Christian Patrick fronts Heavy Static, an alternative rock band with a sound generated by punk, new wave, ’80s slasher films, and Swedish pop music. Recently he agreed to talk to us about his inspirations, artistic compassion, nurturing creativity, and why it’s so wrong to be boring.

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Inspirations

I was and still am very influenced by Bret Easton Ellis’s classic book, American Psycho. It’s such a clever, underhanded look at society. People see the violence in the words, but you have to read between the lines. I think it’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.

I’m also very influenced by bands like The Ark, Kent, Bowie, Queen, The Darkness, and Manic Street Preachers, all trailblazers in my mind. As for films, I’ve always had an affinity towards campy horror movies like My Bloody Valentine and Maximum Overdrive.

I’ve always embraced not overthinking things and ceasing ideas because they don’t come along too often. Justin Hawkins from The Darkness once said that songs are always floating around and it just takes a person to pluck it from thin air. If you don’t, someone else will.

Does the artist have a responsibility to respond with compassion to the suffering in the world?

Absolutely. We’re a vessel and we, especially famous artists and bands, are responsible for exuding compassion as an example. I think most artists are empathetic people. That’s the bane of being creative.

Artistic Mission Statement

Be who you are, unless you’re boring. Boring is for the birds and nobody wants to see boring on stage.