Interviews: Sheltered Sun

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Symphonic Metal/Melodic Death Metal band, Sheltered Sun from Finland. 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?

Niclas: I recall Eddie came up with it and I thought it sounded cool when he presented it to me and Robin =).

Eddie: Yes, I wanted to celebrate the light and the darkness as an overall theme.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Niclas: I have always liked bombastic-sounding metal music and blending aspects from different genres together. Therefore it was natural for me to choose such a direction.

Eddie: I grew up listening to a lot of rock and metal and took a liking to the guitar playing and classical embellishments. I was in awe and very fascinated.

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

Niclas: Yes, I knew Eddie and Robin from working with previous band projects. 

Eddie: Yes, we have known each other for many years. Niclas is my best friend and in collaboration with Robin, they allowed me to start this project.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Niclas: It's impossible to pick just one and listening to a band goes in periods for me. I tend to listen through the whole discography for one band at a time and then not listen to that band for a longer time and go on to the next. But on the top 5 are: Wintersun, Symphony X, Rhapsody of Fire/old Rhapsody, Children of Bodom, and Nightwish. I also like soundtrack & synth-based music at times as well.

Eddie: Ensiferum, Children of Bodom, Nightwish, Wintersun, Epica. I also like synth-based music as well as video game classical/rock/metal soundtracks. Diasuke Ishiwatari(Guilty Gear, BlazBlue) is one of my favorite modern-day composers as well as Andy Gillion(ex-Mors Principium Est) whom I've had the pleasure of collaborating.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Niclas: Personal encounters and experiences in life. Different mood sets and also from visiting beautiful places while traveling abroad and local nature.

Eddie: I second this. I also get a lot of inspiration from many different art mediums. TV, Film, Movies, Video Games, etc. For example, we have material inspired by The Medium Video Game(Oliver Palotai of Kamelot and Epica has molded something very special for that.) and I'm writing one song inspired by The Witcher TV series.

6. Where was your last gig?

Niclas: We haven't done any gigs with Sheltered Sun yet, because we are living on different continents. So it is not practically possible at the moment.

Eddie: None yet, although some would be very nice. If I didn't move closer at least I could visit on special occasions to make these events happen.

7. Where would you like to act?

Niclas: Venues or festivals that have metal bands. No particular preparation right now.

Eddie: Ditto.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Niclas: I don't have any preparation, since sharing a stage and meeting new people is just a good thing.

Eddie: Well, I do have a wishlist: Wolfheart, Ensiferum, Surma, Epica, etc. Although this is just a wishlist, I will play with anyone willing to share. Anyone is welcome. 

9. Whom not?

Niclas: I don't know if I can answer that. Since we haven't played live yet =). I have only played with smaller local or European bands, and haven't had any difficulties.

Eddie: I will play with anyone who wants to share the stage.

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

Niclas: Yes I have. I was actually quite shy and afraid, just to talk in front of the class in elementary school. So I have come a long way. I really like playing live, especially when you get to perform your own original music. I think it helps to lower stage fright, by getting encouragement from people close to you and from your musical instrument teacher, If you are studying. Performing regularly also creates a kind of routine, that in the long run helps you to concentrate on your playing and not what people are thinking about you while performing. Allow mistakes, it is the only way you learn and no one is perfect! I teach classical guitar as my main profession and have lots of students that suffer from stage fright. It is quite interesting that all are different individuals, as some get the energy to show what they can at the stage, while others are so afraid. But I believe it can be trained away or lowered to an acceptable level. Having some adrenaline also helps to give a better show, than just being bored =).

Eddie: Not me. I tend to give courage to others.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Niclas: For me, the bands I mentioned are among my favorite bands.

Eddie: Honestly I have to dial that down to people rather than bands. Niclas and Viktorie our singers have really inspired me overall to be more active and physically more involved. It's given me a bigger heart.

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

Niclas: I'm not sure I have gotten any out-of-the-ordinary requests yet...

Eddie: Nothing...yet. ;)

13. What do you think of your fans?

Eddie: I'm honestly the one interacting with them all. They are the most loyal and kind bunch and they make me cry with joy and excitement I never want to lose them. I have to give a shout-out to two of our most devout followers Christine Anders from the app BandBond and Ólöf Hallbjörg. I also want to give thanks to my friend Pekka Montin of Ensiferum as he says we 'sound better than most stuff out there which is high praise coming from one of my favorite metal bands.

14. What do you think of our site?

Niclas: It's looking good and professional

Eddie: Ditto.

15. Something to add?

Eddie: We encourage everyone to keep supporting independent artists and pay it forward. Keep doing good acts and the rest of your journey will come true for you. Never give up!