Interviews: The Pariah

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Hardcore/Hardcore band The Pariah, from Germany. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

To be honest, at first we were just searching for a name that sounds good. We had about three or four other names before we officially existed but they were all already in use, haha. I guess everyone who already started a band made the same experience. Luckily, The Pariah matches the kind of music and lyrics we write and i think it's the best name we could've chosen.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

We did not really plan to make a special kind of music. Of course, when we started we had something like a briefing about what music each of us wanted to make but no one said „hey, let's make melodic hardcore or metalcore“ or whatever. We all listen to different bands and therefore have different influences. The most important part for us is to write music we all like. When we listen to a song we wrote we want to be able to say „that's cool!“

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Most of us come from a relatively small town, there's no way we couldn't have met before, haha. In fact, all of us played in other bands before so we saw each other at local shows. After the other bands broke up all of us wanted to start a new project and get on stage again. Thats the main reason why we started The Pariah.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Mitch: Counterparts

Vince: While She Sleeps

Rouven: Comeback Kid

Julian: Periphery

Henning: Every Time I Die

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I would lie if i said that we're not influenced by the bands we like. But i think that is a kind of a natural process. Another reason why we write songs is because theres something we have to get off our chest. It sounds like a cliché and it was said way too often but it's true.

The best shows happen when you're pissed off, the best lyrics are written in situations you feel miserable. The Pariah lets us go out on a stage and blast out all bad energy and i really hope that the people in the crowd can do the same. That's what hardcore in general is all about, i guess. Getting rid of frustration.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig (at this time) was in Marl, at the „We Are The Kids Fest“, a show that a friend of us organized. I don't know when this is published, but maybe at that time our last show might have been with Hundredth in Oberhausen. We're really looking forward to this!

7. Where would you like to act?

We'd really like to play some festival-shows because there's always such a good vibe. Maybe it's because of the tons of beer the people consume but were definitely cool with that!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

It's an endless list. Of course with the singers of our favourite bands. But I think it would be even more interesting to have a feature with someone who's not in this scene and comes from a totally different genre. I have no example yet but i'll keep thinking, haha.

9. Whom not?

Oppa Kelly/Grandpa Kelly (Kelly-Family)

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I don't know if it was stage fright but i've been really, really nervous right before our first show. You think of the worst situations that can happen. What if i forget the lyrics? What if my voice gives up during the set? And this is my tip for every beginner: Your first show will be a desaster anyway, but if you show real emotions the people will remember you and they'll recognize that you are serious about what you're doing. And don't think about what could go wrong. Things will definitely go worse, haha.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Since we're all having a very different taste in music, especially different genres, we're not able to name all the artists that would belong in this list.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Once there was a fan who asked me if i could shake hands with her. That was really weird. It wasn't even at a big show. She put me in a position i definitely never wanted to be. We are the kids we always were (though most of us are over 23) and we don't want to be asked to shake hands. Please, next time, just do it whithout asking.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are great and sometimes a little weird.

14. What do you think of our site?

What you do is really cool and i think it's really important for the scene as well. Keep it going!

15. Something to add?

If you have the chance, come to one of our shows and have a beer with us afterwards!

Thanks for your interest in The Pariah!

Much Love, Julle, Vince, Mitch, Rouven, Henning