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 –
Reverse Speech – 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.