Interviews: Zygnema

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Zygnema from India. 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 came out just like that?

Sidharth (guitarist) has a bachelor's degree in biology. That's where he found the name. It sounded very different and nonmetal to us so we decided to stick with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Probably because of the way it sounds and it allows us to express and speak freely about anything. Heavy tight grooves with distorted guitars were very calming and on point especially for a chaotic city like Mumbai. Metal music gave us some form of strength to Grind it out in our personal and professional lives. It saved us from a great deal of frustration and pain for sure.

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

We met each other here and there during our college days. None of us are from the same college but we got to know each other from common friends and other bands that existed in the early 2000s. We didn't have social media back then so we had to hunt for like-minded musicians in manual mode. Somewhere around 2006, we felt the lineup was complete when Jimmy, Sid, and Mayank were a part of the band. The 3 core members have remained constant since then.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

We collectively enjoy Meshuggah, Slipknot, Pantera, Sepultura, Devin Townsend, Textures, Rammstein etc. Individual lists will be never-ending :)

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Situations, moments, and life experiences firsthand or someone else's is something that sort of puts a seed of thought into our head and that's where we find inspiration to express ourselves. It's so vast and diverse and we would like to explore more topics that will connect on a personal note with every listener. For Eg:- Grind from our new EP Iconic emphasizes the daily struggles and victories of each and every human being who is a true Mumbaikar.

6. Where was your last gig?

We did a short 4-city tour in August -September here in India. Our last gig was in Hyderabad. 

7. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ohh this list also is huge. If we ever get a chance to collaborate or work with any of our heroes, then Slipknot, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, Freak Kitchen, Rammstein for sure.

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

Oh many times. Especially when you're not prepared and confident about your own music and especially when you have dreamt about a gig and you have waited for it to happen for years. And you finally get it and you want the show to be the best gig of your life. Happened to us at Wacken Open Air 2012. Nervous and excited at the same time. Good times.

9. What bands have inspired you the most?

The exact same answer number 4 - Meshuggah, Slipknot, Pantera, Sepultura, Devin Townsend, Textures, Rammstein.

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

Vaguely recollect our drummer losing his fresh pair of signature series drumsticks at a gig many years ago. He ended up playing the gig with his old drumsticks and after the show, a random fan walks up to him with those exact same pair of fresh signature sticks and asks him to sign it. The fan claimed that he found it or someone gave it to him.LOL. We all know he flicked it. I think Mayank signed it and gave it away without using it.

11. What do you think of your fans?

Dedicated, tight, hardcore, genuine mo fos who have been passionately supporting us for over 17 years. They are the best; more like our extended family whom we are yet to meet.

12. What do you think of our site?

Fantastic initiative and great work to keep a niche genre of music alive. Thank you for your efforts.

13. Something to add?

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