Interviews: OUTWARD

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Post-Metal band, OUTWARD from Czech Republic. 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?

AG: We were deciding on our name for a while because we didn't want to end up with some cheesy metal name and rather wanted to come up with a name that goes hand in hand with our music.

JŘ: I was pressing for some sci-fi or fantasy bullshit nerdy name, but I am glad that the boys told me to fuck off :D What I like about the name Outward is that it is kinda abstract and people can imagine various things when thinking about it. Also, by learning the name you know fuck all about the music we play, and that is how I like it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

AG: What genre? (laughs) I still don't know what genre we play, it differs from song to song, pretty. We just came up with a kind of subgenre we call blackened post-metal, but in reality, we take ourselves more like a rock and roll post-punk band with elements of metal and raspy vocals. But that description sounds quite stupid, don't you think?

JŘ: I gave up the effort to classify our music accurately a long time ago (laughs). What I find important is that the music we play comes to us all very naturally, and there is really no need for us to play certain riffs, scales, or rhythms to sound like something. We (or Adam, to be more precise, as he is the building stone of every Outward song) just play what comes and what feels right to us...

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

AG: Yes, but we had no intention to end up in a band together. (laughs)

VK: I actually knew Jakub from Meltdown, a band we were both in, otherwise the other guys were friends of mine from the metal scene.

JŘ: Same as Vojtěch.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

AG: I cannot answer this question, because there isn't just one band, there is plenty of favorites. For example Iron Maiden, King Cimson, Killing Joke, Marillion, Nargaroth, Yob, etc…

VK: Forgotten Tomb and Urfaust for sure. From non-metal bands, Pink Floyd and Blackfield.

JŘ: Cannot do it, sorry, too many bands :D

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

AG: I write the music based on outward influences and inner feelings - Life, death, hope, end, depression, anger, love… I think that music has to be emotional, so you just have to let your emotions flow through your instrument. 

VK: As for my lyrics, mostly things that happen in the world that I can't stand, intertwined with occultism.

6. Where was your last gig?

AG: It was in Zielona Gora in Polad, Amazing evening with good bands Obysidian and Ethbaal from Poland.

7. Where would you like to act?

AG: We would really like to play at some bigger summer festivals in Europe to have a chance to play our music to a broader audience.

JŘ: Yep. There are lots of great festivals with an amazing atmosphere and sound, be it small or bigger places, we would really like to perform there.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

AG: Interesting, we would like to appear on a bill with bands like Primordial, Killing Joke, Yob, and any band that shares the same approach to music as we do. 

JŘ: Arcturus, Agalloch…same as with the bands Adam has mentioned I feel that their music, approach, and sound are somewhat similar to ours and I would love to share the stage with any of them one day. Or a studio, for that matter.

9. Whom not?

AG: Definitely with some overly political bands, right or left, force-feeding an audience with their political views and beliefs and condemning anyone with different views.

VK: Totally agree with Adam. I am not playing under any political flag anymore. 

JŘ: 100% with the guys here.

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

AG: I think that a little stage fright is a natural thing for most musicians. Actually, it kinda shows that you are aware of your audience and don't want to let them down!

VK: A little bit, but mostly because of my newly learned clean vocals. I have had much more stage fright while playing piano live since every little mistake is audible there. I used to overcome it with some helpful techniques like Ask Bars. For a band gig, all I need is a few beers. (laughs) Then I act more natural anyway. 

JŘ: I have just the cure for you - exactly 3 beers before and then 1 during the performance (laughs). But on a serious note, I guess that dealing with stage fright is a very individual thing, but the best universal medicine is playing live shows over and over again. Once you get the gist of it and you finally realize that even if you fuck up during the set, the sun will keep on shining, and you get more relaxed.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

AG: What I mentioned in the answer to question no. 4.

JŘ: Okay let's go (alphabetical order): Arcturus, At the gates, Avenged Sevenfold, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder, Black Sabbath, Burzum, Children of Bodom, Death, (mainly with Gene Hoglan), Ensiferum, Finntroll, Iron Maiden, Muse, Wintersun

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

AG: Once a fan asked me to sign her boots, that was pretty weird. (laughs)

VK: Basically asked me out. Then dumped me. Then continued going to the gigs. 

JŘ: They don't talk to me much. I guess it is something about my face that frightens them.

13. What do you think of your fans?

AG: I am honored to have fans that support our band. It's an amazing feeling to know that someone feels connected to your art. It also gives you feedback that you do something the right way.

JŘ: They are fantastic. I know I said they don't talk to me much, but their presence and energy on our live shows are everything! I have played in a couple of bands and I must say that nowhere had I received such positive feedback as in Outward.

14. What do you think of our site?

AG: We think it's very important to support the underground like your site does. 

JŘ: Yes! There are so many great bands that are just too small and get under the radar easily, it is so great that a site like yours exists and helps them! Also, I really dig the range of your site - it is massive, almost like a universe on its own!

15. Something to add?

AG: Thank you very much for interviewing us. KEEP THE UNDERGROUND ALIVE and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

JŘ: Thank you and godspeed!