Photo from http://www.mattzane.com

"I haven't thought about them for 15 years," said Matt Zane, in a esoteric voice. "When I was younger, I had these lucid dreams, where I saw these creatures, and to this day I can't describe them," said Zane.

The 27 year old Zane, who is in the studio recording the vocals for his band Society One's next album, Exit Though Fear, is kind enough to take breaks from the sessions to sit down to this candid interview.

"Society One was basically conceived as a society that is based entirely on desire, lust and power; things of that nature," said Zane. "It's left up to the interpretation. " he said. "Anyone who thinks we are just another 'nu-metal band is either deaf or has wax in their ears," Zane said. "We have times where it's more melodic, and times where it's brutal as hell," exclaimed Zane. "We have an industrial tinge, and we're influenced by everyone from Led Zeppelin and the Doors, to Ministry and Nine Inch Nails." said Zane.

But although Society One, and their self described brand of 'industrial heavy metal' may be his main focus now, Zane has other projects to promote at the moment. In his first Spoken word album, 'Words As Carriers,' Zane enters the listeners' psyche while revealing his feelings about such issues as lust, morality, the loss of innocence , sex, and death. Each poem, which is read aloud by Zane's captivating voice seems as if it is an extension of his soul.

'The Story' is a poem about when Zane was a child and had no way to differentiate between dreams and reality. It was in those dreams that he saw the aforementioned 'creatures.' Though he can't describe their shape or form, Zane did reveal that they were sneaky, demon-like creatures , and can't describe them much more. "Not many people realize that you can have lucid dreams," said Zane in soft, yet deep voice. "But when you achieve lucidity in a dream, it is your reality. Some people see God, talk to the devil, or see creatures," said Zane in a whisper.

Death is a reoccurring theme on the spoken word CD, and Zane tries to elucidate why people are fascinated with the subject. "People equate death with escape,"he said. "If anyone out there can truly comprehend what death is, it's far too frightening to say that it doesn't effect them," said Zane.

When the subject of mortality is brought up, Zane is not hesitant to admit his fears. "I have these moments when I wake up from sleep and have a clear mind, and truly know what it means to die; and in those moments, yes I am afraid to die," he said in a serious tone.

The decision to put out the album, was not just a spur of the moment decision for Zane. The decision was made at the tender age of just 16. "It took ten years to compile , and I wrote those poems at different times in my life, between the ages of 16 and 25. Each one has a different mindset," Zane said.

"Poetry is chaos of the mind, there are no rules, and no laws; just you, and infinite possibilities." Said Zane in an inspiring voice.

Aside from 'Words As Carriers,' Zane also has a short documentary out titled 'Contrasting Views of People Living Within an Artistic Lifestyle.'In the film, Zane interviews several subjects all with a dark, disturbing and unique tale. From the man who is an aspiring serial killer, to the young tragic woman addicted to heroin, to the woman obsessed with aliens taking over the world and sodomizing her, the film is 'not for everyone,' as Zane himself puts it. The short film has a central theme of morality and the four subjects in the film all symbolize the moral decay in our society.

"What is morality?" asks Zane out loud "It's all left to interpretation. Of course there is a moral decay in our society, it's evident in everything we see," said Zane. Zane feels that this is due to the repressive nature of today's moral standards, and that they go against open humanistic behaviors and instincts such as lust. "Lust perpetuates life. It's inescapable." Said Zane, a former adult film star, and director. Although Zane may be best known for his past in the adult film industry, he is more than ready to leave that part of his life behind now and focus on his music.

Zane, who was featured on various MTV and VH1 specials documenting porn stars in the music industry is almost annoyed with people who dwell on his past. As the creator of the 'Back Stage Pass,' series, where he documented the debauchery that went on backstage at big rock concerts, Zane is sometimes referred to as the creator of 'Gen X porn,' and the merging of rock stars and porn stars. " I am annoyed, and it's a bit overwhelming. It was just a spring board to further myself, Zane said. "But it's my own fault," he said in a low key voice.

One wonders how Zane's band members feel about his notoriety. "They're used to it now; it really doesn't phase them anymore. It's part of what being in this band is about. We're associated with the flesh." Said Zane.

But does Zane still live a rock n roll lifestyle? "I used to man," he said in a laid back voice. " But you just burn out on that shit. I'm a pretty laid back and normal guy." he said casually.

Exit Through Fear, Society One's second album is currently being mixed. "It's going great," said Zane optimistically. "we're planning to release the record in the Fall sometime, either February, or November." Said Zane. The album will be available through Inzane Records, Zane's own independently owned music and video production company. "I own my own record label it started as a way to release my own music since no major label would have anything to do with us. We offer music videos from underground artists and short independent films," he said.

Zane says it is frustrating how unavailable his music is to his fans. "I get e-mail's all the time from fans asking where they can find our music. But if you like our music, you have to search for it," he said of Society One's still underground status.

After the record is released next year the band plans to tour, and do shows in at least every region of the US. "We'll tour with anyone that takes us out," said Zane." I would love to tour with Nine Inch Nails, I love them and that would be awesome. But we'll tour with anyone who will take us," he commented.

For more info on Society One or Frontman Zane visit www.society1.net and www.mattzane.com