Northern California’s Patrick Baxter is a well-oiled machine. Constantly pumping out Spam Caller and Late Shift material for three years and then sitting on its follow-up, it’s only natural that he decides to go in a new direction and make '90s Wax Trax Records-sounding industrial centered around the slasher genre.
From the dark alley of Novato enters Killer Instinct from STABMAN. Five tracks of blown-out drum machines and harsh vocals, all pressed onto a 12” lathe from Cosmic Hearse.
I caught up with Baxter to get the story behind STABMAN.
It’s been a little over a year since we last spoke; tell us what you’ve been up to
Mostly being a dad to my two-year-old daughter. I can’t even believe it’s been over a year!
What’s the origin story of STABMAN?
I couldn’t shake the idea of combining industrial and hardcore. That’s where the idea started. But when I started writing, it was very synth-heavy and reminded me more of a slasher score. So I started following those ideas, and it kinda became a melting pot for all of these sounds. And the name “STABMAN” kept creeping its way in. I found the name funny but also disturbing and very fitting.
What are some influences or kindred spirits you want listeners to check out alongside STABMAN?
Patrick Cowley, Uniform, John Carpenter, Goblin.
How did you come to work with the Cosmic Hearse label?
It started with him making a handful of flyers for Spam Caller, really kick-ass flyers. He has a unique perspective in his art and output.
I quickly became a fan and always knew I wanted to keep working with him. I consider this a 50/50 collaboration; his art and layout bring a whole new dimension to STABMAN.
What’s on the horizon for Late Shift and Spam Caller?
Spam Caller has been sitting on two songs we recorded earlier this year. We are planning to put that out on 7” with Phage Tapes. That’s in the works. Late Shift, I finished recording the second album years ago, but it still has a ways to go as far as mixing/mastering/art/etc. One day hopefully!
Can we expect more STABMAN in the future, or was this just a one-off thing?
I am already writing the sequel.
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STABMAN’s Killer Instinct is streaming everywhere, available on 12” lathe via Cosmic Hearse, and will be the soundtrack of your death.
Tagged: late shift, spam caller, stabman
