Interview With Natasha Scharf – Worldwide Gothic Author

Author, DJ and music journalist Natasha Scharf has carved hout her career by combining her passion for alternative music with a craft for writing.
At the tender age of 7, she began writing about the music she loved in her first fanzine.  Several years later, after earning her degree in journalism, Natasha created her own magazine; “Meltdown” – taking the Goth scene off the streets and into the hands of a captive audience in the alternative world.  

Since then Natasha has continued to live her dreams; creating a documentary for BBC Radio 1 on gothic culture (Beyond The Pale – 2002), writing for Metal Hammer and presenting her own radio show on goth and now, Natasha is about to have her first book published ~ “Worldwide Gothic: A Chronicle of a Tribe” (Independent Music Press, ISBN 978-1-906191-19-1).  On the eve of her book launch, D*Cyber Punk of Goth Clothes talks to Natasha about her dreams, her accomplishments and her journey along her own unique path.

Natasha Scharf by Taya Uddin, jewellery by Alchemy Gothic, hair colour and make up by Manic Panic

Goth Clothes: Hi Natasha, congratulations on achieving yet another dream ~ the publication of your first book!  And what a first book it is!  Can you tell us a bit about ‘Worldwide Gothic: A Chronicle of a Tribe’ and have you included anything about us Aussie Goths?

Natasha Scharf:  Thank you! The book is very different from anything that’s been done before and that includes its structure. It’s basically set out into three sections that roughly equate to the ’70s/’80s, ’90s and ’00s and each of those sections holds a chronological tale of Goth as a whole all around the world. Naturally, the Australian scene is covered throughout the years as part of this chronology. Starting with punk and the little band nights, it takes in the likes of Birthday Party/Nick Cave and Dead Can Dance and the impact the UK scene had on both, before moving onto more modern acts like Angelspit and Ikon and the popularity of cyber, gothic lolita and steampunk. So rather than having countries set out into chapters, it’s all woven into one giant prose or chronicle (hence the sub-heading) – and you can trace everything back to its roots to see how it’s translated in other countries. It’s not about dark culture or about what makes people gothic – it’s a chronicle of the goth movement and very unique, which is why I was so interested in taking on the project

GC: When you say you “Took on the project”, where was the idea conceived and who was responsible for its conception?

NS:  I was approached to write the book by the publishing company Independent Music Press. The idea was to chronicle the Goth scene around the globe from its birth to the current day because it had never really been done before. I was given free reign on the content although the format, word count and deadline were all part of the original brief. Although my actual deadline for the book was incredibly tight, the amount of research that went into it was a culmination of my life’s work so far and I sourced all the photos used as well so there are no dodgy “models” in fake blood pretending to be goths in there!

GC: Sounds fantastic ~ and its roots… I’m curious to know where you have traced the root of the matter to?

NS: Well this was the tough one – obviously the book had to start somewhere so it begins in September 1976 with the very first Siouxsie and the Banshees concert at the 100 Club’s Punk Special all-dayer in London. They were the first band to actually do something very different with both the punk look and sound and then other bands like Gloria Mundi, Joy Division, Brigandage, Killing Joke, Bauhaus etc picked up on what later became referred to as Goth. That’s the key really – it’s only later on that the G-word starts to become
applied to this look and sound that was already developing around the world.

GC:  Did you encounter any unexpected obstacles or challenges in completing the book?

NS: Yes! There were a number of people, particularly the old school bands, who didn’t want to give interviews for something associated with goth! And maybe surprisingly, a number of more modern bands said they were just too busy to do interviews for a book. It was a real shame but that said, a large number of key players did co-operate and I’ve got some really cool exclusives as a result.

GC:  I’d love to know if you talked to Robert Smith in the process and if so, was he a willing interviewee given his known reluctance in the past to be associated with the Gothic subculture ~ even though he has been and continues to be a very prominent icon and influence in the Gothic world?

NS:  Haha, Mr Smith was one of those who didn’t wish to be interviewed and the same goes for a certain Mr Eldritch, whose manager told me did not consider himself to be part of any dark alternative movement!

GC:  Did you uncover any treasures or surprises during the course of your research?

NS:  Oh yes, lots but I don’t want to go into too much detail here because that would spoil the book! One thing I will say is that I’ve been into gothic music for a long time and consider myself to be fairly well-travelled but I discovered scenes that I actually had no idea existed and that was really exciting. I spoke with goths who were persecuted because of their choice of music and the way they dressed and I was really taken back by their passion. When you trace goth right back to the beginning, a lot of the early bands were pretty outspoken in terms of politics and although we’ve lost a lot of that now, there’s a real feeling that these lyrics are still relevant to those in the more politically repressed countries. When you consider that in some countries, someone could be arrested for dressing in gothic clothing or listening to a band such as The Sisters Of Mercy, it really does pale into insignificance the occasional verbal attacks we might get for dressing unconventionally.

GC:  Can you give us the top 5 tracks that you would choose to make up the soundtrack to the book?

NS:  Oh my, what a question! I’m afraid that five tracks just wouldn’t cover it – I’m not even sure that 100 tracks could do it justice! I’ll have to pass on that one, sorry!

GC:  How do you feel now on the eve of the launch?

NS: I’m very excited but somewhat impatient! There are a few people who’ve seen the book already and I’ve had an excellent response to it so far so I’m really excited about letting everyone else see it. The impatient bit is because I can’t wait for the book to be in stores so people can actually buy it and share the exciting discoveries I made. I finished the writing process at the end of February so I’m itching to get it out there!

GC:  Cast your mind 5,000 years into the future when the human race is no longer what it is today.  ‘Worldwide Gothic: A Chronicle of a Tribe’ has just been discovered.  What messages do you think this strange, alien race will understand from deep within its pages?

NS:  You know that cliched question about whether you think goth will still be going in 10/whatever years from now? Well, I’ve kind of got a weird feeling that it’ll still be going 5,000 years in the future! I think it’ll have changed a bit so Worldwide Gothic will be considered something of a history book but I reckon people will still be singing ‘This Corrosion’ and doing the gothic two-step dance!

Image by Stephen Milward from the book Worldwide Gothic

Goth Clothes:  You’ve just returned from the Wave Gotik Treffen in Germany, did you attend the festival mainly for work, pleasure or was it a mixture of both?

Natasha Scharf:  It was a mixture of both. The WGT is a really unique festival because there’s just so much to do there and it really is like a sort of pick ‘n’ mix – I got to see loads of amazing bands although this time I was doing my best to make sure I caught those who were unlikely to play in the UK. Ikon were amazing, by the way! But, it was a great chance to let the largest gathering of goths worldwide know about my new book and I have to admit that the flyers were getting snapped up faster than I could put them down, which I think is a good sign! If you’ve never been, you should definitely start saving now for next year’s event.

GC:I’m sure there would have been plenty of hype surrounding the book and its impending launch at the festival. How was that experience for you and what was the general reaction among the festival goers to the upcoming launch?

NS:  Well the launch is happening in London, UK at Vagabonds goth night on Saturday 25 June with an additional signing taking place at the DV8 festival in York at the end of July. Those who are attending those events are pretty excited about it although obviously because WGT attracts goths from all over the world, not everyone will be able to attend from that festival. It would be wonderful if I could do launches in every single country but I’m not sure how practical that would be!

GC: Were you able to take in much of the program as a spectator/participant and if so, what were your favorite elements of the festival?

NS:  I saw lots of bands and had a good browse around the market stalls. My favourite thing about WGT is the chance to see bands that I haven’t seen before and I had a great time checking them all out.

GC: Did you wear anything spectacular?

NS:  I’m afraid my outfits would probably be regarded as more comfortable than spectacular! I do like my fishnet and lace and I wore my favourite leather-look waspie, which I’ve had for years on several days. I also wore some great wet-look, lace-up leggings that my boyfriend made me with fishnets for some of the deathrock shows.

GC:  Give us a couple of literary quotes that would best describe you or your outlook on life.

NS:  I’m a firm believer in fate so I do think that if something’s meant to happen then it will and if it doesn’t happen then it wasn’t meant to be – that’s something I say a lot.

GC:  Where do you do your best thinking?

NS:  Usually either in the bath or while walking through woodland. I live in London and I know some people assume that everywhere there is built-up but we actually have some wonderful green spaces that I adore. You can really forget you’re in a major city when you’re walking through deep woods with trees blocking out traffic sounds. It’s very peaceful and very inspirational. I also find inspiration often strikes on long bus journeys or in the British Library’s reading rooms.

GC:  Throughout your career as a Music Journalist, have you ever been star struck with any of your subjects?

NS:  Yes, once and it still brings me out in goose bumps thinking about it! I pride myself in being able to treat celebs as normal people and not getting star-struck but there was one person that I absolutely completely fell apart with and that was Siouxsie Sioux. Fortunately it was a telephone interview so she couldn’t see my hands shaking but I was soooo nervous. She was absolutely brilliant though – just the right balance of ice queen and friendly – but I had to record the interview because I was shaking so badly that I couldn’t take down any of her answers!

GC:  Do you have any favorite tools of your trade?

NS: People laugh at me for this but I adore my Psion Series 5. For those who don’t know, it’s a rather archaic PDA that came out at the end of the ’90s long before iPhones, laptops and when the internet was still in its infancy. This means it’s not much good for anything more than word processing but I love its compact size – I can put it in my handbag ready for instant ideas and then hook it up to my computer when I get home to transfer my words to a Word document. They’re obsolete now and I’m on my third – I’ve just found someone with an old one they don’t use that I’m going to buy once this one dies but it’s my absolute essential tool that I can’t go anywhere without! I also love my Sony minidisc recorder – it records interviews in crystal clear quality, which is really important for radio and makes transcriptions a lot easier if you’re dealing with loud environments or interviewees who have strong accents. I also keep my Oxford minidictionary with me at all times! I’m kind of old-school – once I find kit that works for me, I stick with it until it dies and then I panic about having to replace it with modern technology that I don’t understand!

GC:  Who would you most like to interview?

NS:  There is one person left that I haven’t interviewed who I would love to and that’s Marilyn Manson. I find him fascinating – I think he’s a very intelligent man and as he used to be a journalist, excellent at manipulating the media. I know a lot of people consider him to be a bit naff and I have to admit, some of his recent output has been a little disappointing but I’d still like to interview him!

GC:  What is the question you are most often asked?

NS:  I get asked what gigs I’ve been to recently and what I’m currently listening to a lot but the problem is, my mind always goes blank when people ask me that! I cover such a large range of genres as part of my work that when I do give an answer, it’s not always what they’re expecting!

Image by Stephen Milward from the book Worldwide Gothic

Goth Clothes:  I know the Ticket Master!  We can get you 5 “All Access Passes” to any 5 gigs at any venues in the world?  Who are you taking? What performers are you going to see? And where are you going to see them?

Natasha Scharf:  I’ve seen so many amazing bands over the years that I’ve pretty much ticked everyone off my “must see list” now! Although I still haven’t seen Madonna live and I’d love to see that just for the spectacle of it all – I don’t care where just anywhere where there’s a big stage and an excellent view! She might not be goth but she was part of that original New York punk scene and I have a lot of respect for the way she has built her brand and just kept on going no matter what.

I’d quite like to see someone alternative at the Sydney Opera House – maybe Nick Cave would push those buttons? I’d be very happy to see Siouxsie live again but maybe at a more intimate venue – could they reopen CBGBs in New York just for me?! If the Ticket Master has resurrection skills, could he reanimate Lux Interior for a one-off Cramps show somewhere suitably underground? Who else? Oh no, my mind’s gone blank! Iggy Pop’s always great fun live – maybe I could go and see him at the Rainbow in LA?

As for bringing people, well I made a deal with Miss Martini, who’s the singer with the band Maleficent that whoever gets a ticket to see Madonna first, has to take the other so she’d obviously have to come with me or I’d be in trouble! I think my boyfriend and my mother would also appreciate the show and then maybe I’d put the other two tickets up for grabs in a competition. As for the others, I think it would be competition time again and the most deserving people could come with. I am awful at making decisions!

GC:  What do you consider to be the essential elements of Gothic style?

NS: One thing I learned while researching this book is that gothic means so many different things to so many different people in so many different countries. What is considered gothic in say Australia isn’t the same as what they consider gothic in Egypt but the one unifying thing is what I refer to as “dark glamour”. You can’t say black clothing anymore because steampunk, EGL and cybergoth have brought a variety of hues with them but that dark glamour vibe still remains. There’s something sexy but sinister, kind of untouchable but enticing – that’s what gothic style is to me.

GC:  Who is your favorite Gothic icon and why?

NS:  She may dislike being referred to as a gothic icon but it’s Siouxsie Sioux! When I was somewhat younger and before I was allowed to cake my face in make up, I do recall performing a Siouxsie make-over on a family friend who was looking after me while my parents were out! I was very young and obviously experimenting for later in life!

GC: As a child, whose posters adorned the walls of your bedroom?

NS:  Siouxsie again! Madonna, Joan Jett, Debbie Harry – I’ve always admired strong women and appreciate them even more since I’ve seen the guts of the music industry. I also had some of my mum’s paintings on my wall – she’s an artist – and also some of my late grandfather’s drawings too. He did some beautiful oil pastels of kittens that I loved.

GC:  If you could be a fly on the wall in any organization for a week to watch and absorb what goes on, where would it be? 

NS:  Hmm, I’m not sure if I would. Sometimes the inner workings of the sanctum are better left a mystery…

GC:  What are you reading at the moment?

NS: I’ve just started Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy – I’ve almost finished the first book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I actually saw the film first so I keep making comments like: “That wasn’t in the movie!” and “But I know who did it!” I am refraining was watching the next two before I’ve read them!

GC:  In a quiet corner of your day, when your time is completely your own, where are you most likely to be found and what would you be doing?

NS:  I very rarely get me-time but when I do, I like to escape to those aforementioned woods or disappear on a trawl through second-hand stores for disguarded treasures.

GC:  What music is currently spinning around in your music machine?

NS: I have literally just taken Ulterior’s Wild In Wildlife album out of my CD player and replaced it with the new Hatesex album that I got at WGT Earlier today, I was watching some video footage of my boyfriend’s new band Partly Faithful – you should check them out!

GC:  How are you planning to celebrate the launch of your first book given this is another of your dreams now realized?

NS: I’m having a launch party at Vagabonds goth night in London on Saturday 25 June, which should be great fun. I often do guest dj slots there but this time I’ll be sat at a table signing books! Then next month, on 23 July, I’ll be doing another signing at DV8 Fest in York, which I’m also really looking forward to. It seemed appropriate to celebrate the launch of a book on goth at two gothic parties!

GC:  Now that you’ve achieved so many of your dreams at such a relatively young age, what dreams and goals have you lined up to execute next?

NS: I’m not that young anymore! I’m aiming to resume work on some unfinished books that have been sat on my computer harddrive for a while and try to get them published too. Other than that, I’ll do what I always do and let fate take me to my next destination – if it’s meant to be, it will!

Goth Clothes: Have you any tips for any aspiring authors or journalists out there in the alternative world?

Natasha Scharf: Actually, that’s another question I get asked a lot! Honestly, if you really want to do it then just do it – don’t talk about it or dream it, just get on out there and do it! Writing a really tough career path, especially for a woman, and a lot of people will try to take advantage of you but if you’re determined, take the knock-backs on the chin and grab all the opportunities you’re presented with.

One thing I get frustrated about hearing is people who say: “I wish I could be a writer” – and that dream also seems to apply to other creative fields. I always ask them why they don’t just do it! I read a great article recently that talked about how fear stops us from doing things and I think it’s completely true: push fear to one side and just do it otherwise you’ll forever be dreaming of another life! I think that’s really the best advice I can offer.

Goth Clothes would like to thank Natasha for taking some time out to talk with us about this very cool chronicle on all you, me and everything about our culture.

Lady Amaranth by Taya Uddin, jewellery by Alchemy Gothic, corset by Larysa K

As Goth Clothes is the exclusive Australian retailer of Natasha Scharf’s book World Wide Gothic : A Chronicle of a Tribe ~ we have only ten Autographed Collector’s Edition copies of Natasha’s book for sale at a very special price.
First in best dressed as these copies will sell out fast!
Get yours now before they fly off the shelf! Click here

For European Goths,  head over to Natashas website: Meltdown to purchase your copy of Worldwide Gothic ~ this way you won’t have to pay as much in shipping as you would if you got it from us at Goth Clothes.

You can keep abreast of all the hype, book signing events and news on the Worldwide Gothic Facebook page.