Interview with Raze
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Interview with Raze
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I began learning music at a pretty young age, starting off classical - you wouldn't believe it, but I can shred on a flute. I started getting into heavier rock and metal music around the age of ten or eleven, and from there I instantly clicked with it. I thought - I've got to be doing that! So I started singing in that style, and that's led up until where we are today. If not for that - I don't know, something creative. Maybe writing, something like that.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I work with some other bands, helping to record and produce their music. That has really helped me grow as a songwriter and producer. Between that and playing and writing our own stuff, I'm pretty busy - so the rest of the time I like to hang out, chill. The clear headspace helps you stay focused when you come back and start working on something.
How long has your band been around?
The current iteration of the band has been together for a year, we were playing some shows around the South East before that. The band 'entity', so to speak came about all the way back in 2014 when I was a young teen, but I'm the only member still about since then. So in it's true form, only really the last couple of years or so.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
We're all from around Hertfordshire - there's a metal scene in Watford (which is our hometown, really) and one further up in Hitchin too. It's good to have a local culture to be a part of.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
To raze is to completely and utterly destroy. We thought this would be pretty fitting for a metal band - it kind of tied into the phrase 'raise the roof' as well, which was pretty cool. I like that it's a simple one word statement, and that it's quite bleak and definite.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
We've had some great nights at The Dublin Castle in Camden, once you've got 50+ people in there the place is absolutely HEAVING. Honourable mention to Club 85 in Hitchin also, the stage is massive and it's got plenty of space to really get moving about.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
It'd be awesome to share the stage with some personal heroes; for me I'd love to billed with Tremonti.
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?
I would say - begin by playing a few covers with the people in your band, get a feel for where you all are at musically. From there, write a few songs of your own and play some shows locally! In my experience, things start to gel and settle and the songs evolve as you go on. Once you're at that point, record the music and get it out there. There are a lot of aspects to promotion that you need to keep in mind, if you're unsure then find a professional to work with who will be able to guide you and help your music reach the audience it deserves.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Just to enjoy yourself, learn as you go and don't beat yourself up when things don't go exactly as you plan. Learn from that and get better for the next time round!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I am personally attached to Mellow // Breeze, which is the 8th song on the upcoming 'Pyrography' record. I spent a lot of time shaping this one, and I think it's come out really well.
Which songs are your favourite to play and which get requested the most?
I think the crowd favourite tune has to be 'Pyrography' - it's easy to sing back and it's catchy. I personally really enjoy doing Blue-Sky Vengeance, it's just heavy as. Great fun live and very high energy.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
We usually write riffs or even full songs individually then bring them to the band. Then we work together to shape the songs and implement our own individual nuances - as the vocalist I usually write lyrics and melodies last, so I help to guide the overall flow of the music as I get a bit of a 'bird's eye view' when I'm listening.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
My lyrics are intentionally quite non-specific - I like to paint a mood using visuals and colours, or if I have a meaning to the song, I keep it metaphorical and open to interpretation. This means that the listener can make of it what they will, and attach their own meaning to the song - I like it that way.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
If we ever have disagreements then it's usually within the writing of a song - one person might want to do one thing and another something else. In that case, we'll try both out and see which everyone thinks sound best. It's got to a be a democracy with the band, and everyone's opinion is valuable.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Our debut album Pyrography is out on 28th July. That's the big one right now, with the release show at The Horn, St Albans on the 29th. Then we're hitting the road for some shows to promote the music!