Interviews: Into The Unknown

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Into The Unknown from the UK. 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?

Well, the band was never really planned. It started before I joined, but between Rupert (Bass), Ryan (Guitar), and Lucie (Previous singer) it was more just a fun project to record a few songs. After a few good sessions, they recorded some original stuff for fun and before you know it had an album's worth of material. The name Into The Unknown came about because it wasn’t planned and they had no idea where it was going, but after a while thought of putting a full group together, They brought me into the mix (Rhythm guitar), along with Richard (Drums), Paul (Piano), and lastly a singer change with Natalie with the idea of new music and playing shows.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I really like symphonic music and when I was speaking to the band about what kind of music they were looking to make and the direction to take it really fit what I wanted to do. That’s really what made me join in the first place. There’s scope for some really beautiful melodic parts, but we can also get a bit heavy when we want to which suits me very much.

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

No, I didn’t, but as mentioned Ryan, Rupert and Lucie did. Also, they knew Natalie from the local music scene so when it came time to look for a new singer she was the obvious choice. I got talking to them online as I live a bit of a distance away, and similar to Richard and Paul. We auditioned and just kinda fit in nicely.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

We definitely have a mix! Mine changes but I usually go back to Gwar. Theatrical bands are my fave so I’d throw in Lordi, Ghost, and a few odd balls like Christina Perri.

Rupert Absolutely loves bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Halestorm, but also more classic groups like Vixen, Def Leppard, Poison, etc. Ryan is a big fan of Slash and ACDC. Natalie is more into her pop and jazz music which is quite different from the rest of us, Paul is Bruce Hornsby, Bon Jovi, and Meatloaf.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I just want to write cool riffs, that’s my metal background for you. Sometimes I’ll sit down to write a song specifically, but quite often I will be just doing a practice routine and something interesting comes out of it. Ill let Rupert know I’m coming in to record (He’s also our producer) and then the rest of the band will put something over it at a later date.

Anyone who gets an idea will go in to record and then anyone else in after just layers over the top. It was a weird way for me to write songs at first but it works well for us as were all spread out over the country, and we each get a lot of freedom when writing our own bits!

6. Where was your last gig?

Unfortunately, we haven’t done many gigs, because the band was just a three-person project for a long time, and then since Covid, we had a long period where we couldn’t. Other things have gotten in the way since places have opened up. I think that the last one was an outdoor acoustic gig in front of 2000 people, but with new music on the way that should change soon.

7. Where would you like to perform?

My home town venue in Milton Keynes, the Bowl, would be ace. Soo many big names have played there and it would be cool to be on the stage there for a change. Download would be another obvious one, but I would also just be incredibly happy to play my other local The Craufurd Arms. god dam I love that place!

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

Too many choices! I would probably say Kristin Hayter as I really have a lot of love for her. Saying that we would probably fit better as an opener for Lordi, and I would be fanboying the whole time too.

9. Whom not?

That is a very loaded question! There’s maybe one or two that I wouldn’t be too stoked about, but that’s more because of me really not liking the music.

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

I havn’t actually had it with the band yet but I have had a few occasions having to speak with large groups of people and that I think would be quite similar. It’s quite easy to feel a bit overwhelmed even when you’ve memorized something and not tense up.

Sounds funny saying it but feigning confidence sorta works. Fake it till you make it right? But if you are really having problems then taking some deep breaths and a step back to think, that has helped clear my mind when I’m overwhelmed and works pretty good.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely the Dave Brockie era Gwar no question. Lordi as well for sure, they actually got me into metal in the first place, and it was a slow descent into heavy music from there onwards.

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

So far touch wood I have not had any weird requests...

13. What do you think of your fans?

God dam awesome! I just make music that sounds good to my ears, so the fact other people are out there enjoying it is great. I appreciate that.

14. What do you think of our site?

I love the range of bands you have on there, including listing them by region. A lot of passion has gone into designing it. My personal favorite bit is the mouse pointer being some metal horns \m/

15. Something to add?

Yea we just put out a full covers album, although we did also add in a re-recording of our own song Monsters. So that is out and available to listen to. We also have another album in the works which is all original songs, will definitely be sharing more of this when we get closer to finishing!