Interviews: FERVENTS

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Punk band FERVENTS from Belgium. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it come about spontaneously?

After considering many different names, we decided that "Fervents" perfectly encapsulated our essence. It reflects our power trio's approach to music, where everyone sings and shouts. The name also pays homage to our city, Liège, known as "la Cité Ardente" (the Fervent, Vibrant City). We loved the idea of a single word that didn’t already exist, and as a bonus, it’s the same in both French and English. 

2. Why did you choose this genre?

It wasn't really a conscious choice. We started playing together during the pandemic when Belgium was under strict lockdown. I think the rage had to come out somehow. We wanted to create aggressive music with our own character, incorporating lots of melody and blending our influences.

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

We've known each other for over 10 years, having worked together with other bands on tour. We've often crossed paths with our respective projects on stages in Liège and around Belgium. Liège is a small city with a very active scene where everyone knows each other. The idea of starting a project together was born during the 2021 lockdown, and it clicked right away.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Sebastien (drums, vocals): Queens Of The Stone Age

Nicolas (bass, vocals): MC5 

Ben (vocals, guitar): Tom Waits

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Ben writes most of our material, and it always reflects society, whether based on personal stories or not. Our music carries significant social meaning but can also be interpreted in various ways. This is evident in our new EP, with songs like "Faith," which primarily addresses migration in all its forms, and "Set Us Free," which highlights the pervasive influence of money and politics on everyday people like you and me.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at the Water Moulin, a punk DIY venue in Tournai (BE). We played with Mengers, a cool garage band from Mexico. We had a blast!

7. Where would you like to perform?

We'd love to perform in any basement where true music lovers gather! More seriously, our dream is to play in small independent venues of 100-200 people all around the world. We also have our eyes on some incredible Spanish festivals, like The Canela Party in Malaga.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Well, features aren't that trendy in our music scene compared to other styles, but we’ve had the chance to play with bands who are faithful to the scene and true to themselves and their music. We’re thankful for that. Some of these bands are Kills Birds, Cloud Nothings, Flat Worms, and Bad Breeding.

9. Whom would you not want to feature with?

Anyone who does not respect themselves or the people around them.

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

Sebastien (drums, vocals): We all handle stage fright differently. Personally, I like to stay in the crowd before a show to soak up the atmosphere, talk with people, and watch other bands. This helps me get in the mood and feel ready to hit the stage without fear. I know others prefer to stay backstage and focus. Find what works best for you and stick with it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The Beatles, The Velvet Underground.King Gizzard and the lizard Wizzard, Kraftwerk, Nick Cave.

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

Nicolas (bass, vocals): A fan in New York asked me for a pressing of my hands because he thought they looked beautiful. As a band, I think the weirdest is yet to come. Let’s ask again in two years! Ben has lots of good stories though (like lyrics and tattoos).

Sebastien (drums, vocals): I always feel weird when someone asks me to sign a CD or something else.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I don’t think we can say we really have fans yet, but if there are any, I would say: thank you, take care, you have a great Fervents t-shirt, and spread the word!

14. What do you think of our site?

To be honest, we didn’t know about it before, but we love the logo and we are so pleased to see that there is still interest in indie music out there! Hail to Breathing the Core!

15. Something to add?

We’d really like to come and play in Spain. We always have friends coming back from tours in Spain telling us how great and wild it is there!