Interview: Somberwind
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ANSWERED BY MARCO CUSATO
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
When I was about seven years old, I found a Spanish guitar in my aunt's room and that instrument mesmerized and possessed me up to this day. Then I began to listen to classical rock bands and I slowly got involved in the underground music and scene. If I weren't a musician, I'd be an astronomer I think.
What do you like to do when you're not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I like watching Formula One races, horror movies as well as classics, and reading mostly horror, science-fiction and philosophy books when I’m not making any music. Those things really boost my imagination and thrive my creativity since I always get lost on details about them that easily inspire me to create more content. Not just music, but videos too.
How long has your band been around?
Somberwind is a rather recent project, in fact, it began in early 2018. About three years ago.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We live in Chile, I can say we aren't influenced by music made here very much. We actually take most of our influences from European and American artists as well as bands.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
The name describes a state of soul when you know difficult times are on the horizon and you will be called upon to resist. This is because all this dark wind will cover you. That’s how I came up with the portmanteau: Somber and Wind, Somberwind.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Sadly; we had to cancel all of our Somberwind’ shows because of COVID, but with my previous band -The Fallacy- I can say that Chile is where the best shows were. Especially when we opened for Bauhaus in -El Teatro Caupolican-. Another fantastic show that I remember happened in a small venue in Orlando, Usa. The Haven Lounge at Winter Park, I remember, because it was the first day of our first American tour.
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 are many places I want to play like European festivals and a lot of well mentioned theatres around the world.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
If I could play any show with any lineup it would definitely be Dreadful Shadows, and The Sisters of Mercy.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?
Musicians must work very hard, not just on musical stuff, but you have to be very professional regarding promotions, getting involved in photo sessions, learning to be a protagonist in your videos, etc. It’s a huge amount of effort to have a professional band.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to have less fun and to work harder.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
From our album Remain, -Emptiness- is a song that means a lot to me, because it was the first track I composed for Somberwind, and the lyrics are pretty personal.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
We performed The Spell and Coven in a couple of live streaming sessions, those songs are always requested.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
All comes from ideas and melodies. Then I compose the songs with my acoustic guitar. After I have a song almost complete, I connect the parts of the lyrics-melodies and arrangements. Then I start the production process: choosing the instruments, the sound concept, and I finally ask the musicians to record their parts. My inspiration comes from the inside of the soul, from the deep feelings we all have, and sometimes we try to hide...and we can’t see how this can affect us.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
The message is very simple: be honest, be honorable,keep promises and don't forget those who were with you during your bad times.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
Never, we always make decisions after we have agreed on the matter.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that's coming up?
We recorded a live session on August 8th and it’s almost ready to be published. It consists of 5 songs from Remain and they were recorded entirely live. We are finishing our third Music Video for the song Coven too, and planning a fourth music video. By February 2022 we have to send the master audio of a cover song from a tribute album that we were invited to participate in. About live shows, our next concert is scheduled for the 13th of November, and we are planning a tour next year.
A 2nd studio album could be released next year too.
Thank you very much Volatile for this great interview and keep the faith…