A Multitude of Disguises: A Conversation with William Francis

William Francis is a true Renaissance man. Writer, singer, producer, William manages to express himself creatively and uniquely in many disciplines. Recently I had the pleasure to talk to William about Aiden, his solo work as William Control, and so much more!

Let’s start with the present and work our way back and around. Aiden have just released Disguises, and like all Aiden releases, the album presents a unique aesthetic that differs from the releases prior. What is the overall theme of the album, and what was the creative process undertaken to determine said theme?

William: The creative process, for me, seems to have evolved over the years. Although It changes with every record, one thing remains the same; Whatever is happening at that particular time in my life, invariably it shows up in my writing. The theme for this record is hidden (pun intended) within the title. Disguises. We tend to, as a animal species, camouflage our true nature to survive, or to acquire the things we desire the most. Oscar Wilde puts it best… "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

Aiden seems to be tackling darker subject matter farther afield than the band’s earlier, more romantically themed releases. What has influenced this shift, and do you have a sense of what path the band may travel next?

William: I’ve had quite the polemic attitude with regards to the idea of basing one’s life on faith in ancient doctrine and not seeking truth within science and reason. For a number of years now I’ve felt this. It was amplified when I had my son in 2009. I started to think a lot more about my own mortality and what kind of world I would like my son to be left with after I’m gone. There are plenty of people, in fact millions and millions, who stand up and say that you should follow this god or that god because this antique book says you should. Those of us who will not stand for such absurdity should be unafraid to speak out. As far as what path is to be traveled on next? I am unsure of what the future holds.

On the subject of dark, yet romantic themes, I’d like to talk about your releases as William Control. This material is such an amazing blend of Victorian decadence with modern electronica. What lead you to explore this facet of your art?

William: Thank you for such gracious remarks. I’ve been a fan of that style of music ever since I discovered Depeche Mode in the early 90′s. It’s more of an ode to my childhood than anything. The Victorian twist comes from my love of all things London, especially in the late 19th century. If there ever was a time in which I would like to travel to, it would be in the west end theatre district of London Town to see an Oscar Wilde play whilst he was still alive.

The William Control releases deal with abuse in a myriad of forms (drug abuse, bondage, emotional trauma), that truly challenges the listener, while still being pleasurable as art. How difficult is it to reach that balance, and how is that balance struck?

William: Inspiration comes in many different shapes and sizes. One person’s abuse is another’s pleasure, so the balance has been tipped in that direction. I guess that for most, inspiration has to come from a real place, somewhere beneath the surface. For me, It has to have depth and weight, meaning and importance. I couldn’t sound very honest singing about how much my ex-girlfriend broke my heart, or how bad I want be a "Rockstar".

Noir contains my favorite piece of yours, Dorian Gray (who seems like such a perfect literary counterpart to the material presented on both Noir and Hate Culture). How much does literature (and other forms of entertainment) inform your work, and what are some of your favorites?

William: I’d say that over 95% of the songs that I write are inspired by something other than other music. Whether it be film, literature or life. Dorian Gray is most certainly in my top ten favorite books of all time. It’s a very powerful, well written story, filled with allegory and meaning. Other authors that inspire me range from James Joyce, Hunter s Thompson, Will Christopher Baer, Christopher Hitchens, Edgar Allan Poe….I could keep going all day.

Seeing a William Control performance was an exhilarating experience for me because of one simple act you performed that made the whole performance seem dangerous and unpredictable…you smoked cigarettes on stage, which is illegal in New York State. This effortless and understated act set the mood perfectly for the performance. Do you feel that performers have become to predictable and safe for audiences, and conversely, what balance do you feel must be struck to prevent having these elements enter the realm of the distasteful?

William: I do feel music has become a safe zone, homogenized, manufactured and produced. Corporate executives who run television stations have figured out how to sell records, create a stupid show about some crap singer/singers, present it to the world during prime time, or to preteens via the Disney channel, hire some song writers and Voilà, you have a record selling in the top ten. It’s disgraceful. The Christians have even got their foot in the door. That is a statement that directly contradicts the meaning of rock and roll. It’s about rebellion; it’s about going against the grain. Somehow, danger needs to be brought back so that the spirit of it all can be revived.

WiL and William Control seem, at least to me…and please forgive me if I’m mistaken, to be disparate elements of your personality. Both personae vary from one another, yet both deliver messages that are from your psyche. How do you feel these elements relate to William Francis? How do you determine what material should be performed by whom?

William: That is exactly correct sir. There are so many different versions running around in the compartments of my skull, I’m afraid that if I were to let them all out, I’d end up in a clinic for the mentally insane. Some are too dangerous to unleash while others much too boring. Writing songs for different projects and deciding which one will be attached is not a difficult task. The song is created from that voice and that voice alone. I never write Aiden songs and then say, well that would work better for William Control or vice versa.

On the same topic, do you ever feel that one part will become dominate over the other, and that you may lose yourself so to speak (to wit, the psychological issues experienced by Alice Cooper)?

William: To be honest? I am unafraid of what the future may hold.

Also, speaking of multiple elements, creatively you have worked in a number of disciplines (vocalist, writer, poet and producer to name but a few). Do you have one discipline that you prefer above the others, and are there any you haven’t tried yet, but would like to?

William: I am a writer. This has been a passion of mine since childhood. The many different facets that stem from that are a reflection of color dancing inside my brain. Writing and music, that’s all there is for me here in this life. It’s who I am and who I was born to be.

In conclusion, is there a parting message you would like to give our readers? (feel free to include plugs for any upcoming projects as well!

William: I’m writing a new William Control record as we speak, I don’t know how I am going to get it out, but when the time comes I just may ask for your help. See you all soon.

Please visit www.aiden.org and www.williamcontrol.com to learn more about the art of William Francis!

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What will you do when the sun goes down?
Light a candle, pour the wine and enter the House where beauty and pain become one. Today 13 minus 12 will equal 5, for 5 is lord and master of the thirteen doors…

From “The House of Thirteen Doors” a novella available now by Daniel Wilder