Interviews: Underwing

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Grunge band Underwing 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?

Enyeto: Oh, it was planned. I came across the Catocala; a generally Holarctic genus of moths in the family Erebidae, commonly known as Underwing moths, or simply Underwings. Specifically, the Pink Underwing moth. It has a mask like pattern that’s revealed when threatened. All the metaphors of a caterpillar going through metamorphosis to become a beautiful moth, the mask, the name. Everything felt right so it just stuck with me.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Enyeto: I’ve always sought after the emotional aspects of heavy music, the unpolished rawness from the Grunge genre hit a nerve. It opens up for an honest expression. On the other hand, the complex rhythms of modern progressive music really correspond with my inner muse. There’s such a suchness brought forth when mixing Grunge and Progressive metal with Blues, Funk and Classic Rock elements. Don’t you agree?

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

Enyeto: I knew Joachim (we played in a band prior to Underwing) and Magnus before the band. Only Joachim knew Thomas before he joined. Jesper didn’t know anyone before he moved to our town a year before he joined us.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Enyeto: Probably Black Sabbath for me. It’s an awesome nostalgic journey whenever I hear some Sabbath. I had a few years when I was a young teenager in the forming years where I ONLY listened to them. So, I guess most of my good, traumatic and experimental moments are all somehow rooted in the soundscape and lyrical masterpieces that Sabbath brought me, and the world. The other guys would probably mention bands and artists like Steven Wilson, The Beatles, Motörhead or Opeth.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Enyeto: Oh, that can be anything. A single line of lyrics, a hooky riff or just a feeling. Inspiration comes in many forms; you just have to listen.

6. Where was your last gig?

Enyeto: In our hometown, Arendal. We played a venue called Lille Andevinge (Little Duckwing), a high- class bar not used to heavy music, so we presented our Underswing sessions; semi acoustic, swinged-up versions of our songs, with several coversongs including Daft Punks ‘Get Lucky’ and Alice in Chains ‘Nutshell’ just to mention some. After two 45-minute sets, we weren’t allowed to leave the venue without playing about an hour of our original Underwing material delivered as it should be. Joachim even delivered an awesome drum-performance with several handicaps due to a stripped drum set. This resulted in one of the coolest, alternative and best gigs yet, showing Little Duckwing how a high octane concert at a high-class bar should be.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Enyeto: Sold out Madison Square Garden, man. All the cool big festivals, all the small pubs and bars and wherever our fans want us to play. Every scene is a journey.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Enyeto: Bands like Tool, Gojira, Mastodon, Clutch, Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, Opeth but we also love the thought of playing our Underswing sessions as well, opening up several musical doors allowing us to play with artists like Terry Reid and Alt J just to mention a few.

9. Whom not?

Enyeto: Whom knows? I guess everyone deserves a chance.

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

Enyeto: I think it’s healthy to feel nervous before a concert. It only means that you know that this is a meaningful situation and you need to perform your art. It usually passes somewhere during the first song. Breathe.. Deep.. Again.. Annnd again.. Now go!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Enyeto: See question 8, what bands we’d like to tour with.

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

Enyeto: ‘’Can I write some riffs for Underwing?’’. One does not simply write for us, but we appreciate the ambition.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Enyeto: We frikking love each and everyone. Two fans during 2019 even got their Underwing tattoo granting them free entrance forever, to any show they want. So many lovely messages and actions that really motivates us to bring us even closer to our fans and our goals.

14. What do you think of our site?

Enyeto: Personally, I’ve only skimmed through it, but what I’ve seen and read so far really caught my interest. So many bands I need to check out! Thanks for doing what you do!

15. Something to add?

Enyeto: Check out our website www.underwing.band, stay updated on our social media. We have some really awesome musical plans for 2020, I mean, you’d want to follow us. I promise.