By Keith Walsh
Celebrating her stylish new album, Hex, Margot Day of Metamorph shares her life affirming approach to music. As she’s quick to point out, her brand of magic emphasizes connection with others as means of empowerment and enchantment. Having just returned from the tropics where she filmed some striking music videos, Day graciously took the time to answer my questions. Produced and mixed by Erik Gustafson (Adoration Destroyed, Eva X, and Grendel) and featuring lyrics by Day’s daughter Julifer, Hex is Metamorph’s first album on Distortion Productions. (My review of the album is at Synthbeat.com.)
Popular Culture Beat: What is sacred geometry and how does it (or does it not) present a challenge to mainstream religious beliefs? How do you practice sacred geometry? (I don’t remember where I saw your quote about sacred geometry but I do remember).
Margot Day: Yes sacred geometry! “HEX” is my sixth album, I think of myself dancing through sultry realms guided by the hexagon, and the sacred number six. Mainstream hesitance towards the hexagon and perhaps sacred geometry in general probably stems from religious fear-mongering, and a mainstream reluctance to delve into the unknown and embrace the profound seeds of life the hexagon represents. Yet, in the realm of sacred geometry, the hexagon is a key that unlocks the mysteries of the universe, a portal to higher wisdom, and a symbol of the beautiful dance of life.
Popular Culture Beat: How do you rationalize the use of white magic when it, I imagine, is intended to assert power over the will and volition of another person or people?
Margot Day: Magic is not about control, but about connection. It’s a dance with nature, a symphony with the universe. It’s about finding your own power and personal empowerment, not overpowering others. Magic is a rainbow, each color a different note, each spell a different song. It’s not about domination it’s about harmony.
Popular Culture Beat: If, as I imagine, you feel modern witches are misunderstood, how does Metamorph and your Goth band The Plague help spread a positive view of witches?
Margot Day: Witches are no longer living in the shadows; we are gleaming. My bands Metamorph and The Plague celebrate the dance of dark and light, and the beauty and depth of gothic love. Check out our new music video HEX where Kurtis Knight my twin flame (Metamorph’s live show keyboard player) has a cameo in the video (below) Witches are experiencing a renaissance a modern movement, healing with herbs and psychic touch, showing the world the true face of the Witch.
Popular Culture Beat: Also, how have your views changed since The Plague days (assuming by the name of the band plus some videos I’ve seen) that you’ve moved towards a friendlier, brighter approach? What precipitated this shift?
Margot Day: Pain was my teacher, and it taught me well. From the depths of despair, I metamorphized and remembered my destiny is to make music, to inspire others, this is my path to bliss. Metamorph is my story, a tale of shadows and light, of finding love in the darkness of nights.
Popular Culture Beat: “Broken Dolly” is quite dark, lyrically (but also musically). Is Julifer following a darker path than you, or is that from what she’s going through due to her age? And “Whore Spider” is a kind of feminine anthem! You must be very proud.
Margot Day: The Lyrics of “Broken Dolly” were written by both me and my daughter Julifer Day – a shared cry, a blend of our vision. It speaks of the harsh truths of love and rejection, of standing strong in the face of it all. Urging us to remain resilient amidst the turbulence of life. A reflection on the fleeting love for our beauty and joy, and the cold rejection in our decay and sorrow. “Broken Dolly” speaks of resilience, of being timeless, standing strong amid violence and the fight for self-empowerment.
“Whore Spider” was also a lyrical collaboration of mine and Julifer’s. In the tropics where I retreat to write music, we have a spider whose web is so strong, you can easily get tangled in it. This spider is similar to the Jorogumo from Japanese folklore, which is said to become a powerful creature at 400 years old, transforming into a beautiful woman and using its skills to lure and seduce. There are metaphors that run through this song. There are always layers of meaning in the Metamorph lyrics. Yes, Whore Spider is an anthem for sure. An anthem for all of us to rise up and scream, rise up and sing.
FYI Julifer Day is a lyricist in her own right having written the lyrics for some of the songs on Richie Ramone’s latest album in 2023. And yes, I am very proud of her. She is my muse.
Popular Culture Beat: In the last three songs especially did you intentionally go back to a sound closer to The Plague sound? As these came later than the earlier singles (I believe) is something changing about your practice and philosophy?
Margot Day: My music is an ever-evolving gothic phoenix, rising from the ashes. Some of these new Metamorph songs have an element of my 80’s original goth roots—dark, yet now also imbued with a sweet, haunted twist of hope and inspiration, as I spread my wings anew.
Popular Culture Beat: For this album, having worked with Erik for a while now, did you ask for anything different this time from him?
Margot Day: Our creative process is a thrilling alchemical dance, unchanged and ever-vibrant igniting the flames of creativity. As per usual, I brought melodies, vocals, flute, and visions, and he, with his brilliant alchemy, incredible musicianship and production skills transmuted them into this new Metamorphs album HEX – a continuation of our magical journey, keeping the magic alight and ever-burning.
And now I’m captivated by the spell of upcoming melodies – more songs brewing.
Popular Culture Beat:The remixes are also quite amazing. I hope that your new label gives these and the entire album the push it merits!
Margot Day: Remixes by Grendel, Moris Blak and Assemblage 23 are a dream come true, I’m thrilled.
Popular Culture Beat: As spring is a week away, what witchy advice can you give?
Margot Day: As spring arrives and whispers promises of renewal, embrace your inner witch. Plant seeds of life and intention, nurture your dreams, and let your magic bloom.
HEX Links
‘Hex’ Album Review At Synthbeat
Metamorph On Bandcamp
Margot Day dot com
Metamorph On Facebook
Distortion Productions
Adoration Destroyed On Bandcamp
EG Cine (Video Production By Erik Gustafson)
finis