In this episode of The Gothic Heart, I got to sit down with the super talented duo, Colby Boothman and Mikhail Konov from A Cross Between. These two are known for their incredible blend of music, swordsmanship, and cutting-edge performances that mix real-world and virtual experiences. We touched on everything from their artistic journeys to what fuels their creativity and the challenges they face in the entertainment industry. If you're into music, technology, or just enjoy hearing how people manage to bring their unique passions to life, this episode has it all!
Colby's Journey into Swordsmanship
One of the coolest things about Colby is his background in swordsmanship. From a young age, Colby was drawn to fencing and later found himself working on choreography for lightsaber battles—yes, you read that right—lightsabers! It all started with fencing in Rhode Island, where he trained and competed in Junior Olympics and National Championships. As he grew older, his passion for sword fighting led him to meet Nick Gillard, the stunt coordinator for the Star Wars prequels, who helped him take his skills to the next level. Colby even got to do motion capture for Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Battlefront! Talk about a childhood dream coming true.
Colby doesn’t call himself a “sword master,” but he’s made an undeniable impact in the world of lightsaber choreography, and his story is such an inspiring example of turning a niche passion into something extraordinary. Whether he's spinning lightsabers or collaborating on music, Colby's journey into swordsmanship is a testament to leaning into what you love—even when it's a bit unconventional.
Musical Roots and Influences
Both Colby and Mikhail have deep musical roots that shape the sound of A Cross Between. Growing up in households where goth and industrial music were part of the daily soundtrack, their influences range from iconic bands like Nitzer Ebb and Sisters of Mercy to more modern techno and industrial bass. Mikhail shared how his earlier projects were heavily industrial, while Colby’s experience in the film industry added even more creative layers to their collaboration.
Their music is more than just a reflection of their personal tastes—it’s an experience. You can feel the industrial edge in every track, but they make it accessible to audiences outside the goth and industrial scenes, creating something fresh and exciting. As Mikhail said, they’re “a cross between” genres, blending influences in a way that’s both familiar and completely new.
Collaboration with Grimoire Academy
A big part of what sets A Cross Between apart is their collaboration with Grimoire Academy. This creative partnership has opened the door for them to explore some mind-blowing performances that combine music, VR, and real-time visuals. From performing at major clubs like Royale in Boston to DJing underground techno parties, their connection with Grimoire has allowed them to push the boundaries of what live performances can be.
They’ve performed at events that go beyond just the music, integrating everything from sword choreography to holographic VR dancers. It’s not just about playing tracks—it’s about creating an immersive experience for the audience. Even with all the technology involved, Colby and Mikhail make sure their shows still feel personal and intimate, regardless of whether they’re playing for a crowd of 10 or 10,000.
Innovative Performances and Technology
Speaking of their performances, A Cross Between is at the forefront of blending technology and live music in a way that’s both cutting-edge and incredibly fun. During the podcast, they shared stories about their VR-integrated shows, where they’ve used everything from holographic dancers to real-time VR visuals. They even talked about a memorable show where they partnered with Peppercast, a company that specializes in mixed reality experiences, to create a fully immersive environment. Imagine being at a live concert where VR dancers appear onstage alongside real performers—that’s the kind of thing Colby and Mikhail are making happen.
It’s not just about the tech, though—it’s about the passion they bring to each performance. Whether they’re headlining a festival or playing in a small bar, Colby and Mikhail bring the same energy to every stage. They want to create experiences that leave a lasting impression, no matter the size of the crowd or the complexity of the setup. And they pull it off with a mix of raw talent, innovative tech, and a true love for what they do.
Check out this clip from one of their shows, showcasing the Stable Diffusion VR technology by Scottie Fox: https://x.com/scottiefoxttv/status/1594209209616408576
This episode of The Gothic Heart was a whirlwind of creativity and passion. Colby and Mikhail’s journey with A Cross Between proves that when you blend talent, tech, and a love for alternative culture, you can create something truly special. Whether it's sword fighting or crafting immersive live shows, they’ve found a way to bring their unique vision to life—and we’re lucky enough to witness it. If you’re ready for a podcast episode that mixes music, VR, and a dash of lightsabers, this one’s for you!