Interviews: I Miss My Death

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal band, I Miss My Death from Ukraine. 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?

The name “I Miss My Death” came out even earlier than a band was created. It was in 2005-2006, the atmosphere all around was extremely gothic and, let’s say, “vampirish”. The first meaning of the name was related to the eternal vampire life and the fatigue of living. Actually, we are not so dramatic now. We’ve rethought the meaning of the band’s name and now interpret it differently. The main character is still an eternal creature (not necessarily a vampire) that lived a long and exciting life and has a lot of stories to tell. But even the greatest adventures lose their value within time. That’s why it is so important to appreciate the moment, that’s why it’s so important to appreciate life, with all unique events, even death. Our eternal hero doesn’t have such a possibility, that’s why he is looking back and missing the lost moments. Meanwhile, we are telling his mystical stories to the world thus prolonging his immortality. The latest story was about Kyiv, a mystical center of Eastern Europe. What will be next? Who knows - our hero has a lot to say.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Our genre was evolving within years and it still does. We started as a classical gothic doom band and feeled comfortable within its borders. But as time passed, our preferences and vision have changed, and in the end, we came to the conclusion that gothic doom is not our music anymore. We started to search for ourselvesand here we stand. To simplify, we call ourselves a symphonic metal band. But different songs of the Mysto album (our latest release) contain elements of absolutely different genres - classical romance, death metal, folk metal, etc. Still, we have a large fan base that prefers the “old, doomish” I Miss My Death. Special for them we are going to publish a gothic doom single soon, in cooperation with a one-man doom project Luna.

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

The band was formed by childhood friends. However, the only one - Serge Kryvoviaz, remained and led the newcomers. More or less we all came from the metal community. Now we are a family, that moves together to the one goal. 

4. Each band member favourite band?

Serge Kryvoviaz (vocals, guitar) - Septic Flesh

Olena Kryvoviaz (vocals) - Lacuna Coil

Mykhailo Bogaichuk (guitar, back vocals) - Arch Enemy

Artem Kravchenko (bass) - Arch Enemy

Ihor Marchenko (keyboards, back vocals) - Oomph

Serhii Novachenko (drums) - Shade Empire

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We find different inspiration sources. For the latest release, Mysto, we were inspired by the mystical legends of our hometown, Kyiv. Ghosts, witches, ancient gods, pagan priests, satyrs, etc. And all that in the exterior of blossoming chestnuts, rough river, steep hills, and recognizable “tsar” style buildings. How can one not be inspired?

6. Where was your last gig?

We now mostly perform in our hometown, Kyiv, due to corona and family circumstances (we just became parents). Later this year we hope to cover other Ukrainian cities. Unfortunately, touring outside Ukraine won’t be possible any earlier than 2022.

7. Where would you like to act?

We’d be happy to go for a European tour in 2022. Hope the world recovers from pandemic soon.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Let’s start from the list of our favorite bands.

9. Whom not?

Let’s skip this question, we don’t have such.

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

Every musician feels that on the first gigs. Just practice, practice, and practice. If it does not help, think about what blocks you and work on it. On the other hand - if you are not getting chills every time you get on the stage then why are you even doing it?

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I can’t name a particular band that inspired us. Sometimes, we hear a song and think “wow, that is a sound we need”. After that, we create something, arrange it, rethink it, filter through our sound… and get something different from what we were inspired by at the beginning. So, we aim not to compare ourselves with other bands.

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

We have a fan that on a regular basis brings food as gifts. You know, some people present you flowers, and that girl brings a salad. Some people present alcohol, she brings lasagna. So, we are never hungry after shows. Fortunately, no one asks us to do anything strange. At least, not yet. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are awesome! There was a question about our inspiration - here it is. We see the reward of our work in their eyes and drink their attention as an energy drink. I don’t believe we would ever be tired of that.

14. What do you think of our site?

We are happy to see through the internet platforms that popularize such genres as ours. Your site stands out of the crowd because of the wide range of genres presented and an extremely user friendly navigation. Good job!

15. Something add?

We’d be happy to welcome all your readers to our social media pages where we publish all the latest updates about our releases and shows. We believe that our music, even it is not in English, may find the way to every heart. Come and listen, we believe you’ll like it. And, of course, be yourself, do what you like, stay tuned with the “Breathing the core”!