Interviews: Svart Lotus

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band Svart Lotus from Norway. 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?

S: The idea for the band name came gradually as the material for the first EP was being written. I realized that as «untitled Seidemann soloproject» was growing into a band it needed a name that matched the musical and lyrical development. The black lotus is a fictional flower that grants visions of hidden realities and the lotus flower is a beautiful flower rising from the dirt, so the name has several layers. Since I had started experimenting with Norwegian lyrics and there already was a black lotus band it became apparent that SVART LOTUS had to be the band name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

S: Svart Lotus is not necessarily bound to a particular genre, sound, style or feeling. The importance was to find an artistic expression that was different than the other things I do musically, an opportunity to express different sides of myself.

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

S: I had just moved back to where I grew up and didn't really know many people there, but by chance, I heard Eivin (Brye, Drums) play and realized this is a good drummer I would like to jam with. Sigve (Jordheim, Guitar) is the brother of a guy I had been in bands with when I was in school. Øyvind (Kaslegard, Bass & Vocals) played in bands with Eivin so when we started thinking about playing live we asked him and he very quickly became an integral part of the band.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

S: I like a lot of different things so it's hard to pin down one thing and one thing only but I would say that Ved Buens Ende is high up on my list

K: All-time favourite band must be Iron Maiden.

J: Iron Maiden is my favorite also.

B: Hard to name a specific band as there are many, but one band that left a special impression on me was 1349. Anaal Nathrakh is probably the one that goes on most these days

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

S: Inspiration is taken from many sources, but nature is the greatest source. It is the place where I can refuel and get into the right mindset to create. When that is said I am also inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, old horror movies, Twin Peaks, folk music, classical music, soundtracks etc, etc. 

6. Where was your last gig?

S: Our last show so far was in Kristiansand, Norway at the Northern Deception festival last year. It was a good experience, but we are hungry for more shows and would love to travel abroad and play for new audiences.

7. Where would you like to act?

S: Act as in acting? I'm a terrible actor so I could probably stand in the background in a David Lynch movie and be happy with that. If you mean to act as in perform our music, then we would love to play shows all over the world, Japan would be great, and the US likewise

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

S: Svart Lotus is very versatile and varied and could do shows with many different acts in metal. 9. Whom not?

S: I intensely dislike the music of U2 and suspect people who listen to that would not like Svart Lotus either

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

S: Breathing, preparation, practice, and exposure to being on stage. You have to put yourself out there. So if you are afraid of being in front of people practice in front of people. Invite some buddies to the rehearsal room.

K: Yes I have stage fright and I don't think it would be so much fun to play live if i didn't. The only tip is to realize it is supposed to be like that and just accept it.

B: I'm always excited before I enter the stage, but that's what sharpens me before the concert.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

S: Ved Buens Ende, Matt Uelmens soundtrack to Diablo, Yat-Kha.

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

S: I got an email once saying: «I downloaded your album. Please send the lyrics»

13. What do you think of your fans?

S: I'm grateful for the people listening to the music, coming to the shows, talking to their friends and/or the internet about Svart Lotus. When you invest so much of yourself and your time and effort into something it is nice to see that someone else can feel and recognize something in the music.

14. What do you think of our site?

S: I appreciate that you take the time and effort to spread good music to people. Community is the antidote to a lot of the ills of the times.

15. Something to add?

S: «Som et vondt år» is out 1st of March, listen to it, tell your friends! Hope to see you all on the road soon!