Interviews: Dark Matter

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hard Rock/Progressive Rock band Dark Matter from the UK. 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?

Dave: Probably from the Porcupine Tree song or the IQ song/album. I just liked the sound of it. It just felt right for the music.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Alex: As a guitarist, this gives me more space to build themes and explore different styles of playing.

Dave: Writing and playing for DARK MATTER, is me being totally self-indulgent. Whatever genre this is, it’s totally natural.

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

Alex: I knew Dave as he was/is a fan of my other band MYTHRA. I knew of Gary, but had never met him.

Dave: Yes, I knew the guys as friends long before.

Gary: I got chatting with Dave via messaging through my NWOBHM band LEGEND (Jersey).

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Alex: UFO (Schenker era).

Dave: Black Sabbath.

Gary: If I only had to pick one band, it would be The Sweet.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Dave: Who inspires me first and foremost is Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath. After hearing them, my world changed. Firstly, I have to say that the riff is what inspires me. I have always been obsessed with riffs. Secondly, my childhood, people, world problems, and the supernatural are my lyrical inspirations mainly.

6. Where was your last gig?

Alex: My last gig was with MYTHRA at ”KIT Rising 2” in Würzburg. As yet, DARK MATTER hasn’t done any gigs.

Dave: I’ve never performed a proper gig. Writing and recording are what I love. 

Gary: My last gig was at “The Watersplash” in Jersey, in 2013 with LEGEND.

7. Where would you like to act?

Alex: I don’t think we intend to do any live shows…..but never say never (see next question).

Gary: If we could, then Europe, particularly Germany has a fantastic fan base, which loves good music.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Alex: I dare say if Black Sabbath asked us to support them there may be a change of heart.

9. Whom not?

Alex: Possibly not One Direction.

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

Alex: No, not really. I get a bit agitated if the gig doesn’t start straight away once I’m on stage. Advice would be - don’t drink it won’t improve your performance and just enjoy yourself.

Gary: Never any stage fright as such. I would get a nervous feeling, maybe a week or so before playing. Rehearse well and know your songs and each other well and you have no need to be afraid.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Alex: UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Paul Gilbert.

Dave: As a writer/musician, a variety in style is key. So, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Budgie, Atomic Rooster, (early) Judas Priest, King Crimson, Neil Young, and Kate Bush, are huge influences. Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson are later influences.

Gary: As a bass player, The Sweet, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin have been my main influences. All have great bass players that I have taken inspiration from.

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

Alex: do you do any Girls Aloud????

Gary: Nothing too weird really, although I have had a few requests for signed photos.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Alex: Their support makes what we do all worthwhile.

Dave: I am so truly thankful to the people who support our music. I know many personally and they know how much they mean to me.

Gary: I have to say, the fans of our type of music, regardless of genre, are the most honest, loyal, and friendly people you could ever wish to meet. I’ve made so many friends over the years, they really are incredible.

14. What do you think of our site?

Dave: Very cool site. I think the layout is good and you have featured some really interesting bands.

Gary: It’s a good-looking, valuable resource for fans looking for new music.

15. Something to add?

Alex: Thanks for including us on your website.

Dave: Thanks for interviewing DARK MATTER, we really appreciate it. We have loads of songs and music written and we absolutely love making music together. 

Gary: I think we have something very special here with DARK MATTER. There really is a lot more music to come.