Interviews

Neorythm – Interview May 2019.

Posted on: May 24th, 2019 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Greetings friends. Hope you’re good.

The other day I caught up with groove metal duo Neorythm, currently based in Rovaniemi, Finland for a yak about mental health. The band was formed over 300 years ago, so i suspect these ‘temporary conductors of the eternal’ may have learnt a thing or two about mental health over the years. Read on……

– Hello Neorhythm! Welcome to Metal Health and thanks for being here.

Red1: Greetings!
Red2: Tekhae erruob!

– What does good mental health mean to you?

Red1: It is enough for me to feel that I am on the right way. If it is, then everything is fine with health.
Red2: The state corresponding to the healthy natural balance of the three-dimensional world, correlating with the full physical health, with all the included and well-functioning neural-psychological barriers and protective reactions. Thinking in the direction of creation and goodness.

– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

Red1: We are always at home and at the same time always on the road. This is a very conditional division of concepts … The most important thing is how we perceive reality. Thus, we are always ready for any difficulties.

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

Red2: Understanding of our infinity and the omnipotence of our mind and strength. The desire not to lose this cosmic perfection, presented to us by nature, but constantly ruined by ourselves.
Red1: I am motivated by the fact that we do not know much about the world around us. Continuous thirst for knowledge and new horizons.

– Are you positive thinkers? How do you stay positive?

Red2: Certainly yes. Positive prolongs life (and there is nothing better than immortality!), and we have it for many centuries. Just everything is nothing. All – there are little things. And everything can please.
Red1: I can’t always be positive. The world is not perfect and often I experience negative emotions that I try to use for good. It helps me focus on a specific problem and write music about it. I would even say that I need negative emotions. But I can control it, so there are no problems.

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Red2: Of course there were, we are not iron. But hard times are given to overcome and grow, and also so that they are erased like dust from the consciousness afterwards.

Red1: Times can’t be tough or easy. To any difficulties in life leads a certain chain of events. We try to foresee this.

– What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it? Is it simply the opportunity for self expression?

Red2: Great happiness. A surge of internal energy, giving life.

Red1: For me, music is life itself. If I could not make music, I would not. It is like the ability to talk or watch.

– I note the band formed over three hundred years ago, but when did you start making music individually? Was it like finding some buried treasure that you didn’t know you had, and how did mak-ing music fit in with the rest of your life?

Red2: The music is infinite, it was always there, and before our birth, it is the breath of “god”. We are only temporary conductors of the eternal.

Red1: Yes, he said everything correctly. Is always.

– I have just been listening to Nanogods from your Facebook page. Some nifty right hand syncopation work on the guitar riffs. I also love Diatribe. Great song! ‘Gravediggers of the earth, you are like parasites, on mother’s body’. It’s a great lyric, and a necessary reminder of the damage being done to this planet in the name of greed. Do you do any other work in the area of conservation or social issues?

Red1: I have no purpose to write complex music. I just try to convey my thoughts on the strings. If syncopes sound good, they will be there. If not, I’ll remove it and play differently. These techniques are simply a way to convey the right musical atmosphere, a way to highlight something, and to put something in the background.
Red2: As for our poems, our message, for which I am responsible – I am a poet, my work is a word, so I try to change the world by that. Everyone has their own purpose, and who knows what is more important.

– How important is it for the bass guitar and drums to be tight, and where do you see the guitars and voice fitting in the groove?

Red1: Oh, this is the question that always interests me. We used a large number of different recording techniques before we achieved the desired rhythm section sound. Guitar work usually goes a little easier. The voice in our songs is a complete instrument, just like a guitar or a snare drum. It requires some space in the mix. Now we have started sharing multitracks of our songs on the Patreon page. There you can study in more detail the sound of the instruments and production as a whole. https://www.patreon.com/neorhythm/

– How was the recording process for your last record? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Red1: We use a common song recording scheme. First drums, then bass, guitars and at the very end we record vocals. There are only two participants in Neorythm, which is not enough for recording at one time.

– So what are your plans? I read you are recording a new album? How is that going? Some more touring or any dates you can mention?

Red1: Yes, now we are working on new songs. It will be a big, conceptual, unusual album. Currently four songs are ready. We really want to finish recording this summer and release an album this year. You can listen to the demos on the Patreon page, as well as some parts of new songs on Instagram.
Red2: Believe, our second album will be very interesting in its theme!

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Red2: The most valuable is the secret.

Red1: At the moment we are on Earth, where many people live. Anyway, we communicate with earthlings and influence what is happening here. You can hear our work in other projects, but no one knows that this is our own work.

– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Red2: Know yourself!

Red1: Be yourself!

– Thank you Red 1 and Red 2 from Neorythm for taking the time to talk with us. All the best with the new album and future projects!

Greg \Mh/

Some links to the bands music below:

Red1 – music

Red2 – lyrics, messages

https://neorhythm.bandcamp.com/

https://www.patreon.com/neorhythm

LP Zetetic http://smarturl.it/zetetic

EP Meteoric Thoughts http://smarturl.it/meteoric_thoughts

https://www.facebook.com/neorhythmofficial/

Interview with Brazillian metal legends Melyra – February 2019

Posted on: March 2nd, 2019 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Ola friends. I just interviewed Brazillian heavy metal legends Melyra via email. Not only are they a brutal and musically skilled band, they are a delight to talk with. Read on –

– Ola Melyra! Welcome to Metal Health and thanks for being here.

– Firstly, congratulations for recently being recognised as number one band out of the top five female bands for the website O subsolo. Wow!

Fe: Thank you Greg! And Thanks a lot for having us for this interview, we are very happy about it!

– What does good mental health mean to you?

Fe: Good mental health for us is when you are happy with who you are. Even though we all have problems, when you are sure you’re in the right path and you’re sure about your beliefs you can rest your head on the pillow at night and wake up the other day ready to fight.

Fe: Well, all of us have other occupations beside music. So, for us, is easy to change from “musician mode” to “regular people” mode when we’re not playing because we do it often.

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

Fe: MUSIC! We’re passionate for music and we love what we do. To be at the stage and know that the songs we’ve created touched someone’s life is the best sensation ever!

– Are you all positive thinkers? How do you stay positive?

Fe: In general, yes we are. As I said before, we all have problems though. The beauty of being a band is that, when one of us is down, the other always help this one to cheer up again. We always see each other as family.

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Fe: Everybody knows that we’re experiencing tough times here in Brazil. We all have been into financial crises during the past/current year. To overcome this we always rely on each other. In this band we see each others as sisters, we feel comfortable to talk about our issues and we help each others to solve them.

– What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?

Fe: When we make music, we are the best version of ourselves. It’s how we express our feelings and feel free. We do it so we can spread our message to the world and, maybe, help other people to feel better about life and inspire them to find their better selves.

– I know the band formed in 2012, but when did you start making music individually? Was it like finding some buried treasure that you didn’t know you had, and how did making music fit in with the rest of your life?

Fe: I always loved music, but I only started to play the guitar in my 20’s. Before Melyra, I had another band where I helped as a songwriter, but was still trying to find my way to do it. I think Melyra helped me to show my best to the world.

Nena: I come from a musicians family, my father was a guitar palyer and songwriter and I used to join him in rehearsals and saw him playing all the time. My house and my relatives’ houses were always full of music, so it was very natural to me.

Roberta: My family is also full of musicians and my mom is a songwriter so I live this life since I was young. I saw her making music, learned how she did it and it was automatically taking part of myself. I’ve improved it over time and keep improving it every day.

Verônica: I sing since I’m little girl at the church. Around 8 years ago I was at a Karaoke night with my friends and I met a maestro and two musicians there. Since that I started to sing professionally. I’ve played several different styles and made a lot of friends on that road. Nowadays I live for music!

Drika: My father and almost all his family are musicians. My love for music comes from the childhood. Sundays were the best days, when my dad was at home, because he used to watch his jazz VHS and I was fascinated by the drummer’s brushes. I’ve started to play drums at 8 years old and it was all very natural. In 2002, the drummer of my father’s gospel band left the band and I said that I would replace him. I knew all the songs and watched all the rehearsals at the drummer’s side. I just loved it! And so it was. The first time I played, people liked it and I was the drummer for my father’s band for a while, until I had my own band.

– I have just been listening to your new album ‘Saving you from reality’ and some live performances on your website. Veronica, you are badass with such a great strong vocal tone. Lot’s of body and depth, and when you go high, it’s something else again! How do you look after your voice? I love the single ‘Dead light’ and the lyrics. ‘A black spot with dead light’. I can relate to that in times past!

Verônica: Thanks a lot for the compliment! I study a lot ! I’m very tough with myself. The voice is an instrument you can’t replace so it needs lots care and attention, avoiding things like cigarettes, alcohol, acid foods, etc. Besides that, I take lyrical singing lessons, that helps me to reach and sustain the notes, keep in tune and breathe better witch helps me to take care of my voice.

– Strong, blistering and precise guitar work from Fe and Roberta, and also from the solid grooving rhythm section.

Roberta: I love playing with Fernanda! We have an unexplainably perfect tuning. The way we connect helps a lot when it comes to writing guitar themes because we fill each others ideas. She inspires me this mutual feeling and we both understand the most important thing that is studying our instruments.

– Drika, I look forward to hearing you on the next record. How are you settling into the band?

Drika: It’s very easy to set into Melyra! I’ve just came across four women that know what they want and what they want to reach, with an amazing potential to get all of our goals. What fascinated me, besides the high standards in music, feeling, geniality and love for music, was exactly that. We don’t wait for things to happen, we make them happen. This, for me, is the magical element that will take us wherever we want to go.

– Nena, i note you play fingerstyle. Do you prefer the tone it gives, as opposed to a plectrum? You really drive it hard!

Nena: I like to play with my finger because it sounds wider and it fits me better. And the unique feeling of my fingers touching the strings fascinates me! Although I have no problem with the ones that choose to play with a pick, I’d rather use my fingers.

– Why do you all play and sing? Is it simply the opportunity for self expression?

Fe: Our producer (Celo Oliveira) did an amazing job with the vocal section of the album. You can hear many different vocals recorded at the album. We really love them so we wanted to make our live performances as close as we can to the album. It costed us hours of rehearsal to make it happen, but we think it payed off in the end.

– Sim, the production and sound Celo and you all achieved on this record is astonishing. It’s a first rate performance and production. How important is it for the bass guitar and drums to be tight, and where do you see the guitars and voice fitting in the groove?

Drika: To me, it seems like the drums without a bass guitar loses it’s magic. When we rehearse and Nena’s bass is too low I get nervous, trying to give more weight and feeling to the song but it simply DOESN’T HAPPEN! I need Nena to hold myself as a drummer. The bass guitar is the base of our kitchen and the guitars and voices are our special ingredients.

– How was the recording process for your last record? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Fe: We’ve recorded the album at Kolera home studio, here in Rio, with Celo Oliveira as our producer. The album was recorded one instrument at a time at the studio. First drums, then rhythm guitars, bass guitars, guitar solos and at last the lead vocals and backing vocals. It was mixed and mastered by Celo Oliveira at Kolera studios too.

– So what are your plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention?

Fe: We are negotiating a few dates here in Brazil for the next months. And yes, we intend to tour and take our music as far as we can.

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Verônica: I’m part of other two musical projects. Six years ago I’ve joined Biographia54, a pop rock/alternative band that plays brazilian 80’s music. I also sing at a lyrical group, called Chão de Folhas, that focus on the lyrical circuit events.

– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Fe: Keep strong! We know life ain’t easy sometimes and we have to face challenges all the time. Always talk to someone you trust, let them know how you feel and ask for support. Your life matters to us!

– Obrigada Melyra for taking the time to talk with us. I hope we see you in Australia sometime! Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with the upcoming shows. Greg \Mh/.

Verônica: Our pleasure, Greg! We want to thank you for this great interview and for all your attention. We’re looking forward to show our music in Australia! We also want to invite everyone to follow our social media channels and to listen to our new album, “Saving you from reality”. We are at Facebook, Instagram, Youtube (look for @melyraband) and at your favorite streaming service too. Thanks a lot!

Thanks mi amiga’s! Check out this amazing band at sites mentioned above, and also at links below –

Facebook –

https://www.facebook.com/melyraband/

You tube channel –

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru4VH4C0mBQwKryu72DGjg

Interview with Genevieve Rodda from Temtris. March 2018

Posted on: March 22nd, 2018 by Greg Jordan No Comments

I had a yap yesterday with lead singer Genevieve Rodda of Australian metal band Temtris. When you listen to Genevieve sing, she is such a powerhouse and strong life force. As you will discover here, music is a huge part of who she is.

G’day Genevieve. Welcome to Metal Health and thanks for being here.

No problem at all 🙂

What does good mental health mean to you?

For me it is all about a balanced life. I like to keep fit and i train Krav Maga once a week which is a street smart self defense system. I run at least twice a week to de-stress. I feel good when i eat well and try to follow a healthy diet 5 days a week but let myself relax on the weekends. I like to work hard but i like to party hard too and let loose with my friends at a show with a few vodkas.

How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

I love gigging but it is stressful leaving my kids so when i am home i try to make the most of that time. We recently have had a break from shows and i am missing not singing live. We would all love to be able to live the touring scene but the reality is most musicians need a day job to survive. I work at a special needs school and it really gives you a good perspective on how awesome my life is when you see disadvantaged kids day after day.

What motivates you? What keeps you going?

I am not very good at sitting still, i am a doer. But i do like to set goals and move forward and push myself in most things and i do not like to quit. If someone said i couldn’t do it that would make me chase it even more. My love for the metal scene keeps me striving and moving forward. Music is a great way to get anyone motivated even when you are having a bad day.

There have been times when i wondered if i should stop creating music and gigging but i think i would feel like some of my soul would be missing if i did that.

Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Yes i am. We all get down at times. I do believe things happen for a reason within reason and i always wait to see what the outcome is before i let it get to me or i will put on some metal and sing my lungs out, it always helps.

Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Been through my share like most people. I have had to part with so called friends who have treated me badly and abused my friendship. They thought that this was ok, It was not easy at the time to remove long term friends from my life and it helped to have a close friends i could talk to. Remembering that it won’t be like this forever and trying to focus on things to move forward and appreciating the good things in our life helps.

What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?

I like to write about life experiences and quite a few of our albums have been concept albums so we have themes we can write too. But it is the creation of the album including artwork, songs and the whole story coming together that i enjoy.

When did you start making music individually and as a band? Was it like finding some buried treasure that you didn’t know you had, and how did making music fit in with the rest of your life?

I have been writing music from about 13 years of age when i started learning guitar. I use to like sitting in my room just playing guitar and putting together songs. I joined my first band at 14 and did my first gig then also. I decided after that first show that this was what i wanted to do and had a goal to be known as an Australian female metal singer in a professional band. After 4 albums and a fifth one on the way it has not always been easy continuing while raising two children and working but when your doing something that you love nothing can stand in your way, even time lol

How important is it for the bass guitar and drums to be tight, and where do you see guitar and voice fitting in the groove.

A band should be tight and work as a team. We work really hard on our song structure to make the vocals work with the guitars. The song needs emotion to be able to convey to an audience

i was just listening to Awakening from your first album, and Enter the asylum from the 4th record. I love your vocal approach. You convey a strong sense of purpose and really project the lyric.

Why do you sing? Is it simply the opportunity for self expression?

I want to be strong , i train to be strong and i guess i want be seen as a strong female in the metal scene so when i sing, i sing with conviction because i mean it.

How was the recording process for your last record? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Drums and vocals were recording in Main Street studios Wollongong. The guitars were recorded in the guitarists own studios.

So what are your plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I believe album number 5 is coming out soon?

Next gig is the 5th May at The Bald Faced Stag Sydney. Our album Launch for the 5th album is set for later in the year if all goes as planned.

Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

All my focus is always on Temtris and always has been.

Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Talk to someone, find something you enjoy doing and focus on that. Surround yourself with positive people and don’t feel guilty about looking after yourself and saying NO!

Smile and remember tomorrow, things can get better.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Genevieve. Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with the upcoming shows. Greg \Mh/.

Been great chatting with you and thanks \m/

Look out for album # 5 and upcoming shows. Links to band pages –

https://www.facebook.com/Temtris/

http://www.temtris.com

Interview with Stuart Wood from the Giants. March 2018

Posted on: March 14th, 2018 by Greg Jordan 2 Comments

Today i had the pleasure of interviewing Giants lead singer Stuart Wood. Stu is an Australian music legend and is about to embark on a tour of the north of Australia with the Repeat Offenders.

– G’day Stu. Welcome to Metal Health and thanks for being here.

– What does good mental health mean to you?

I guess just being able to cope with everyday life and all it throws at you both good and bad .

– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Espe-cially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

There is always a come down period after touring, especially re adjusting to home after touring overseas. Friends and family are the best asset we have in this case.

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

My love of music has always kept me going, I knew from a very early age that I was different, growing up in a country town where everything revolved around sport, I tried to conform and played footy and basketball but I knew deep inside that my heart just wasn’t in it , music however could take me to that special place where only I and other like minded musicians could go, and still does to this day!

– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Most definitely a positive thinker lol , in my line of work you have to be! Mainly because my band has existed for 36 years, made 16 Albums, 4 DVDs , spent 5 years touring the USA, 15 years touring Europe and all of this was created by me personally, no agents, no publicists, no management at all, and its still that way to this day !

– That’s an incredible track record!

Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/how did you get through this.

Ha ha I could write a book about tough times lol , born illegitimate the day after my mothers 18th birthday , mistreated by my stepfather , taken away from my mother for my own safety and raised by my grand parents ! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg lol .Music played a very big role in my early teenage years and looking back probably saved me from a life of crime lol, I joined an outlaw motor-cycle club for 9 years as a substitute for family, but music took me away from that cos of its stronger pull. Lucky for me! Lol. As I said I could write a book on tough times but in the end you have to just be tough and work through it.

– What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?

Music is my life, I cant imagine living without it, the places it has taken me and the friends I have made because of it is just awesome.

– When did you start making music? Was it like finding some buried treasure that you didn’t know you had, and how did making music fit in with the rest of your life?

Started out playing covers like most people do , then Wayne Burt (ex Daddy Cool , Jo Jo Zep , Black Sorrows) joined my band and he already was a renowned songwriter , he showed me the way in my learning curve about expressing myself thru songwriting. When we became an original band writing our own songs the world opened its doors for us .

– How important is it for the bass guitar and drums to be tight, and where do you see guitar and voice fitting in the groove?

The hardest thing to find in Australia is a rhythm section that works together lol , in the USA especially in Nashville Tn , where incidently we had the main street Broadway shut down so we could perform there , the drums and bass are like one holding the groove of the song together . The secret of the Nashville sound was revealed to me from Bruce Bossert (Nashville PA and Stage) when he told me in a live mix situation the hi-hats and and Acoustic guitar sits dead centre in the the mix and everything works off them! For me a song is a story , guitar solos compliment the story for a short time , but its all about the story and how well the singer puts it across.

– Some great insight right there. How was the recording process for your last record? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

Lol we just finished one recorded in my garage put down basically live.

– Cool! Look forward to hearing it. So what are your plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I know you’re about to tour with the Repeat Offenders. You and the fans must be looking forward to that!

We go north every year to the NT , to get outa Melbournes winter lol and yes we look forward to that

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Not really. Australia is just full on tribute band country now and I want to travel back to europe again to catch up with my musical mates there before I get too old lol, maybe next year!

– Ok, last question! What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

My brother Bruce took his own life 12 years ago, I lived 5 mins from him, he didn’t call for help, destroyed my mother and his family, he was gone, only left pain, broken hearts and sadness and anger behind, so TALK TO SOMEONE !!

– Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Stu. Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with the upcoming shows. Greg \Mh/.

Look out for Stu’s latest album ‘Songs from Mataranka homestead 2.

Links to band http://www.thegiants.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/The-Giants-86734061377/

Interview – Within These Walls. June 2017.

Posted on: June 29th, 2017 by Greg Jordan 1 Comment

Greetings reader. I had a nice yap to Within these Walls from Tasmania, Australia earlier today. See below –

METAL HEALTH INTERVIEW with Within these Walls. June 2017.

– Hello Kelly, vocalist from Australian band Within these Walls, Welcome to Metal health and thanks for being here.

“Hey Greg, glad to be here, thank you for taking the time to chat.”

– What does good mental health mean to you?

“Good mental health means a lot to both myself and the band. We have all had ups and downs in our lives, (as have a lot of people) so we really understand the importance of hanging onto that good mindset, or mentality. Remembering that it can often be hard at times, yes. But also remembering that with the right people around you and the right mindset, you can overcome almost any obstacle.”

“I think its always hard coming out of a show and sitting back down to work or study. And that doesn’t really just apply for travel sometimes. even after a local show we will all be really hyped up for the afternoon and we will hang out and what not, but then that first day back at work/study afterwards is so daunting. Mainly because you just wish you were out there doing it again!”

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

“For a lot of us in the band i feel its the enjoyment of it all. When we play we all have fun, we all enjoy being in the studio and we all love getting together for practice all for that one reason. We enjoy it. And i think it’s that passion for music we all share that really holds the band together.”

– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

“I’d like to think that i am a positive sort of guy, yeah. And i guess the way i do it is by attempting to hold onto the little things that keep you smiling, and i mean that could be anything. It could even change from day to day, but there is always something there to swing me into a good mood!”

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

“Yeah of course, all of us in the band at some stage have experienced some rough times. Be that loss of loved ones or loss of self value. However we all managed to overcome that by keeping our heads up, finding a family member or friend and remember that things get better. Always”

– What does making music mean for you? Why do you do it?

“For me personally its both Therapeutic and enjoyable, being able to create stories lyrically or lay my thoughts out on paper is great and hearing it come together in a mix is even better. But i know for all of us it is just a great feeling to look at, and listen to something that you and 4 of your best mates created. Its always a great time.”

– I Enjoyed listening to the track ‘Conformity’, from your upcoming album ‘Life’. A real solid straight ahead track, and loved your vocals. How was the recording process for this record (and album)? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

“Thanks, Greg. Glad you enjoyed the track! Well, for Conformity, myself and our Guitarist Stephan, tracked all the guitar, bass and vocal parts to the drum file that our Drummer, Malikye, had programmed. After this I took it away and began mixing until I arrived at the product you hear today! As far as the LP goes, however, we will be re-tracking mixing and mastering that track when we reach it in the studio.”

So what are your plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I see on your FB page you have a launch on July 20th at the Royal Oak in Launceston for ‘Conformity’. Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

“Outside of the upcoming Oak show, we are currently hoping to win a support slot for a show with Deez Nuts, Alpha Wolf and Majula, which we are all really excited about. And we have a few other things brewing behind the scenes in regards to live shows. We are also hoping to release another single from our upcoming LP which we have been working on in the background. So keep an eye out for those!”

– Ok, last question! What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

“It gets better. Just remember that no matter how bad things get, there is always someone out there who loves you and is willing to help you through what you are dealing with. And with their support and your strong mind you will make the best of this life, we all can”

– Thanks Kelly for taking the time to talk with us. Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with the album. Greg \Mh/.

“Thank you very much for having us, Greg. It was a pleasure”

Thanks again to the Kelly and the band. below are some links to the bands music. Enjoy!

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WithinTheseWallsTas/

You tube –

Thunder Spell. Metal from Brazil! Interview January 2017.

Posted on: January 24th, 2017 by Greg Jordan No Comments

– Hello Thunder Spell. Welcome to Metalhealth and thanks for being here.

– What does good mental health mean to you?

That to say this of well with the life and to itself, to seek to balance the good things of the life, health and leisure are the excential in this chemistry, to practice sport, to have a healthy life, and very good, to listen to very heavy metal also helps, that leaves the Healthy mind, you can be sure.

– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big gig/event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

Outside the road and the shows we live a very normal life, we have our professions outside the life of heavy metal musician, we work to maintain a good life, among other things, family, friends, etc. No, before we travel, we leave everything ready for our absence, we try to anticipate our tasks as much as possible, so that when we return we have not delayed much and neither prejudiced our tasks during our trips.

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

Many things, but I think the main motivation is to be able to show our work to other people, meet new people, and meet people who like our music, our band, that’s priceless. We continue for this reason and the will will crazy and eternal will play heavy metal, this keeps the band. This ideal, we fight for it, to keep the flame of the metal burning.

– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Yes. As I say, forward ball that comes back people eating hot dog, I always think of the future, entrepreneurial vision, expand with new ideas, new horizons. You always have to think about the solution and not the problem, I think to be optimistic This is it, problems will always exist, it is up to you to let them be defeated by them or not, I do not let them defeat me.

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

I believe that even for those who have everything, it becomes difficult not to have difficulties, which ends up becoming a difficulty. We are not different from anyone, we have gone through many difficulties, but always trying to solve the best way possible. As I said before, always thinking of the solution, if you give in to the problems when they arise you are already born defeated, dead, we are born To win, we will not surrender, surrender for anything, alias we will not surrender for nothing, metal to death, this is philosophy of life, win, aim for victory and persist in their goals, their achievements, until the world Become small for them.

– What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?

It represents a personal satisfaction in being able to show people what you love, to make music and to play them is very rewarding, to know that people like what you did, to have the satisfaction of having done something special. Because it’s what we like to do, we only think about composing, playing heavy metal, every day, it’s our addiction, our poison, it leaves us poisonous too, always wanting to do more and more, playing heavy metal is everything, we do not think Stop

– You have a new album coming out called Battle Scream. Do you have a release date for the album? How was the recording process for this record? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc?

In fact we have already released it, we are now releasing this album and doing shows to show our new work, and this has been very gratifying, because the recording process was quite long, we recorded in two studios, but in the end it came out as wanted agent , Well worth the wait. We recorded each instrument and voice one at a time, we had some unforeseen ones too, so it was time consuming.

– Congratulations! So what are your plans with Battle Scream? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have some big shows coming up. Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Currently we are doing shows here in our country, but soon we hope to play in other countries, including in Europe because at the moment, we are not much time to make a great tour, but we are playing in major festivals here in Brazil, such as Maniacs metal Meeting, one of the biggest festivals in the south of the country, we had the honor of playing it, but we are organizing to do a very nice tour. yes, we are in a tribute to the English Raven band, with the music Fire Power, and now we are going Participate in a tribute to the Motorhead with the song one night stand, this for us was a special step for the band.

– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

Do not let them down, try always to give your best in everything, always try to overcome each day, more and more, seeking the good vibes that heavy metal and other things can give you, do not grieve your heart , Metal is for the strong, if you listen and identify with that sound, you are a strong person, you are a winner, even if you do not know, seek the warrior that sleeps inside you, wake the beast, make him shout to Everyone hear, and know that you are a winner. Do not give up on your dreams, do not give up on heavy metal, it will never give up on you, heavy metal will never die.

– Thank you Thunder Spell for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s hope we can see you in Australia soon! Safe travels, and all the best with the album and your future plans.

Greg \MH/.

Band links –

https://www.facebook.com/thunderspellmetal/

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=f0NHOTinyqA

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=8yLMEmeOVtc

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=okCM7lGoks8

Interview with Dennis Val, guitarist from Love Child. January 2017.

Posted on: January 13th, 2017 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Greetings reader. I hope all’s well with you. This week i spoke with Dennis Val, guitarist from Australian rockers Love Child……..

– Welcome to Metal health Dennis. Thanks for being here.

Hi Greg.

– Congratulations on the release and success of your current single ‘Watching the river flow’ from your album ‘A whole lotta sassy’, reaching number 1 on the USA indie charts recently, along with ‘A whole lotta sassy’ hitting number 1 on Aussie indy radio! I bet you’re all chuffed.

Oh yea we’re very excited, still quite a few mountains to cross, Australia is very difficult to get acknowledged but our crowds just keep growing. Consistent live shows have sharpened the band and never under estimate word of mouth for getting punters to gigs.

We’re far more accepted and bragged about overseas, where they think were the largest independent band in the country. Were hoping to get some major radio support, no luck as yet, but that would be the key to generating more income to allow more material to be recorded and get us over to tour the States and Europe.

– What does good mental health mean to you?

It’s quite important, and at times challenging. I’m very blessed to have 3 other guys in the band who support me. It’s not easy staying focused with all the negatives in the industry but you must not ponder on the bad and just focus on the good, but it can be hard. Being a song writer means your creative and your brain is active, and more often than not it’s over active. This can be dangerous to your mental health!

– Indeed. Having some focus and support is a huge help. How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?

200 gigs a year, numerous sessions, learning new material, constantly improving as a musician feels like there is no down time. I’m learning to have days off, I just switch the world off, and my close friends allow me time where I have no contact.

After a gruelling tour is the worst, you have extreme highs and come back to normality, you are physically exhausted and the mental exhaustion and you’re on a roller coaster, makes sleep very difficult. I’m aware of what’s going on so the first thing I do is watch a movie, usually Senfield re runs as a good laugh is the best medicine. I find exercise is therapeutic and inspirational, it also helps you sleep better.

– Agree on the exercise. I’m a runner and it really helps keep me balanced mentally. What motivates you? What keeps you going?

I think the joy and high of being able to express yourself to others via an instrument is rewarding and spiritual. I’m not a machine, I don’t play like a robot, I express myself from inside when I play, its different every night, and that freedom , call it channelling if you like, is my drive for playing. I never picked up an instrument for fame, or some vision of backing someone famous. I picked it up out of love for the instrument. It’s genetic , everyone in my past has been a musician, from both family sides maternal and paternal. This is something I recently discovered and gave me great comfort , I thought I was crazy and stubborn. I just want to leave a body of work behind when I leave this place, you know ”this is what I gave back to mother nature after my time here is finished”..sounds crazy but I would like to know my time here left a mark.

– Love that attitude. Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

Extremely positive and highly motivated, however you can easily be tipped over by negative forces and following the wrong path. I get rid of negative people quickly, I suffer no fools. I sometimes get side trapped, you get a little look at the industry where some people are doing so well. You quickly realise you need to stay on your path, it’s a difficult path, but I can hold my head high and say I’m a leader and not a follower, and that’s the price I must pay for not selling out.

So staying positive for me means allowing the negatives to creep up, throwing them away and staying proud of yourself!!!

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

Many tough times, read my lyrics. I’m only ok talking about it with people I trust and my personal life is quite private. My lyrics usually expose myself so maybe readers should check out the music. As Steve our singer has said they are ‘’wear your heart on your sleeves’’ lyrics.

I’ve had 2 or 3 enormous losses, one being my father a long time ago, and it still hurts and comes back to haunt me ( that’s about as much as I would like to share) however I know that time heals everything. I have a strategy where I visually imagine myself a year from now, and ask how important and what impact will this event have a year down the track, the answer is usually in front of you , no one will give it a second thought. Throwing yourself into a future frame of mind eases the load.

Watching the river flow is about dealing with great loss, but watching the water flow is very calming. Its true meaning though is that like any problem it flows away to the sea and becomes nothing eventually.

I’m very fortunate to have a good mate in the band , Garry, he has been a rock, and I try to support him as well. It’s great to have someone who listens without judgement. I’ve been in some dark places, and lets say I mixed with the wrong crowd, but Garry was there all the time, so you need to trust in someone!

Friends if you have problems don’t be ashamed, talk and listen, that’s the best advise I can offer.

– I agree with you. Talking and sharing how we are feeling can be a lifesaver. Connection with others. I enjoyed listening to your current single ‘Watching the river flow’. How was the recording process for the single and current album? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc?

Good question, I need to elaborate. We had about 8 or 9 songs recorded and we decided to release 12. Time was running out so I bought “Watching the River Flow” into the studio. All our rhythm beds are done live to save money but most important to capture it live. The other guys had no idea and I convinced them it was a hit. We played it, and then I said ok let’s get a swinging groove. James and Garry as a rhythm section are about the best in Australia for this style they just get it. An hour later the engineer hit record and that’s what you hear. I laid my guitars and solo’s that afternoon. When mixing time came we had transferred the files to another studio, our producer Sammy Kannis suggested a few edits, like pulling the band out in the post chorus. Steve was called in and laid it down in 2 or 3 takes

– So what are the bands future plans? Some more recording, touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have some Sydney dates coming up.

We have some huge plans, we have many Sydney dates but are careful to not overplay so we knock back quite a few, it’s a very delicate balance.

We have a great Manager in Johnny Kannis, who fronted the Hitmen, and knows the industry here and the States , inside out.

We are treading carefully as the industry is watching us and want to make the right moves to ensure our longevity.

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Yes quite a few, as you are aware I play many solo acoustic gigs, playing percussion with my feet while I sing. I enjoy these but they are demanding and I miss my electric guitar. I play in a blues rock band called weekend detention and that is extremely satisfying and demanding.

– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

You are not alone, the best advise I could give, especially to teenagers who have not had many experiences is…whatever your hurting about now, whatever you’ve done that is embarrasing or you think irreparable…will anyone remember in one year. Is it worth losing something now for a reason that won’t matter in 6 months. Turn off face book and Instagram, go find a tree in a park and look at the clouds and remember that’s important. Nature has an amazing affect to your health and well being, stay grounded!!

Listen to music that has depth and meaning, great artists are troubled people too, just like the rest of us. Listen to their journey, if you relate to it, then it’s ok to shed a tear, that is all healing.

– Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Dennis. We wish you and the band safe travels, and congratulations to you all on the new record.

Greg M/H.

Some links to Love Child’s music.

http://www.lovechildband.com.au/

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/a-whole-lotta-sassy/id1141620086?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulh5z3Iot2w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9Vz6gFcM0o

Interview with Jay from Arakeye.

Posted on: November 28th, 2016 by Greg Jordan 1 Comment

Greetings reader. A couple of days ago i caught up with Jay from Aussie band Arakeye. Here’s the interview.

– Hello Jay. Welcome to Metalhealth and thanks for being here.

Hi Greg, thanks for having me man!

– What does good mental health mean to you?

I believe it comes down to having a good balance of every aspect of your life in regards to work, home & family life and your interests. We need to feel a belonging somewhere and not stress too much about things that we cannot change. Having healthy relationships, adequate sleep, the right diet and exercising regularly is also important, without any structure, it can be easy to fall in to some bad habits that can jeopardise your mental health.

– I love the passion in your music and lyrics. Where do you think that comes from?

Thank you!

The lyrics I write, like a lot of songwriters, come from life experiences and observing the world around you. I get a lot of inspiration from society and people in general, we are complex creatures that offer an abundance of interesting issues to write about.

We’ve been pretty lucky in Arakeye so far, our gigs are never too far apart and interstate jaunts are treated like weekend getaways & always great fun. We already have some new material in the pipeline after ATMOSFEARS is out there, so that’s exciting. We always make sure we have something to look forward to whether it be a new album, track release, music video, demoing at our drummer’s house (Tyson). We also get together for ‘Arakeye Family Dinners’ which involve our partners and children. We’re a close knit bunch and are happier people for it!

– What motivates you? What keeps you going?

The excitement of people hearing our music and getting something out of it, connecting at some level I suppose. That’s the best part of it for me, people coming up to you and speaking from the heart, it makes you feel like you are contributing and it’s worthwhile. I also like to challenge myself to write very different songs and lyrics to any previous tracks we release, exploring & touching on different genres is something that keeps me motivated to continue writing.

– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?

I’d say for the most part I’m positive, but we all get those days where the facets of our world are out of balance and the gloom & doubt sets in. My day job of working with people with disabilities can be sad at times but also very uplifting.

But after work I know that I have a wife and two beautiful children to come home to so it’s quite easy for me to get back to positive town!

– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.

In 2003 I was witness to a horrific car accident where a pedestrian was hit and nearly died, I was first on the scene to comfort her & her 2 year old son, while my Dad phoned an ambulance & also helped out the driver of the car that was involved. Just an unfortunate situation all round, no ones fault, kids will run out onto roads and parents won’t think twice to follow them blindly. Everybody came through it, but I was 19 at the time and it really affected me mentally, I didn’t eat for a few days and so began a downward spiral. I lost three friends in the space of 3 months in a range of circumstances not long after that and I developed Anxiety Disorder, Depression and Agoraphobia. I had to defer my final year of Uni, I was still living at home at the time and couldn’t leave the house for a year without anxiety related problems, but with the help of my family & friends, Buddhism & spirituality, I got through it.

I went back and finished my degree the following year and I’ve just kept moving forward ever since. Performing on stage was so far away back then, I honestly never thought I would perform again because of the crippling panic attacks. But here I am, 12 years later, married with 2 kids, playing 12-15 shows a year and loving life. I really feel for people who go through these tough times and aren’t fortunate enough to have these support structures around them while dealing with mental health issues.

– Geez that’s rough! Congratulations on finishing your degree and getting yourself back onstage. What does making music mean for you? Why do you do it?

Music has been a constant in my life for 15 years, so it’s part of who I am really. It’s very therapeutic to be creative and this is my outlet. It is a stress reliever for me, I enjoy it, have had some success at it and will continue to try and write better songs.

– Congratulations on the release of your new album ATMOSFEARS. I really enjoyed listening to the second single from the album, ‘Isolated Existence’. How was the recording process? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc?

Thanks for the feedback mate!

Recording was a long process that took nearly 12 months. We started 2 years ago demoing every track at Tyson’s home studio to use as a reference while we recorded. Each part was recorded separately at ColourSound Studio & we all had our allotted timeframe to get our parts completed. That allowed a very thorough mixing process, getting the chance to hear 5 or 6 versions of each song from Mat was great. We could hone in and get everything exactly how we wanted it to sound. After all the instrumental parts and vocals were completed, Tyson & Mat set about laying our keys/electronics & ambience on top which I believe gives our album a unique sound along with Hass’ interesting guitar sounds.

– So what are the bands/your future plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention?

I think we’ll focus on the next stage of writing after the album launch. It’s been a big year, but it’ll be exciting to load up again in 2017. If there’s enough interest in ATMOSFEARS, we’d love to tour it eventually, but time will tell!

– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?

Arakeye takes up pretty much all the time I have to spare at the moment, but I would love to get back to playing guitar and maybe start a side project in the future.

– Ok, last question! What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?

There’s always hope so don’t give up. Push through it, a little at a time. Think positively, make new friends and try new things. Get around your family and friends and take more of an interest in what they are doing to take your mind off yourself for a while. There’s also excellent resources available online such as Headspace & Beyond Blue where anyone can go to chat or find the help they need.

– Thank you for taking the time to talk with us Jay. We wish you safe travels, and congratulations to you and the band on the new record.

– All the best. Greg \Mh/.

Thanks Greg!

Some links to the bands music –

https://www.facebook.com/Arakeye/