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Interview with Gav from Scottish band Centrilia. January 2022.

Posted on: January 7th, 2022 by Greg Jordan No Comments

– Greetings Gav. Welcome to Metal Health and thanks for being here. Congratulations on your new release ‘In the Blood’. A great song and performance. The production and mix is outstanding, and the video clip looks ace!

Gav (Vocals): Thanks for those kind words Greg. A lot of DIY effort went into making it as good as we could. We’ve had a great response so far.

What does good mental health mean to you?

G: To me good mental health is a sense of contentment and confidence in your emotions and abilities. Being able to cope with uncertainty and manage changing circumstances well. I suppose I’d characterise it mostly as an absence of doubt in your intrinsic worth or the value that you bring to the people you’re around or the activities and environments that you find yourself in.

–  This is a question i would usually ask pre – pandemic, but  either way,  how is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or a big gig. Is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? Or during a pandemic?! If so, how do you adjust/cope?

G: Generally speaking, we’re all pretty normal guys. We’ve got families, day jobs and the usual life stuff. There’s always a bit of a comedown after the build up to a significant gig or series of gigs; kinda like the post xmas blues. So we’d typically just focus on the normal stuff and plan for the next ones. But the Covid situation was a complete anomaly in that respect. It added an extra layer of uncertainty where nothing was “normal” and longer term planning went out the window. I suppose we were affected much like every other musician in that way. When everything shut down we were planning a tour then live shows were taken away and nobody knew if or when they would be coming back, so we found ourselves at bit of a loss. So we turned to writing but the initial stages of the pandemic enforced isolation from each other and couldn’t meet up and write in our practice space as we’d normally do. So we just had to find other solutions to keep the ball rolling, be patient and wait and see how things developed.

What motivates you? What keeps you going?

G: I’m motivated by creativity and connecting with others.

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

G: When I was in my early 30s I had my lowest point mentally. The scariest part was not noticing that it was taking hold. I’d always been pretty positive and un-phased by most things up to that point, but found myself in a deep dark hole, and I couldn’t see any light on the horizon. I couldn’t identify any particular causes – to outside eyes and even myself I wasn’t particularly hard done by, had a decent job, somewhere to live, a partner who loved and supported me – all the standard life stuff was in place, but internally I had an all encompassing melancholy and general lack of purpose/direction/motivation. Just a numbness about most things.

This was before I joined Centrilia, and after splitting with my previous band – a period of time where I had no creative outlet to speak of – reflecting back on that time this was been a major factor. I was just existing – doing the ‘stiff upper lip’ bit and soldiering on.

Eventually my physical health suffered and I reached breaking point where I cracked up emotionally. I was forced to confront the monkey on my back and be open up to my wife about how I just wasn’t okay. Around that time we’d just conceived our first kid which was no doubt subconsciously adding to the existential crisis too. We made a plan for me to take some time out, stop working and I was going to focus on the kid when he arrived. Then around the same time I got a new boss at my job. I had really open conversations with them about it all; they convinced me to give them 6 months and let them try different working arrangements and help me to sort out my work/life balance. They were unbelievably supportive and it was like a weight coming off, I’ll be forever grateful to them for the empathy they had for me. Their showing some belief in me allowed me to start believing in myself again. I found a new rhythm and some stability to hang on to and gradually clawed my way back into myself. I started reaching out to musicians to find a new band. Hooked up with our Guitarist Davy who I’d known for years and was starting a new project which eventually became Centrilia and the rest is history. The lessons I learned from that shitty experience was how to identify those thoughts & feelings when they occur – they still do from time to time. When they start creeping in again I know I need to externalise them and drag them into the light – communication is key.

I agree. Communication and connection are key. No human is an island. Isolation can be dangerous. What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?

G: Making music is a primal urge for me – without it, it’s like I’m missing a limb. It acts like a form of meditation. A central point of focus where I can escape or process my thoughts. If you’re lucky at the end of the process you’ve birthed something meaningful and interesting to others. At the very least you’ve scratched your creative itch. The writing process is addictive. When everyone’s intuition starts to synchronise it’s unlike anything else and difficult to describe to someone who hasn’t experienced it first hand.

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?

G: Like most, I started in high school. A guy in my year had started a band playing covers and was looking for a singer. We were into the same bands, so I, full of piss and vinegar, thought “I can do that” and went down to a rehearsal to try out. First time on a mic – “Propaganda” by Sepultura haha. Music and the band quickly became the central focal point of my life – everything I did was music or band related. Eventually we progressed from covers to original songs – the songs were terrible. Eventually we developed taste and the songs became less terrible. You learn your craft by failing a lot I suppose.

The more failure the better, as long as we get up again, and grow. It means we are trying. I love your debut album ‘’In the name of nothing’  from 2019. Aside from the excellent sound production and musical performance, what stands out for me is the bands use of syncopation. What i mean is throughout the album there are some powerful ‘choppy’ sort of rythymic synchronised musical bits which punctuate the songs and cut through, demanding the listeners attention. Drums are big and solid, and right on it without overplaying. Guitars are tight, harmonious and intricate. Bass is strong and supportive, Vocals are in your face and expressive with a great tone.

G: Too kind. Thanks dude.

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?

G: For the style of music we play, yes tightness in the rhythm section is absolutely critical. Without that foundation everything just else falls apart. We tend to write in a way where each element has its own space to breathe and flourish where it needs to – but always in service of the song as a whole and aiming for as many hooks and grooves as we can. We are very guitar driven and usually that’s where the song will start from – a riff or a hook. Vocals are just another instrument in that in that mix. When it comes to words I see my job as interpreting the music – I translate the emotion of the music to add some meaning/context.

How was the recording process for your last record ‘In the blood’? Did you record it live, or record an instrument at a time etc?

G: We had planned on recording & releasing more music in 2021, but the disruption of Covid put a kibosh on that. So ‘In The Blood’ came about as a concerted effort to release at least one single before the end of the year. A kind of ‘up yours’ to Covid if you like. The recording was split out by instrument across a week and similar to the last album we did a lot of pre-production to iron out the structure beforehand, so when we went into the studio we were well prepared. We worked with our good friend Steven Jones again on this one, so we were on familiar ground. (Steven is a disgustingly talented guitarist and songwriter in his own right and plays with the excellent Scottish band Bleed From Within). We had tracked the album ‘In The Name Of Nothing’ with Steven but also asked him to mix this time round. His bandmate Scott, who’s always been very complimentary about us, was kind enough to lend himself to the track as a guest vocal – they were in the studio finishing off their own upcoming album around the same time we were in so it all worked out quite well.

So what are your plans?  Some more touring or any dates you   can mention?  Is the live scene opening up there?

G: Things are so uncertain live wise we’re just going to be focusing on more studio time and writing the next releases.

Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or finding life difficult at the moment?

G: My advice is: Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability or admit when you’re overwhelmed. The world is chaotic, and the natural response to chaos is to get overwhelmed. But you can take steps to minimise the chaos. Just do the next ‘right’ thing –  whatever that is. Whether that’s getting out of bed, making a meal, going for a walk. Speak to someone to externalise the emotions.

– Thanks Gav for taking the time to talk with us. Greg \Mh/.

Band music links: https://www.facebook.com/Centrilia/

Website: https://www.centrilia.com/

photo: Stephen Dewar Visuals

Greetings for the New year 2022

Posted on: January 1st, 2022 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Warm greetings to all. It’s been a hard year for most of us. Many live music tours have been on, then off again due to the pandemic. But there has been a lot of music also made at home, in the shape of live broadcasts, and albums/recording projects. Lockdowns have provided an opportunity for many musicians to collaborate online with others from across the globe, or even across the street. I look forward to interviewing various artists about what they’re up to and how they’re managing mental health. Let’s hope the world and live music opens up again real soon where all are as safe as possible. Take it easy on yourself.

Greg \MH/

(photo – Genevieve Rodda of Temtris.)

Interview with Narshadden of Australian Black metal band Volkume. June 2021

Posted on: June 23rd, 2021 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Hello Narshadden. Welcome to Metal Health. Congratulations on your music to date. I’m enjoying listening to ‘A silence across lands’ your release from 2018, along with the tracks ‘Forsaken’ (2019) and ‘Bridge to sorrow’ from last year. Some beautiful gentle solo bass and guitar beginning those tracks respectively, before glorious musical mayhem is unleashed! Some very nifty guitar work on ‘Unholy Witchcraft III’ your latest release from May 2020. Congratulations on the great music to date.

What does good mental health mean to you?

Good mental health to me means that you’re in a good and healthy mindset, having the right people and good relationships with those people and your hobbies. Keeping headstrong at work and in everyday life isnt easy but there’s always support and be able to maintain a health headspace.”

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 don’t currently tour but it is something I’d love to do if the opportunity arises.”

What motivates you? What keeps you going?

“Listening to metal, I always hear something in a track like a riff or a drum beat and I just have the urge to make something up to that riff or drum beat, and just the satisfaction of knowing that there people out in the world to listen to my music, keeps me pushing on.”

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

i’m not always a positive thinker but i always try to think positively, i stay positive by just listening to music and hanging out with supportive and loving people, recording music is a great escape to express and release things”

“I have been through some rough times, work related issues and suffering from anxiety and depression. I made a few changes including job changes and seeing people for my mental health.

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 used to go home and scream my heart out to release all the negative crap that built up at work or after a crap day,”

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

“I make music for personal development and to build a fan base, i did it originally to release my problems and express it musically, now i do it because i know there’s people out there that listen and to get better musically”

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?

“I started recording and releasing music a couple of years ago when I was 18, I’m 20 now. it was something i always wanted to do… I wasn’t worried about negativity, I just wanted to get something out there. it fit into my life by being a release and a place to be for myself. Metal has been a huge part of my life since I was 12 and it was just a dream to be able to create something and I’ve pushed to start making that dream come true.

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

“Drums and guitar is more important for me to be tight, my music is very raw and not well produced, i like to match the guitars with my voice to make an impact and atmosphere with the drums, The bass in my recording can be very subtle for intros and be a inaudible wall of noise for background effect for harsher segments, I don’t try to make a groove but to build a depressive/atmospheric sound, it isn’t meant to be easy listening.”

How is the recording process for you? Do you bang it down live with other musicians where possible, or record one instrument at a time, etc? I see you’re a multi instrumentalist!

“I record all instruments individually, my drums used to be real but now I’ve moved on to programming. normally goes drums, guitar, bass then vocals, i write my vocals after the instrumental is complete. I’d like to try a band with other musicians but it’s hard to find someone with the same ideas and mindset.

It’s all made up on the spot with the song title already made, the new EP This cold… dark winter has all the titles already made and i build the song to that title.

How was/is the songwriting process for you emotionally? Does the music seem to come easily?

“Music seems to come pretty easy to me. I’m not a great musician but I’m not afraid to show emotion and opinions through music. the more i release and create the better i’ll get, i started guitar around 3 years ago and i don’t learn songs i just make my own, that’s the process i like and i’ll keep.”

So what are your plans ?  Depending on the covid situation, any touring or gigs you can mention?  Any other projects musical or otherwise happening? I read on your Facebook page you have an E.P. almost completed? Sounds interesting.

“The only plan I have currently is focussing on this EP. I’ve been struggling to get motivated but now I’ve sorted stuff out. I’m going to get something together by the end of 2021 and early 2022.

It has been interesting so far, spending more time trying to get the sounds I want and aiming for a slightly better production level. recording hasn’t moved too far but it’s starting to kick off now.
I’m also considering putting my name out there looking to create a project or join a project with different people… but we’ll see.”

Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or finding life difficult at the moment?

“There’s always someone out there that will support you, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. There’s lots of different ways to deal with mental health, mine is music and someone else’s could be walking or listening to music.

There’s more support out there than you think so don’t be afraid to reach out. It was something I always used to hide but I talked to someone and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It helped a lot.

We all have troubles but don’t give up and push through it will work out in the end.”

Well said. It’s ok to reach out, and we should if we’re not feeling ok. Thanks  for taking the time to talk with us. Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with your upcoming music albums. Greg \Mh/

Thank you for the opportunity of an interview, i hope everything is good and stay safe

Thanks Narshadden of Volkume.

Music links for the band: https://www.facebook.com/Volkume666

https://narshadden.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR2vCvimI8BKXQePRRp5rJ5J8af4SveFV_IAu2ykukLtYylM4-SS5d2Ud7I

Good Mental health in 2020

Posted on: March 19th, 2020 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Greetings friends.

It occurs to me that the Corona virus is the least of our worries compared to the current public panic and worry/anxiety we are experiencing, such as in supermarkets (non mainstream food supply tip= health food/ Asian supermarkets). The mental health fallout and consequences are to me, more dangerous than the virus. Remember, most people recover with rest. Unfortunately there are tough times now and ahead for awhile for many people employed in hospitality and entertainment. There’s talk of govt’s providing financial assistance to people affected. We’ll see if that happens in time. Try to take it easy if u can. Look after yourself and your family. Try to check in on friends, neighbours. This will pass soon enough. If u want to talk, i’m around.

Talk soon. Greg \Mh/

Happy new year for 2020!

Posted on: January 4th, 2020 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Happy new year everyone!

Hope you are good and ready to give it plenty in 2020. There will be  lots of new and great music being made to be sure. We have more interviews with metal artists and people who have something to say around mental health coming up.

On a more sobering note. Major bushfires are burning around Australia at the moment, sadly resulting in loss of life and property. Our thoughts are with all affected by the fires. In Victoria if you want to help, you can donate here https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/?fbclid=IwAR26-dr3dRyjJm9wom-pUNR-dzNV9uuNkTOgFUxF6FM0RAi6HcBS6cC7IA8

Take it easy and talk soon.

Greg \Mh/

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.

–  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?

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

Happy new year 2019!

Posted on: January 6th, 2019 by Greg Jordan No Comments

Happy new year everyone.

We have some rippa interviews lined up for 2019 so stay tuned. A New year  can be  an opportunity for new beginnings, or just tweaking a few areas in our lives we’ve been meaning to look at. Metalhealth wishes you and your loved ones a healthy, peaceful and fulfilling 2019.

Get some self care in daily.

Take it easy out there. Greg \MH/