Since 1989, Seattle’s influential recording artists Earth have been changing the way music fans expect a band from the “grunge” state to sound. This past February saw the release of their latest record, “Angels of Darkness, Demons Of Light 1.” Buzzbin Magazine picked the brain of Earth founder/guitarist Dylan Carlson to get the real deal about the genre-splitting band. How did Earth first come to fruition? I had already been in two bands but was not happy with my playing so after taking some time off to woodshed, I moved back to Olympia and started a new band with Slim Moon and Greg Babior. This time I had a much stronger idea of what I wanted to do. I have always been a fan of instrumental bands. How did you guys come to conclusion to make the band without a vocalist? We originally had a vocalist, Slim and although I liked what he did, I didn’t feel it worked with the music so much. I am not averse to vocals. They would just have to be the right vocals. I’ve always preferred female vocalists to male vocalists. The band has gone through a lot of member changes over the last two decades. Do you feel that the music has changed as well? I think that any changes were because of my dislike of making the same record over and over again. Music is always slightly different with different people. Tell me a little about the new album that came out this past February. How would you describe it to readers unfamiliar with your work? And how do you feel it differs from the past work? I would say that although it is a heavy record it is not dense. It is melodically oriented and has a stark sound. If people wanted genre/marketing terms I would say it is instrumental rock with an influence of British folk-rock, some jazz/blues/country and uses of some improvisation. I think that this album and our live shows are the closest in feel to each other. I think we are more effective at improvising than before and I am a better player. How would you describe an Earth live performance? I view our concerts as the equivalent of a park or protected forest. Our super fast, shallow, everything convenient paradigm is like a big ugly city and everyone needs a break. Hopefully our shows are one of those times where people can just be. What do you admire most about being a musician? That I have put in the work. I don’t believe in the idea that someone is ‘anointed’ by god or the devil with some innate talent. People become musicians through effort and practice. What can we expect in the coming year from the likes of Earth? I don’t have a master plan. In October/November, “Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 2” will be out. And hopefully I will release a solo album next year and another Earth record along with more touring. Check out Earth at Cleveland’s own Grog Shop on Sunday, June 12.