Interviews: Black Nazareth

This is a new interview with the Rock/Metal band Black Nazareth from the Netherlands. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The name Black Nazareth is related to the city, Schiedam, where we started. The nickname of Schiedam is “Black Nazareth”. Schiedam is a city in the west of the Netherlands. It is located in the Rotterdam metropolitan area, west of Rotterdam and south of Delft. The city is known for its historical center with canals, and for having the tallest windmills in the world. Schiedam is also well known for the distilleries and malthouses and production of jenever (gin) so much so that in French and English the word schiedam (usually without a capital s-) refers to the town's Holland gin. This was the town's main industry during the early Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, a dark period to which it owed its former nickname "Zwart Nazareth" or "Black Nazareth”. It is uncertain what the real origin is of this name but legend has it that the city was blackened of all the coal, the citizens were drunk from the alcohol fumes and god had forsaken the town. "What good can come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46).

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Actually, it started out as a real metal project as those were the ideas Menno had. At the time of working on it with me (Henry) it evolved more into a rock style. The songs and vibe felt good, so we stuck to it!

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

Yes! Menno, Marty, and I knew each other for years. I had worked together with Marty on several projects but also ran Soundpark Studio together. Menno and I were in the same band Threnody. Menno knew Daniel from earlier encounters!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Menno: Kiss

Marty: Depeche Mode

Daniel: Pantera

Henry: Judas Priest

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It can be many things; personal, global events, and situations. I personally always try and put something of myself in lyrics. Daniel too. Musically it usually starts with a riff from Menno, a tune by Marty, or a vocal part of Daniel.

6. Where was your last gig?

We haven’t had one! We started in the pandemic so no options to play at the time. Menno is very busy with shows with Focus until summer after summer Marty will go on tour with Within Temptation! We will squeeze in some shows, that’s for sure. Our focus now is on writing material, recording, and releasing our debut album “Black Nazareth”

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere! Looking forward to doing festivals actually!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ah, too many choices, we enjoy a lot of different kinds of music. The best would be a solid rock act of course!

9. Whom not?

None yet...

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

Ah, many years ago I had, now I don’t. It’s natural to be anxious to perform live, as you want to show your best. If you prepared well not much can go wrong. And don’t forget, we are all human out there!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Personally, it would be Judas Priest, so influential and still rocking after 50 years. From the early days as a young teenager I have loved them. But to pinpoint it only on them would be too easy, there are so many others!

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

Ever?? Probably the physical stuff: shower, booby autographs, write songs for them...

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are the best of course, great musical taste!

14. What do you think of our site?

Nice, I have seen it before though, so good on you!

15. Something to add?

Thanks for this interview, the effort and the interest. Much appreciated! Hope to go out there on stage soon, and watch out for new releases this year!