Interviews: SELENSEAS

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Heavy Metal/Power Metal band, SELENSEAS, from Russia. 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?

We’ve been thinking of a name for the band for a very long time. It had to be original, unique, kinda airy, and we wanted it to somehow emphasize the band’s music. One day, our first singer showed us a list of lunar seas and lakes in Latin, as a possible source to choose from. Although these names were interesting, they were pretty difficult to pronounce. I offered a few options of my own, one of which was “Selenseas”. At that time I had a fancy for Greek mythos, and this name was inspired by the legend of Selene and Endymion. In addition, we already had a song about the Moon in our repertoire, and I thought it would be symbolic to pick a name that would have a connection with a song that all the band members liked. The word “Selenseas” is a portmanteau of “Selene”, the name of the Greek goddess of the Moon, and “seas”. It literally means “Lunar seas”, or “Seas of Selene”. This name was at the end approved by the band. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I was always attracted by the force and energy of this genre, its variety, and intricacy. I’ve been listening to Rainbow, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Edguy, and many other bands of this style since I was a kid. They all left their mark on my soul, and I’m still a big fan. That’s why, when I tried to write my own song for the first time, I had zero doubts about the genre.

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

Yes, I knew the majority of the members before we started “Selenseas”. Half of our first line-up consisted of my friends from the university. As for the other half, I got acquainted with them on music forums.

4. Each band member’s favourite band?

Svetlana – Blind Guardian

Vladislav – Stratovarius

Mikhail – Five Finger Death Punch

Ivan – Dark Tranquillity

Den – Rammstein

Liudmila – Blind Guardian

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Events and people that influence my life inspire me in the first place. I also get inspiration from myths and legends, books, movies and other music. Impressions and experiences I get from these sources turn into melodies of my future songs. Then either Liudmila Malaya or myself come up with the lyrics.

6. Where was your last gig?

In December 2018 we participated in ‘Emergenza Festival Moscow 2018/2019’ and advanced to the semi-finals. After that we postponed all live performances and focused on the album recording. We’re all fired up for live shows now, but looks like we’ll have to wait until 2021 due to COVID-19 situation.

7. Where would you like to act?

In the first place, we’d very much like to perform in European countries and Japan.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think, every band member would love to share a stage with their favorite artists (and we’ve got lots of them).

9. Whom not?

We can’t think of a single rock or metal band we would not like to feature with.

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

I believe, each of us suffered from stage fright, and sometimes we still do. But we manage to successfully overcome it. Everyone has different ways of dealing with it – repeating the songs on an unplugged instrument might help, or making jokes, or even a sip (just one! ) of strong alcohol. The most important things, however, are the support of the audience that gives a boost to confidence, and skills polished during rehearsals. That’s what allows you to go out on stage, forget all the fears and give it your all.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Most of all, we’re inspired by Rainbow, Stratovarius, Helloween, Edguy and Avantasia, Primal Fear, Lost Horizon, Blind Guardian.

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

After a gig, one of the fans was so excited by our performance, he went up to us and said: “You guys are so cool! Would all of you like to go to my place and have a good time?”

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are amazing, they always support us. For them, we strive, make it through tough times, and keep creating good music. Thanks a bunch to all of you, people!

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s a great site, with a convenient and intuitive interface. But the most important thing is that it has such a big amount of interesting info about heavy music from all around the world. It’s good that there are sites that interview and review works of not only famous bands but also beginner musicians. Thanks for this opportunity to talk!

15. Something add?

Again, thanks for the interview. I’d like to wish everyone all the best, and some new powerful heavy music! Feel free to visit our site and follow us on social media. We’ll be happy to welcome you all!