Interviews: Backbone

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal band Backbone from Argentina. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

Originally, we had another name ("Skeptic"). But we weren't entirely convinced by how it sounded or its meaning. So, one night after a rehearsal, we went to a bar for a drink, and with a few drinks in us, we started throwing around names. One of them was "Backbone," which comes from the song of the same name by the band Gojira. We liked how it resonated in our heads, and we ended up sticking with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Our genre is actually a mix of many influences and sounds we like. It's sometimes challenging to define what we play. At times, it's a groove, at times djent, progressive death metal, melodic death, deathcore, etc. Basically, everything we listen to in our free time, we incorporate into our music.

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

Yes, in fact, Backbone emerged as a combination of two previous projects. In 2010, Maximiliano and Alejandro (current guitarists of Backbone) were part of a project called 'Alhazred,' which had a similar vibe and mostly played covers of Lamb Of God, among others, but that project ended in 2011. On the other hand, Martín (drums), Francisco (former bassist), and Marcos (former singer - R.I.P.), as well as Maximiliano, played together since around 2012 in another band called Melisma. After that, our paths crossed again, and we decided to start this band.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Alejandro: Gojira

Maximiliano: Vildhjarta

Diego: Thy Art Is Murder

Martín: Decapitated

Sergio: Periphery

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes from everything, from the situations we go through daily. From anguish and anxiety to satisfaction and joy. Lyrically, the songs are closely related to frustration and fears; the rawness of reality. Any situation is a good excuse to write songs. You have to find inspiration in the good and the bad to keep creating.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last concert was in the neighboring city of Corrientes. It was a pleasant return to the city after a year and a half without visiting.

7. Where would you like to act?

We would like to someday play at Wacken Open Air. It's one of our goals that we hope to achieve someday.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think a dream would be to play with a big band like Gojira!

9. Whom not?

We are very open musically; we try to avoid thinking about with whom we "wouldn't" play. We've had many concerts with bands of other styles, so it wouldn't be a problem to mix everything in an event. I think it would even be funny to play with a completely opposite band just to see the audience's reaction! 

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

We've felt it at times. That anxiety before playing, especially the first time. The fear of making a mistake or that people won't like what we're doing. But over time, it faded away. I think repetition and facing that fear regularly helped me overcome that panic. The idea is to try to focus on what you're playing and have a good time, above all. Relax and let yourself be carried away by the music.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There are a lot, but mainly for our sound: Death, Pantera, Meshuggah, Gojira, and many more.

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

A fan who was very obsessed with us used to bring his small dog to the concerts and asked us to dedicate a song to it, which seemed very strange and funny. On the other hand, we were concerned about the dog's health due to the loud volume. The dog had a custom-made dress; every time we remember it, it makes us laugh.

13. What do you think of your fans?

In general, our fans are very affectionate, and they constantly try to show their support. Compliments and words of encouragement are constantly noticeable, creating a very special dynamic with them. We are currently gaining followers from other cities outside and inside the country, becoming a novel and recent phenomenon for us.

14. What do you think of our site?

We came across the site some time ago, and it is truly valuable that you continue with the diffusion work you do for the entire under-core scene. I think the role and influence this site has on the scene are very important. We appreciate the space you give to emerging bands.

15. Something to add?

Follow Backbone very closely because we will continue to release a lot of music this year! We already have new compositions, some live editions, and surprise material for our tenth anniversary! So, all our social media will remain very active. Don't miss out!