Interviews: Arcana Collective

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Space Rock band, Arcana Collective from Canada. 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?

It was something that bounced around my brain for quite a while before I actually attached it to the project. It started out as just "Arcana", meaning something unknown or mysterious. The "Collective" came from the desire to work with many different people with varying styles and experiences. The name also gives off a sort of sci-fi/fantasy/folklore vibe to me which seems very fitting for this project! 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I grew up playing classical music which for the most part is quite technical and requires a lot of discipline. I think like a lot of classical musicians, I gravitated towards more complex music and also heavier sounds to juxtapose what I was getting from classical music. Then I got really into Rush in middle school and the rest is history!

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

Arcana Collective is actually a sort of solo project! I (Rogan) write all the music and record most of the instruments, then send it off for drums to my good buddy Deyson who also engineers the album. From there I get to pick who I want to be featured as characters and for guest solos, which for the most part are from my friend-pool, like my best friend Anna who plays Hope, or Reed who I have performed with several times. I also get to seek out people who fit the exact sound I am looking for, as was the case with Eissa from Morphide and Charlie Robbins who guest solos on the closing track!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Rush is a big one for me as they got me into prog and really shaped my attitude towards music, but I also enjoy Coheed and Cambria, The Dear Hunter, Caligulas Horse, Anathema, etc.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mostly a lot of fiction, mythology, and sci-fi. The story takes a lot from films like Space Odyssey and Interstellar, but also themes from myths like the album's namesake, "Atlas", but with a modern twist. There's a little bit of personal experience in there, but I hope I never have to go through as much turmoil as Damian.

6. Where was your last gig?

I actually have never performed live with Arcana Collective! I've certainly tried a few times over the years, but its so hard to find people to consistently play with. I've done a lot of choir performing and a couple recitals, but my last band performance was in 2018!

7. Where would you like to act?

An Australia tour with Caligulas Horse would be incredible! Or a full Europe tour with a band like Katatonia, Distorted Harmony, or Leprous would be super neat!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

See above! 

9. Whom not?

I don't know. Honestly, I've talked with a lot of people in the prog community and almost all of them are delightful, funny, and intelligent and I would probably tour with any of them. If I end up running into someone with too much of an ego that would be a deal-breaker for me.

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

Not so much stage fright, but as an introvert, I get pretty nervous when I'm done performing and then have to talk with people about my performance. I'd suggest not attempting to belittle yourself by talking about all your mistakes, trying to find common ground in your conversations, and taking every hiccup in your playing as a learning experience and noting it so you can practice that later!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely Rush! I remember reading about how they would sit backstage or in their hotels reading while their tour partners were out partying and getting in trouble and that influenced much of my perspective today. It was devastating when Neil passed away. All three will forever be my heroes.

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

Honestly, an autograph! I'm typically a shy person around people I don't know and I get pretty bad imposter syndrome when receiving compliments, so it's still a little strange to me when anyone asks for my signature. It hasn't happened often tough.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I haven't met a fan yet who is less than fantastic! There are so many kind people in the progressive music space!

14. What do you think of our site?

Keep up the good work!