Interviews: Shepherds Of Cassini

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Post-Metal/Post-Rock/Progressive Rock/Psychedelic Rock band Shepherds Of Cassini from New Zealand. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

Brendan thought of the name Shepherds of Cassini. This is tied to the style of music we write, psychedelic and spacey. That probably came from the first song we have written as a band, Eyelid. There is a big section in the middle of that song that is full of ambience and eerie soundscapes and this may have influenced the name of the band.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

We did not have a style or genre in mind before we formed the band. We all knew that we wanted to make some heavy music, that was certain. I remember our first jam, we just improvised for hours, and that gave us a direction on the style of music we would be creating. Naturally that style evolved from album to album. Our second album, Helios Forsaken, was a precursor to the style in our new album.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Vitesh and I (Omar) met at the rock club at the University of Auckland and were in a band called Pilgrim’s Pyre. As that band dissolved, Vitesh and I were still keen to make music. Felix was in a band called An Emerald City, which was coming to an end. Vitesh knew Felix through mutual friends. Brendan was part of the rock club at the University of Auckland. Through contacting each other, all members agreed to form a band together.

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

That is a tough question as we have multiple bands that we all love. To name some of our favorites: Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Tool, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Sumac, stOrk, Radiohead, Bell Witch, Rage Against The Machine, Boris, Gojira, and Perturbator have given us pieces of influence.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our inspiration comes through concepts of a variety of different music spanning many genres as well as from our individual experiences with life and what we are drawn to. But on a deeper level, how we extract our emotions and find the expression of them individually and naturally is then shared collaboratively into writing our music together.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was on the 4th of March 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

We would love to play anywhere really, small clubs to middle-sized clubs where it feels more intimate. Playing in Japan and across Europe, and the USA would be fantastic.

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

We do not have any specific bands in mind, but honestly sharing the stage with other musicians is a passion and to have an opportunity to play with any of the bands that have inspired us would be amazing.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

None that we can think of, but we prefer to work with those who create their music through their own uniqueness, and value their creation through the passion of their work.

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

I have come to cherish the nerves of excitement that I feel on stage. The only time I had stage fright was when I underprepared for a show, and that was a big lesson to learn. My advice to beginners is to make sure they practice with their band frequently (at least twice per week) as well as practicing alone as much as they can handle. Practicing as a whole band helps you understand how each musician connects with each other, as this is as close as it gets to playing live. On stage, just remember to have fun while staying professional. Remember that people are paying to watch you so it’s your duty to provide the audience with a spectacular show. Mistakes on stage happen, we are human after all, but that’s what makes it exciting. You learn from these mistakes, and through improvement, and you will keep getting better and better. Mistakes can even become something you can use. Perfect doesn’t exist, but the journey towards it is stimulating.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

The bands I mentioned in question #4 have helped in the development of our style. Since I am the drummer in the band, my influences stem from session drummers like Thomas Lang and Virgil Donati, from their technical skills to out-of-the-box approaches.

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

Funny question, but honestly none that I can think of. Kind of boring answer, but I’m sure there has been something that flew over my head haha.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are great! The ones I have encountered are passionate about music and receive their enjoyment of our music as genuine. The feeling they give us through their appreciation motivates our band to create more music. Whenever they ask us when we will play live again, we know they really want to feel the emotive experience we express when we come together in our space.

14. What do you think of our site?

You have a fantastic site. I am having fun checking out so many different bands through your portal. I am happy that so many bands are getting attention they deserve, as there is so much talent lurking around the globe.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I just want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to get interviewed by your wonderful team. We really appreciate being featured on your platform.