Interview with David John Oates

March 10, 2004

Taken from http://www.backmaskonline.com/interview.html

Backmask Online: When did the concept of reverse speech first occur to you? How did the idea come about?

David John Oates: It was a gradual process over about 3 years. I first heard about backward messages in rock and roll in 1984. I stumbled across it in speech a few months later and then, after researching it for 3 years, I came up with concept of reverse speech in April 1987. Actually the name just came to me. I woke up at 3 in the morning with the words reverse speech in my mind. I went to my state-of-the-art Commodore 64 computer and wrote the first draft of my theory of reverse speech and speech complementarity.

Backmask Online: Thinking back on the first time you heard reverse speech, what was it like? What went through your mind?

David John Oates: Well, the very first instance was in music in 1984. It really freaked me out at first because I didn’t know what it was. When I first heard my own speech backwards, I was also scared but the fear faded in time and turned to fascination and a yearning desire to know what this was all about.

Backmask Online: How do you think the field of reverse speech will change over time? What advancements have you seen since its inception?

David John Oates: Eventually, it will be used and accepted as a legitimate field but that will take some time. In the 20 years that I have been doing it, I changed it from something that is ridiculed to a field that now has some acceptance and is widely discussed. The Oregon state police department has used reverse speech on occasion and that is exciting. I see more and more law enforcement agencies using it as more people become trained and familiar with the field. The area I am most excited about however, is its uses in therapy. Its ability to probe the human mind and suggest both causes and remedies for psychological issues is truly amazing. I see it offering much interesting material in the years ahead concerning the functioning of the unconscious mind.

Backmask Online: In recent years, many musical artists have included (purposefully) backwards messages in their songs. What are your thoughts on this practice?

David John Oates: I have no thoughts either way. Backmasking is an interesting recording technique that makes for some great special effects, but it is not to be confused with reverse speech, which is a natural function of the human mind. I have some concerns that the 2 (reverse speech and backward masking) are still confused by many people. Backmasking is placed onto the soundtrack intentionally, whereas reverse speech is unintentional and automatic.

Backmask Online: It would seem that if speech reversals are found in commonplace speech, then it's only natural that they would be found in music, or do you believe this to be a separate phenomenon?

David John Oates: No. It’s the same phenomenon, only occurring when speech is sung.

Backmask Online: Many of our viewers are just finding out about backmasking and reverse speech for the first time. Many may be looking for more information, what reading would you suggest for the novice?

David John Oates: Well, a must visit of course is to my website - http://www.reversespeech.com - This has lots of articles and examples for people to browse. I have written several books on the topic which can be purchased through my website. Other than that, I am not aware of much else around in the way of resources.

Backmask Online: Lastly, is there anything you would like to add? Thoughts, comments, questions?

David John Oates: Just that this is a very exciting field and I appreciate the opportunity to answer some questions for you.