BEHIND THE STAGE: BLAIR MEAT COMPANY

Even since I was a wee emokid in the mid 2000s I have been curious how bands got from a song idea to recording it and then onto the stage in their full conceptual glory. So, possibly purely from a selfish desire for knowledge I have decided to start a new series called 'Behind The Stage'

where we will take a deep dive into occupations and companies who help get a band from song to stage and beyond. Our first undertaking will be the horror aesthetic and visual art behemoth, Blair Meat Company. Blair Meat Company are responsible for prop design, photography and videos so we got to have a good chat about all aspects of the business, past, present and future.

What inspired you to start Blair Meat Company?

BLAIRMEATCOMPANY BMC started around 2017?, at the time I was being creative making masks for a few years, But that’s all it really was nothing branded with content and production. A friend of mine invited me to be part of a Halloween concept

advertisement for his product (ink nurse) which is now a very successful. It was such an amazing experience being involved with something like that, at that point in my life. Though iv done this myself I must give credit, without the founder of (inknurse) BMC would never of happened. P.s at this point I needed a cool catchy name to

create a social media page to promote myself My partner came up with the name BLAIRMEATCOMPANY.

What are some skills that you have had to learn to make a project possible?

Skill, Skills I've learnt over the years. Turning a warped concept into an actual creation. Networking through multiple industries. Learning

editing programs. Becoming confident in myself. Learning to accept help from others. 

When working with a band like Melancolia who has a very specific visual aesthetic, how do you balance your own personal style of art, while making it feel true to the band?

Working with melancholia, Very creative humans this project was very difficult for me purely because I couldn’t envision exactly what the band was trying to achieve. My style of work is very different and they had a very specific outcome in their heads, With some backwards and forwards and a heap of running around the boys got a really good outcome. I wish them all the success that’s coming in their direction. 

What is the process for choosing what masks will go from initial idea to finished product?

It depends on the project, if it’s my concept I’ll have a pretty good idea of what I want to achieve, it’s all fake it till you make it honestly, and seems to come together as it should. When it comes to the creativity aspect iv

created a style of my own I guess? I've made lots of stuff that’s never been seen by the public.

My first introduction to BMC was through the magnificent mask that Dane Evans of To The Grave wears during his performances; How did you choose the identity for Dane?

My first introduction to Dane was scrolling instagram and coming across a random reel. We both followed each other and chatted on and off. Forme, I just wanted to make him something because the guys got conviction, he believes in something and stands his ground on it, most

people talk shit these days but when it comes to what he preaches he means it. Regardless if we agree on something you have to respect that. As for the pig mask itself, the original pig mask was in cycle in my collection for nearly 2 years before it was gifted to Dane branded with the band sigil. I wanted to make him something that represented him and what he stood for, I choose you bro not the other way around *heart hands*

Through your time of making horror visuals, what is the biggest/most important lesson that you have learnt?

Your time is worth something, regardless if people disagree. Set your standards high. You are the average of the 5 people you surround yourself with. Social media isn’t important. People come and go. Sorry that’s not super uplifting haha.

What is the basic process of getting a visual from concept to filming?

Like any other process, it all comes from an initial idea and planning. With my work there’s so many moving parts to my process to get to filming. The idea. Story boarding. Networking. Planning. Location scouting. This list goes on, I’m sure this is everyone’s process I just have a different result and outcome.

What kind of props do you hope to add to your repertoire?

I’d like to make more saw type of contraptions to focus on a specific type of imagery. I have a thing with chairs also, I like having torture chairs within my clips. Restraints. Medical equipment and surgical tools/ beds etc. Not a prop but a studio to be able to make and use these contraptions in comfort and privacy. 

Which is your favourite project to date? 

Shot my first video with my good friend Big vin. It was a violent Texas chainsaw spin off, was very poorly shot with no idea at all of what I was doing. The music behind it was soooooooo brutal! (boyeatsgirl) she shattered like glass give it a

listen. Still my favourite and something I’d really like to do again. My knowledge and progress is 100% better than it was back then so the outcome would much more intense 

Who is a band/company that you aspire to work with?

I have 1 band I’d like to work with and it’s happening some stage this year, the vocalist has become a good friend of mine, within BMC and in the real world. There’s no real brands I’d like to work with, I’d really like to brand myself as a production artist

and move forward to bigger production with external funding.

What advice do you have for someone getting into horror visuals?

If you hesitate you’ll make mistakes. It’s not embarrassing to be creative if you want to do it, just do it. Know your worth and don’t settle for anything less than that. Fake blood is horrible. Strippers are always late so quote that into your costing.

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You can find Blair Meat Company on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

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What is a sector you think we should talk to of the Behind The Stage sector of the Music Industry?