Interviews: Sometimes We Make Music

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal band Sometimes We Make Music from Norway. 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?

Ivar: The band name came when me and Danny started recording some songs for fun at home and started a facebook group with no further intent than to show our friends and family the songs, hence the name. Later when drummer Terje joined and it became more a proper band we ultimately liked the informal nature of the name and just stuck with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Ivar: The genre really wasn´t a conscious decision for us, we are all obviously into metal, as well as a lot of other different genres, so we just made songs and riffs that reflected the music we listened to without ever really thinking whether it “fit” into the specific genre. A big thing for us is to try and incorporate all kinds of elements and instruments into our music and change it up as much as we can.

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

Ivar: I and Danny knew about each other for several years in the local metal community, but we really got to know each other when we started working together at the city´s airport, a bromance started, and we started making some songs together. Later when we were previewing some songs online, Terje, whom had played in a band with my brother previously, really liked the songs and pretty much demanded that he recorded better drums for us since at the time we only had (badly) programmed drums on our songs. We gladly accepted the threat. Soon after, Danny moved across the country, so we started recording each of our parts individually and sending to each other. There he met guitarist Zlatko, who joined our ranks. Our bassist Alejandro came as a happy accident when we were going to do a show and needed a bassist. Terje knew Alejandro from another band he´s in and recruited him for the gig. We were so happy with his performance that we asked him to join full time and thus the current lineup was set.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Ivar: Too many to mention really and It changes depending on the mood, but in general I´m very big on orchestral music and film scores, so I would say the artist that has had the most influence on me in recent years are Two steps from hell. I also recently discovered the band Zeal & Ardor, so listening to them a lot recently.

Zlatko: I'm kind of all over the place when it comes to music. But if I have to choose, Faith No More was and is my favorite. Just a few other that spring to mind, Alice In Chains, Iron Maiden off course, Devil Sold His Soul and Killswitch Engage.

Danny: Right now, I'm really into Blood Command. Holy shit that's some good mojo! But the bands I've been listening to mostly over time, is Devin Townsend, Katatonia, Wintersun, Windir, Turisas and Moonspell.

Terje: I often find records that I like and listen to the hell out of them. Latest was the gentle storm- the diary and Orphaned Land - Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs. But I am mostly into all styles in music, as long as it's good music to my ears. Right now, I am checking out Cyan Bloodbane.

Alejandro: for the most part, I’m listening to Slayer, Metallica (pre reload album), Pantera, Radio head, Pink Floyd , Led Zeppelin and of course ABBA!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Ivar: I just make riffs and songs inspired by whatever I´m listening to at the time, then Danny does the lyrics.

Danny: The lyrics are often inspired by what kind of mood the music sets, but i have a love for depressive/dark themes. Even so, I'm really dependent on Ivar to write some awesome music to get me going, which he does in a heartbeat. Our album coming out now called " Trail of the Fallen" has songs representing different times in history (The Viking era, the golden horde(Ulug Ulus), medieval times, fantasy elements and everything with death and dark themes. Hence the name of the album, which leaves a trail of fallen.

6. Where was your last gig?

Ivar: Our last gig was in a small venue in Oslo, called Rock in, we were playing with Last Lightning, Sindri and Befouled. Check them out!

7. Where would you like to act?

Ivar: We would simply like to play anywhere and everywhere we´re able to.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think featuring with Devin Townsend or Thomas Bergersen would make us all scream like little girls.

9. Whom not?

The mumblerapper with the 69 on his forehead.

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

I think we all have that to some degree, but we just push through and it´s pretty much gone by the time we´ve played through the first song. Also don’t drink to much before going onstage, one or two beers just to take the edge off, but more than that will impact playing. Also pro tip: If you fuck up, don't show it. Nothing takes the mood away as a musician looking like his ass just exploded because he missed a note. Ignore it and make the rest count, no one will ever remember if you don't make them.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ivar: A name that comes up a lot would be Devin Townsend; not only his music where he can go from really heavy to beautiful ballads, progressive/experimental stuff and even rockabilly, all while sounding uniquely like Devin. But also, his general approach and mentality to not take anything too seriously and you can always tell he´s just having fun with everything he does, from recordings to live shows.

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

If we drink beer (we do)

13. What do you think of your fans?

If you're a fan of us, goddamn we love you!

14. What do you think of our site?

The site actually impressed me! Clean, easy to get to what you need, and easy to understand. I also enjoyed the choice of colors, which made everything seem super clean, as I mentioned above.

15. Something add?

We’re often at metal festivals all over the world. So if you see the flag “Troll camp” feel free to join us for a beer!