Interviews: ISOSPIN

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Heavy Metal band, ISOSPIN, from Australia. 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?

Ilias: At the time of conception of the project, I thought I’d find a name that was unique and weird. I was looking for some physics terms on Wikipedia and the name ISOSPIN came up which essentially means Isometric Spin. So it was pretty random.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Ilias: Well it wasn’t exactly a conscious decision, the music just came up naturally. To this day, I still don’t think we are a prog metal band, but rather an atmospheric heavy metal band with some progressive elements.

Raphael: I always loved the power that the lyrics and vocals bring, but I never imagined myself singing songs like this as I was an alternative rock singer. Ilias brought so much to my creative side and our ideas combined created this amazing album that we have.

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

Ilias: I was introduced to Raphael some years ago through a common friend. I had heard his acoustic material before and I loved his voice so I asked him to join ISOSPIN as a permanent singer.

Raphael: A Greek and a Brazilian? No, we’ve met through a common friend in Canada who presented my acoustic album to Ilias and we started chatting. After that the rest is history and the outcome is our latest album Aftermath Chronicles. 

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Ilias: Well it's too difficult to name only one so I will stick to my classic three: Iron Maiden, Conception, Fates Warning.

Raphael: Oh! That is very hard for me. My top 3 in the first place are Killswitch Engage, Highly Suspected, and Five Finger Death Punch.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Ilias: I mostly draw inspiration from random world events and/or sci-fi stories. 

Raphael: Well, I am a very emotional person, so creating songs allows me to put that energy out. That doesn’t mean that I create good material all the time, but I am constantly creating something…you can ask Ilias about the silly songs that I wrote.

6. Where was your last gig?

Ilias: My last gig was with another band about 9 years ago when I was still living in Greece. Ever since my relocation to Australia, combined with work and family commitments, there is simply very limited time for gigs!

Raphael: Oh, it was on a Radio Show in Canada before I started on ISOSPIN.

7. Where would you like to act?

Ilias: I really do not have a preference, I would play anywhere I guess.

Raphael: That is something that I do not have defined. I just want to play for people. I like to write and sing for the pleasure of doing that, and if we can grow with that we will grow with that. The sky is the limit!

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Ilias: That would be my favourite guitarist, Adrian Smith.

Raphael: Oh! Daniel Coulter Reynolds! I know that I would learn so much with him related to techniques and intensity.

9. Whom not?

Ilias: Nobody that I can think of.

Raphael: I don’t have names for that. I think each artist would benefit from playing with people from different musical backgrounds as we can learn and apply new knowledge.

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

Ilias: Sure I do, I believe all artists suffer to a certain extent. Nothing that a bit of alcohol cannot fix though haha. Joke aside, confidence stems from preparation so the more prepared an artist is the more confident they will be on stage. Raphael: Oh! All the time! I have a very bad stomach problem and I keep holding the microphone like a statue. It’s very normal for me as I am a very shy person. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ilias: Bands that are still humble and still around creating soulful music despite having nothing to prove and despite their legendary status.

Raphael: That is hard! Imagine Dragons, Sound Garden, Stone Temple Pilots, Shinedown, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, Ed Motta, and many more! We would not have time for me to go over all of them.

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

Ilias: I do not recall any weird interactions or requests.

Raphael: The radio presenter said that she wanted to be my neighbour to listen to me singing in the shower

13. What do you think of your fans?

Ilias: Our fanbase has significantly grown with our last album so I would like to thank all the fans for embracing our music. They are simply amazing.

Raphael: I just love that we can connect over different emotions. The songs can be interpreted in many forms, and still, people are listening and connecting with us. For me, that is incredible!

14. What do you think of our site?

It is an amazing website that promotes and actively supports the scene!

15. Something to add?

Just wanted to thank you guys for this chance to participate in this interview. Thank you for all the care and for making this another special moment for us. Cheers!