For those who do not know, Sasha Grey is a popular adult film star who recently collaborated with David Tibet on the album Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain. She is a fan of Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV, Current 93, and most relevantly COIL.
Sound and Symbol: Let's start simple. Favorite COIL album?Sasha: Musick to play in the dark2, or Horse Rotorvator.
S&S: What is the experience of COIL's musick for you, and what inspiration have you drawn from it?
Sasha: I guess one could describe it as a warm fuzzy feeling accompanied by thick sexual undertones, making one appreciate and envelope their sexuality rid of guilt.
S&S: In previous interviews you mentioned Cosey Fanni Tutti as a personal hero. What was it like to finally meet and befriend her? What was it like hanging out with Throbbing Gristle?
Sasha: Wow, certain people in life you just connect with as if you were old friends. I know sounds like some hippy garble garble but it's true, and I think this is something I wouldn't have understood as an adolescent. It made me very nervous, and each member really has their own unique energy, presence, and individualism about them...it was incredible to watch. I was really bummed I missed the San Francisco show!
S&S: Are you interested in the occult or any other mystical systems? Have you ever experimented with sex magick?
Sasha: Thanks to Jimmy Paige and C93, I became quite fascinated with the writings of Aleister Crowley, and later LaVey. I am sex magic.
S&S: You recently collaborated with David Tibet on Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain. What was it like working with him?
Sasha: We have an interesting relationship as our lives are drastically different, but there's definitely a subconcious connection that happens between us. I recorded my vocals literally in a few hours, and I was, and still am quite self concious about my music yet I still immensly enjoy the process.
S&S: Are you a fan of psychedelics? If so, what impact have they had on your life?Sasha: I have experimented with sleep depravation, and video feedback which all have delightful results...not to mention a little Prurient.
S&S: Like COIL, you seem to enjoy pushing your own boundaries. How far is too far? Would you ever do a scat scene?
Sasha: Anything non-consensual or any pedophilia is too far. Personally that's not something that I'm interested in, but I am sickly fascinated by it as a vouyer...as are many people. Look how popular Two Girls One Cup was!
S&S: You've stated an interest in directing your own work. In what new direction do you feel you can take pornography? Would you ever do something along the lines of Psychic TV? Perhaps filming an authentic sex magic ritual.
Sasha: Right now I'm really trying to create erotic films that cater to a wider audience, while tearing down the status quo; really trying to make the sex and titlilation unpredictable and cinematic. If I were to film a sex magic ritual it would have to be more along the lines of a documentary, to educate those who are unfamiliar with said ritual.
S&S: Do you have any live performances planned for your musical group Actelecine?
Sasha: aTelecine will hopefully be playing live in 2010; I've been so busy I haven't had the time to drum up any stage ideas.
S&S: A major message behind the music of Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV, and COIL is the exploration of our "darker" side. Is this an aspiration in your life and work? If so, has it lead you to any deeper understanding of yourself?
Sasha: I think we've culturally progressed beyond those ideas, and I think with dark there is light...and hopefully that light will inspire us all to not be ashamed to delve into the darkness.
S&S: Best COIL song to fuck to?
Sasha: Here to Here (double headed secret), Heartworms, or Batwings.
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