Interview - CRUC1FY - 2025 (ENG)

Cruc1fy is a surprising solo project from the east coast of the United States. The artist behind this artistic entity is very prolific and, above all, has a very clear vision of his art. Indeed, this is modern gothic music that is unapologetic about its genre. Cruc1fy does not seek to resurrect a pre-existing culture or copy any model; on the contrary, his goal is to create a new, complete gothic vision. A very interesting and ambitious goal. Jeu D'Ombre wanted to find out more about this highly creative musician.

Interview by Xzvrey in 2025.

Lien Spotify

Lien Bandcamp

1/ Hi Cruc1fy, I’m very happy to welcome you to the pages of Jeu D’Ombre Webzine. What are you up to these days? Are you taking a summer break?

Hey there. I’m happy to be here. I wish I could have taken a summer break but I’m really on a nonstop grind. There’s always so much that needs to be done as a fully independent artist. I just released Curs3d x P3rfect which ties into my last larger release.

2/ We can’t skip the usual introductions. Could you please introduce Cruc1fy? I believe it’s a solo project, right? How would you describe your musical style?

So, Cruc1fy is a solo project and an immensely personal one. This may be much different from other artists, but Cruc1fy is just me being transparent with the world. My musical style reflects very personal ideas, conflicts, and revelations from my life. Every song tells a very personal story or dark fantasy. I do this by combining various instrumentations that best represents the sounds of my soul. This is why my songs vary so greatly between postpunk, darkwave, electronic and even shoegaze.

3/ So far, you’ve released the album L1feless x B3autiful, Curs3d x P3rfect, and quite a few singles. Do you particularly like the single format? Are you planning to release a new album in the coming years?

I don’t particularly like the single format. As time goes on, you’ll see that most of my work actually ties into each other. I’m a bit scatterbrained so it just releases a bit erratically. I am planning a large body of work for 2026, though!

4/ You regularly use numbers instead of certain letters. Does this have a special meaning for you? I’ve mostly seen the numbers 0, 1 and 3 (and also 4 in the track Pl4y). Why these numbers in particular?

This is a great question! Many people wonder about it but never ask me. I use numbers for three main reasons. One, I’m from Detroit city; the area code for Detroit is 313. This is why I constantly use numbers 1 and 3. Two, In the US, the number 13 is seen as an unlucky number or a number associated with witchcraft and occult practices. And three, my artistic vision relies on bringing the gothic vibe to a modern age. Modernly, we’re so engaged in the digital world. My use of numbers shows the unison between old and new; it’s a form of Leet speech. I’m a nerd.

5/ What themes do you explore in Cruc1fy’s music? What are your lyrics generally about? What inspires you when creating songs? Do you have favorite recurring themes?

I really just talk about my life in poetic and exaggerated manners. My lyrics idolize the darkness within romantic endeavors and struggles we all face. While creating songs, sometimes, I just feel like a vessel that houses them. I don’t think. I don’t even write them down until I say them. It’s an odd creative style, but one reoccurring theme has of course been vampirism.

6/ The visual aspect is also quite important in your project. The images are always very carefully crafted. What’s your preferred method for creating them? Do you work with a particular artist or are you behind the designs as well?

 

My creative process is a world of webs to untangle. I couldn’t even begin to explain how they’re crafted. But I’m behind every single design. I spend a great deal of time creating each one. In fact, I may spend more time on the artwork than the song it goes with.

7/ You also use video to illustrate your songs. The ones where you appear are particularly immersive — simple and rich at the same time. How do you go about creating this kind of video? Is it something you especially enjoy doing?

It is something I enjoy doing very much! You’ll definitely see many more of them in the future. As you’ve mentioned, they are simple. I generally record myself in a normal setting and then add effects or specific camera angles. I really like the combination of the old and new. A simple shot with modern edits.

8/ How do you organize your work for Cruc1fy? Do you have a particular ritual when composing new songs? Do you start with lyrics or music? What equipment do you use?

I generally start with music. For my ritual, I always write and record alone. To me, it’s like an act of possession. The music tells me the words. Sometimes, it’s only sounds or notes that I hear. And then, I just spill out the words it’s telling me. As far as equipment is concerned, I record all my songs with a WA-47jr. It’s a simple mic but it captures my voice amazingly.

9/ I haven’t yet seen any live performances from you. Do you ever play live? If not, is it something you plan to do in the future?

I do plan to do live performances. Expect to see me in 2026! I had a personal goal of not performing live until I reached a set number of listeners and followers.

10/ We’re halfway through the interview — time to relax a bit. You seem to like vampires. What’s your favorite interpretation featuring these creatures? Any particular film or book?

I’m really fond of True Blood’s adaptation of vampires. The glamouring, the turning, the tears of blood; so romantic. I specifically like their interpretation of the relationship dynamics between Maker and Progeny.

11/ Let’s talk about your background. When and how did you first encounter the gothic world? How did you feel the first time you heard goth music? Do you remember which artist it was?

I really can’t recall the first time I heard goth music, but to describe how I felt listening to it in one word: possessed. I hope to take people to other realms with my music, as well.

12/ Today, what are your favorite goth albums? Do you also listen to other types of music?

I grew up in a very musically diverse city, so I listen to all types of music. It’s easier for me to list some of my favorite goth artists today. Many are underground artists. But I’m a big fan of upcoming goth artists like: Hinfort, DxrkKnght, Midnight Darkwave, Vomer, Misery Mile, Flowerbabe, Give My Remains to Broadway, and a few others.

13/ It seems you’re now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but originally from Detroit, Michigan. Why did you move? Did that have an impact on your artistic journey?

It seems you’re now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, but originally from Detroit, Michigan. Why did you move? Did that have an impact on your artistic journey?

14/ How is the gothic scene in the area where you currently live? Are there many bands, concerts, zines, events?

The goth scene in the Raleigh area is pretty lit! There are events just about every week. There are a good number of shows and bands, but many are not postpunk/darkwave oriented. Shout out to Fayetteville Goth Night, The Wicked Witch, and The Chapel of Bones! I really appreciate places like this keeping the scene alive and well in the area.

15/ In addition to your own project, you’ve also created an excellent Spotify playlist: Goth Underground, which is quite popular now and allows us to discover lots of great artists (I’ll be reviewing some of them thanks to you 🙂). How did the idea to create this playlist come about? Is it an important part of your activity?

I noticed that almost every goth playlist only included the typical goth bands from the 80s. Also, playlisting is hard these days for goth artists because our sound is so… different. Nearly all my friends who are heavy into the goth music scene always asked me for new underground artists to listen to, so I figured the goth scene needed a way to find more underground artists. It was really a supply and demand. It’s pretty important to my brand and how I’m viewed in the community.

16/ Besides music, do you have other passions, activities, hobbies? Perhaps a day job too? What place does Cruc1fy occupy in your life?

I AM Cruc1fy. There comes a point where most people separate their art from themselves, but we’re one in the same. I do have a day job, but let’s keep that one a secret for now. Since I’ve become serious about music, my main hobby now is erotic photography. I’d say I’ve become a pretty decent photographer. I’m also heavily involved in the kink scene 🤫.

17/ Man, you’re trapped in my zine until you answer the question that scares everyone: what are your favorite dishes and drinks?

Hmm… So, I’m a bit of a carnivore. Give me a steak, ribs, blood of the innocent, any day! Outside of purely meat, my absolute favorite dishes are Chinese pork bao, and manicotti. My signature drink is one that I’ve made. It’s sweet red wine with a double shot of vodka. I call it the Blood Angel. 🦇

18/ If you could have a completely crazy dream for Cruc1fy, what would it be? Now’s the time to let your imagination run wild, haha.

It’s less of a dream and more of a goal. I want to be associated with goth music so heavily that you MUST mention Cruc1fy when you talk of modern goth music. The same way people mention The Cure and Bauhaus as pioneers of the genre, I want to carry the torch modernly.

19/ Sadly, we’re almost at the end of this interview. Is there anything else you’d like to say to the Jeu D’Ombre readers?

I’d just like to thank everyone for tuning in for this interview. If you’re a listener of mine, I really appreciate you! There’s so much more planned. If you’re just now hearing of me, I hope you find a song or two that you enjoy!

 

20/ Thank you so much for answering our webzine’s questions.

I wish you great success with Cruc1fy — it’s a very interesting and original project.

Hope to talk again soon :-D

Bye 🦇🙂