This week on Necromancy Radio, I spoke with Chris McCarter from the Australian gothic rock band, Ikon. Ikon were formed in 1988 as current vocalist Chris and bass guitarist Dino attended the same school, which is where they met almost 30 years ago. They both loved post punk music, were fans of Joy Division, The Smiths and The Cure. This formed the basis of their friendship, love of collecting records and eventually forming a band. Their first vocalist was Michael Corrodus who approached the two and said that he could sing, having already featured in a school musical production. So in a way, these three imaginary boys started their journey knowing what music they all loved, playing and technically paving their way to form what was then known as the band Death in the Dark which was later changed to what we know now as Ikon.
I talked to Chris about his musical family, inspiration, song writing and the art of performing. Ikon have been through a few member changes, produced 7 studio albums, toured the world and played numerous times at festivals such as Wave-Gotik-Treffen and M’era Luna. They have supported acts over the years like Sisters of Mercy, London After Midnight, Marc Almond and HIM. Chris also works outside of Ikon for other artists like Death in June and Peter Hook. It was an honour to speak with him as such and icon for Australian gothic rock music here at Necromancy Radio.
Ikon are celebrating their 25th year as a band and have released a special double disc CD titled Like Sounds Through The Hourglass – 1991-2016 and have just returned from a few shows in New Zealand. If you would like to hear the album which features 37 tracks, some of which have been remastered, you can purchase from Heartland Records in Melbourne, or visit their website for full discography and upcoming news.