Interview with Crimson Pride

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

•  I have been immersed in music since a young age in my family, with wind instruments and classical influences. As a teenager, I fell in love with Rock, and that love has never left me. It's hard to imagine my life without music, but I think it would be replaced by sports.

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

•  When I'm not playing music, which is relatively rare, I enjoy watching movies, recording and audio mixing. I also spend a lot of time outdoors. These activities provide me with different experiences and perspectives, which can influence my creativity and inspire new ideas.

How long has your band been around?

•  Crimson Pride has officially existed since 2018, but the journey we share as band members started long before that. We have been playing together since 2012 and with the same 5 members since 2015.

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

•  Our band is based in Switzerland. It's not easy to make a name for ourselves because the music scene is already saturated, and international artists often occupy the stage. Rock and Metal have struggled to find their place in Switzerland. However, one thing is certain: when we gain new listeners, they are truly interested in what we do, and that's great!

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

•  We were looking for a band name that could represent the unity of the five members but also convey a broader sense of brotherhood, unity, and pride in being human and being one. All of this is represented through the color "Crimson," which holds sentimental value and can symbolize blood.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

•  I believe our most memorable show is quite recent. It was the album release concert for our album "Bloom." People responded enthusiastically, we had a sold-out show, and we delivered an absolutely incredible performance. The audience was very receptive. Shows like that make us want to experience it again and again; we want more!

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

•  Our dream concert would be to perform on the stage of the Greenfield Festival in Interlaken, Switzerland. This festival marks the beginning of our journey, and it is currently one of our biggest goals.

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

•  I would say Asking Alexandria, Avenged Sevenfold, and Billy Talent.

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

•  To someone just starting in a band, I would say: go for it, play, and have fun. It can be challenging, I know, but sooner or later, you will reap the rewards of your hard work, and the outcome will be beautiful. To my younger self? Don't give up and practice even more.

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

•  Practice even more, you won't regret it!

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

•  I think every musician would have their own answer. For me, it's definitely "Going Down." I always wanted to have a heavier song with hints of metalcore while still staying true to our style. And we achieved that with this song, it's huge!

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

•  " Crimson Night" and "Going Down" without hesitation. "Going Down" is perfect for the live setting with its aggressive nature, and "Crimson Night" has a very theatrical vibe. Seeing the audience silent, captivated by the quieter parts of the song, and then erupting in applause at the final note, wow, I love it! So far, the most commonly requested or sung song would have been "Mad Desire" from our first EP.

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

•  The creative process usually starts with one or two members who feel inspired at the moment. The process is then complemented by the desires and experiences of each member. Even if a song begins with one person's ideas, it always shines brighter thanks to the contributions of all five of us! Life itself, personal experiences, self-development, and the search for a better self are generally strong sources of inspiration.

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

•  Love yourself and the people around you. Life often tests us, and the paths to overcome the darker aspects of our existence are often challenging. However, at the end of the journey, there is light, and it will always come if you fight for it!

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

•  One of our greatest strengths is that we are five close friends, and we can rely on that to communicate effectively. Of course, we have disagreements, but we can discuss them and find compromises that work for everyone. It's important for all band members to be moving in the same direction.

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

•  Our next goal is to perform our album as much as possible on stage and, most importantly, to go on tour. We are already working on new compositions, and given our ideas and motivation, it's going to be something remarkable!

  Thank you for the interview! Jo (guitarist) of Crimson Pride