Interviews: Nachtmuse

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal band, Nachtmuse 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?

Well, let's divide it into two parts:

NACHT, as in the night, and darkness. I'm a bit of a night owl and the song's themes are usually on the darker side. Why did I go with the Germanic 'nacht'? Well, there is 'nachtmusik' (as in the great composer Mozart), which I suppose my music is (night music), and that also brings in a classical aspect that makes a lot of sense when you hear the symphonic elements we're bringing. But also because German things sound brutal. MUSE, as in creativity. NACHTMUSE is my main creative outlet.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've been playing for a very long time now with multiple death metal bands in the Toronto area, which I do love, but there is a certain limitation to just brutal music. I've always wanted to also make melodic music, like some of my favourite artists. I took a shot at a two song demo of symphonic metal in 2017 and it was very satisfying, so since then NACHTMUSE has been my #1 project.

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

The band is mainly myself, Geoff Hodsman. I had a songwriting partner with me for the previous full-length album who reached out and found Maude (Sanguine Glacialis, Valfreya, Growler's Choir), who is performing all lead vocals. She in turn brought in Jeff (Hands of Despair, Growler's Choir) who is doing additional vocals.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Geoff: Therion!

Maude: My favourite band is Nightwish.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Well, it's kind of just a necessity - I have to write songs to remain sane. I need to be creating things all the time. As for the content of the songs, it’s life. The emotion of each song is the one I’m living at the time it’s written, and all the riffs and melodies that are used are sort of the symphonic metal palette of colours I can use to try and depict that. I write songs about whatever I'm going through or observing in the world around me.

6. Where was your last gig?

NACHTMUSE exists currently as a studio project! If the environment looks hospitable though, a full lineup and gigs are possible!

7. Where would you like to act?

Act, as in performing live? Anywhere that appreciates the songs. Though I am particularly intrigued by South America.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

It's preferable to perform with artists whose fans could potentially become our fans as well, so I'll say any genre colleagues. Of course at the top of that list would Therion... or Nightwish...

9. Whom not?

Similarly, I suppose just anyone whose fans might not gel with us. So probably like any extremely popular and sort of mainstream-heavy band, the type that tends to have an aggressive and smooth-brained fanbase...

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

Maude: Not much, haha

Geoff: From time to time I've been very nervous, and that means shaky hands or rushing tempos and any other physical manifestations of the fact. The best you can do in those situations is breath, be hydrated and aware of yourself and take it on.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I am really eclectic with my inspirations, that is after we get past the huge influence that is Nightwish. After that, I can list a few such as Lacrimosa, The Gathering, Dreams of Sanity and All About Eve.

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

Nothing too weird yet as we haven't had a long career yet, but I have seen that there are already expectations from some few who have followed us since the demo of what should come next based on what has come before. And I respect and understand this. I hope we're releasing music that both suits their expectations as well as my own need for progress.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think they are incredible for taking the time to enjoy NACHTMUSE, we are thankful for every single person who ever listened to our songs.

14. What do you think of our site?

It looks tight and we appreciate the service you are doing by spreading the word about indie and underground artists!

15. Something to add?

NACHTMUSE is symphonic metal with an extra dose of heaviness and creativity. Enjoy!