What drew you and Ice Nine Kills to Macabre Spirits?
Our mutual undying love of all things horror and the macabre is what brought this collaboration to life. For the last 10 years INK has been a story-driven project – in fact, we like to think of the band as more of an immersive cinematic experience than a musical act. Macabre Spirits creates not only elevated spirits, but amazing narratives that tie in the beverages they concoct.

How did you get to know Matthew Lillard, and is there a story you want to share?
Matt has been one of my favorite actors since I was 11 years old. When I saw the original Scream in the theaters, it blew my already horror-obsessed mind. The chemistry between Skeet and Matt in the final scene creates not only one of the greatest duos in the horror genre, but in the history of film. Watching Matt over the years continue to steal scenes in everything from SLC Punk! to Five Nights at Freddy’s has been a joy to watch. I was a huge fan before this collab came about, and now I’m honored to call him a friend.

What was your creative inspiration when putting together this merch drop? What spoke to you in the story?
Without giving too much away, there exists a complex backstory in Rare, Fine & Limited and the drink at the center of it. Although the story gets quite gruesome, Mike Flanagan included a sophisticated aesthetic to a sinister setting which our designer, Mike Cortada, was able to capture in the way only he can.

Ice Nine Kills has quickly become a legend in the horror scene. What do you like the most about this community?
To me, horror, much like great music, is an escape from reality. No matter what ups and downs life may throw at you, you can put on a great record or a phenomenal film and drift away to another place. I love the fact that people within this community can connect with other like-minded horror fanatics and not be judged or feel like there’s something wrong with liking provocative or subversive art.

If you could have been part of the making of any horror movie, which one would you choose and why?
Hands down, the original Scream. That is my generation’s Halloween or Friday The 13th. Sometimes a film comes along at the perfect time with a perfect premise, cast, director and execution, pun intended. I’ll never forget how that film exploded off the screen and I don’t think I’ve seen something since that was equal parts frightening and fun.

What’s your favorite cocktail (or mocktail) and why?
I love me a good espresso martini! Something about the combination of a smooth buzz and caffeine just does it for me.