Interview: Facing Fears

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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Obviously music got us into music. The melodies, the strength, the lyrics and all that power that can set you into different worlds; this magic is what put us hear. 

And then of course to meet the other guys with the same vision, values and attitudes, willing to start this journey and continue on and on. 

We would probably end up doing the same (as we have “normal” lives besides music). But life would be very empty then.

What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When we’re not playing music as a band we hang around and organize everything. As an individual everyone is doing his job and also leasure activities like soccer, riding bikes or other stuff.

This influences the creativity a lot, as you are not extremely pushed into being creative. It comes piece by piece.

How long has your band been around?

The band is around since 2015. In the current set-up since 2019.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We are from Ulm (Southern Germany). The region itself does not really influence our music. Probably we would do the same thing on any other spot in the world, when possible to play music.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you.

The origin of the name is simply our inner convenience and attitude to succeed in life. Difficult situations make you grow the most, so face your fears!

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

Best show was the finals of the german.wide SPH contest in Berlin. As we were the „hardest“ band we knew we wouldn’t win it, but it was fantas6c to see that our fans supported us throughout the whole „tournament“, so in the first round, quarter finals, semi-finals and the actual final round with 12 bands from all over germany.

The worst show is no show – so due to the pandemic, this is the worst scenario.

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you haven't already?

There is no favorite venue, the mix and variety of people, locations, atmosphere and crowd in itself is so different. That’s what we love.

And for sure there are so many venues and festivals we would love to play… All the big stages of the world.

If you could play any show with any lineup who would be on the ticket?

Something like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium and Bullet for my Valentine…  Guess this would work and sell quite good:) 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Keep on playing, writing and working on your music. Focus on what you achieved and not on the long way you still “have” to go. Celebrate the small successes and grow organically.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

It would be the same thing: Hang on! There will always be struggles and difficulties, as well as tough decisions to do. But they are important to grow and end up, where you want to be. So don’t lose your vision and passion!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

It is hard to pick out one because they are all existing due to the fact that they mean much to us. 

But when we have to choose one, it would be “Forever Ends” in the moment, because it is the new start in our new era of the band and also the most successful song in the history of the band. We are very proud of that one!

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Our favorites to play are the new ones, as we never played them life yet. And that’s probably also the ones, most people request, combined in a mix with the established ones.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

The creative process starts with the idea of one member which will be brought to the others. Then all five are involved to develop and build up the songs, as they will be in the final version.

The inspiration is simply life. Our songs are about situations and emotions in life, we are facing and try to process through our music.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Each song has a different message, as it is written due to a unique situation or background.

Our main message is kind of “hidden” in our band name: Facing Fears! This one is also topic in many songs:

“Don’t be afraid, you’ll be alright” (Only the Lonely) or the debut single “Face your Fears”.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Of course with have lots of disagreements about everything: Songs, Lyrics, Next Steps, Marketing, Cooperations… Logically this is a fact, as we are five different persons. The essence is to find a way, which fits to the band as a whole, and not to the imaginations of every member. Therefore discussion, understanding, cooperation and a vision for the band are essential.

The most important thing is to talk about the topics in an objective manner without being personal.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?

Our plan is to grow and bring our music to the people! 

Spotlights are hopefully many out there. Some of we even can’t think of. To name two spotlights: 

• New singles will be coming!

• Playing live is probably the biggest spotlight!