Interviews: Blackstar Republic

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band Blackstar Republic from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Biggs: The band name thing has always been a struggle at least in my experiences in bands. I think this was Mykol taking the word Republic because we are from Texas and it was called the Republic of Texas in its founding and we wanted to tie us into the Texas pride thing. I came up with Blackstar and I don’t know how just came to me and we combined them. I’ve been asked if it had anything to do with the Star Wars death star but it doesn’t.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Biggs: I’ve been a metal head since high school. To me, it’s the most creative genre of music out there. So many different paths you can take and so many ways to express your feelings and thoughts.

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

Biggs: I knew Mykol back from high school days. We were in a band in our early 20’s and then we went different ways with family and work. But we reconnected back in 2014 and started this band. We met Petey at one our shows cause he was drumming in another band and then joined us in 2016. Mykol had known Cam from their days hanging out at the Vape shop. Cam joined us in Dec of 18.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Biggs: Too many call my Favorite, but I’ll say top 3 are In Flames, Demon Hunter and Sevendust

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Biggs: Great question. I don’t know if I’d say someone has inspired me to write a song but I’ll say for me, it’s usually just a beat that pops in my head and then vocal melody. Usually, just short simple phrases and I record and save it. Sometimes I’ll have a bass line I’m digging and I’ll work on it or send it to Mykol or Cam. It comes and goes. I could write what could 4-5 songs in a few weeks and then have nothing for 4 months. But I always try to be creative and write. Sometimes a song will be from 2 years ago and I’ll come back and present it to the guys.

Mykol: Inspiration to Write Songs- I think of myself as more of a session player/co-writer in Blackstar Republic. I have found that my role in this band is best utilized by creating custom-built foundation guitar progressions, melodies, anchor motifs and hooks that match the sound and style of foundation basslines and beat ideas. We have been known to mix in other musical genre flavors into our songs to create unique hybrids of familiar sounds with a unique original spin. My bassist might have an idea for a chorus that he feels would come across well in a quicker tempo in a bouncy funk style. I might hear and feel a vibe off that and give an option of a few different "wraps" that could be laid over that section with consideration of how the main vocals will be phrased so that my guitar part keeps the musical piece as a whole true to a strong emotion and flowing in a building direction so that each section flows well throughout each song but also so each section makes a strong statement and is capable of standing on its own. I consider myself the musical Arranger in Blackstar Republic- Partnering to stack the bricks into place but also sharing my other band mates ideas and talents and helping to seal the spaces in between when needed

6. Where was your last gig?   

Biggs: Our last show was RatFest 4 in Fort Worth.

7. Where would you like to act?

Biggs: We want to get on the road more. Play some major festivals and look into that.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Biggs: We like so many bands and doing some support shows with them would be really awesome. 

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

Mykol: - Never get stage fright but definitely different levels of excited anticipation depending on the show factors like where we are playing, who the headliner is etc. I actually love big hyped up audiences. The bigger the better. We feed off their energy and it makes the show even better for everyone. We still bring a great unified performance no matter if there is 5 or 500 people in front of us. We want to give anyone watching us the unique energy and emotion of a Blackstar Republic show

Stage fright Advice:

Mykol: My advice for anyone who gets too nervous or anxiety about stepping on stage in front of people is to first Do Your Physical and Mental Preparation at least a few days or earlier before your show date.Physical means to practice your instrument parts by yourself as well as tight but smooth with your band with enough scheduled rehearsals before the show so you gain strong centered confidence in your personal ability to perform your role on stage well. Mental Preparation refers to giving yourself not an egotistical mindset but strong personal confidence to know and feel that you are in control of your performance within your band role but also how you perform with your bandmates.A sense of being a strong wolf that becomes even stronger with your pack. The idea of becoming comfortable with any unintended mistakes and learning to just roll through them is a valuable mental asset. Everyone from time to time has a natural human mistake. Don't beat yourself up or let it shake your confidence and concentration. Remember that you have a strong musical support team playing with you and together you will prevail

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

Biggs: The bands who’ve Inspired me the most are Demon Hunter, In Flames, Sevendust, Kings X

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

Biggs: Not really anything crazy.... yet.

12. What do you think of your fans?  

Mykol: What do we think of our fans- They are the Amazing lifeblood of this band! We love seeing people having a great time, singing, chanting, moving along with each song, making and showing us THIER spirit and personal emotional connection with the music and reciprocating energy with the performance

13. What do you think of our site? 

Biggs: We love the site!