 13 Days of Halloween, we here at Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life thought it would be fun to see if some of the bands and artists we love had any interest in horror. It turns out quite a lot do so we turned it into an interview.
1. First things first…introduce yourself please!
Hello lovely people. My name’s Richee Mathwin. I’m a filmmaker and musician from the North-East but based in West Yorkshire. Currently the vocalist for horribly noisy metal band LEADROBOT.
2. What are your top 3 favourite horror movies and why?
I didn’t really have to think much about this one so here goes…
This film scared the shit out of me as a kid (probably shouldn’t be watching it) and even to this day has a very, grimy, unsettling feeling to it.
Number 2 – The Old, Dark House
In my opinion, James Whale’s finest film. Drenched in bucket loads of atmosphere. Perfect spooky film.
Number 1 – The Shining
Not only is this my favourite horror film, it’s also my favourite film of all time. It’s a masterclass in direction, editing and unbelievable tension. I was never a huge Kubrick fan but, damn, is this movie good.
3. Do you remember your first experience with horror? Was it at a young age?
Well, my first encounter with horror films was at the age of about 8. I remember sneaking a look at the 1980’s remake of The Blob that my dad had taped. As far as the first time I remember EXPERIENCING horror. That will be at a very early age watching Terrahawks. The character of Zelda gave me nightmares for years.
4. What era of horror is your favourite & why?
I love them all for different reasons. The tension of the 70’s stuff, the awesome practical effects of the 80’s stuff. I’d probably have to say the 30’s/40’s stuff though. For me, horror is all about atmosphere and that era has it in spades. I am partial to the 20’s silent era films too. Especially the German movies.
5. What frightens or creeps you out in horror?
Inescapable horror. Pinhead, Candyman. Something personal that only you are experiencing but affects everyone around you. A trait Clive Barker used well with his horror after borrowing it from Lovecraft.
6. Who is your horror inspiration? Be it a director/actor/author etc.
I don’t have any one in particular but I’ll list a few in no particular order. Lovecraft, Clive Barker, James Whale, Tim Burton. M.R. James and generally lots of folklore and ghost stories.
7. Do you enjoy modern horror or do you look to the past for your fix?
I enjoy the older stuff mostly but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy ANY modern stuff. I absolutely love REC. for instance as well as films like The Void and The Autopsy of Jane Doe.
8. What horror movie is universally beloved that you just don’t like?
I’ve never been a huge fan of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I understand its importance in the history of horror but it’s just never done it for me (Although the dinner table scene is great and LEADROBOT even sampled it on one of our songs).
9. If you could shoot one horror cliché/trope into the sun to never be used again. What would it be?
Jump scares. Lazy and overdone. Jump scares coupled with loud noises. Into the sun you go!
10. Same question but about type/style. What type or style of horror would you happily never watch again?
All of these James Wan type horror films. Insidious, The Conjuring etc. Unbelievably predictable horror. See my above comment about jump scares. It’s a shame because I really enjoyed his first Saw film.
11. What gets you excited when watching horror?
A spooky atmosphere and a unsettling feeling of dread. You can’t go wrong with and 80’s era head explosion too.
12. Have you had any real life scary experiences? We’re talking supernatural or something that can’t be reasonably explained.
No, but I’ve always wanted too. I grew up being told family ghost stories by my grandma and she was the one who got me into older horror and film in general. She always used to sit us down and tell us spooky experiences the family had in the past. She’s a great story teller still to this day.
Quickfire Questions
1. Favourite overall franchise (3 or more movies)?
I love Hellraiser but the 3rd one is poo. So I’ll go with The Evil Dead. All very different, all very good.
2. Most memorable character death?
Not strictly horror but the guy getting shot to bits by ED209 in Robocop. Scared me horribly as a kid (Yet again, probably shouldn’t be watching it).
3. Best horror twist?
The ending of Angel Heart. Totally took me by surprise the first time I watched it.
4. Favourite Stephen King book?
Not a huge fan of his novels but I really enjoy his short stories such as his Nightmares and Dreamscapes collection.
5. Best remake of a horror movie?
Without a shadow of a doubt, The Thing. The original is great, the remake is better.
6. Worst remake of a horror movie?
Probably House on Haunted Hill. The original isn’t exactly a masterpiece but has its charms. The remake? Oh dear.
7. Favourite horror villain?
Pinhead. Although is he purely a villain or a victim?
8. It’s Halloween night…you settle down with some popcorn to watch…what?
My Universal Monsters box set. Many discs of spooky Halloween fun!
We’d like to thank Richee of LEADROBOT for taking the time to speak with us. You can find our more about the band by checking out their Facebook Page here.
