Interviews: DEF/LIGHT

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal/Death Metal band DEF/LIGHT from Ukraine. Check out the interview and enjoy it!.

1. Where did your band name come from? Was it planned or spontaneous?

Originally, the band was called Defilers of Light. It was pretentious, too literal, and didn’t justify the number of letters it took to write. Eventually, we shortened it to DEF/LIGHT — it’s more concise and symbolic. It means "deaf light", a paradox. 

2. Why did you choose this particular genre of music?

We started out as a death metal band with punk influences, but transformed over time. Our roots lie in extreme music. We play what we grew up listening to and what inspired us. As for me personally, I’ve also worked on electronic and deathcore projects, and even that indirectly feeds into DEF/LIGHT.

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

No, we weren’t acquainted beforehand. Mikhail joined the band — I think it was in 2009. It was a great reinforcement. He’s a strong musician and a true composer. Now it feels like we’ve been playing together for half a lifetime. He’s the locomotive of the band.

4. What’s each member’s favorite band?

That’s a hard one. We all have different tastes. As for me, probably Death, Satyricon, Emperor, Ahab, My Dying Bride. But I also love Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Napalm Death, Immortal, Hell:on... I could name another hundred bands, including Combichrist, Hocico, and Uriah Heep.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

First and foremost — thoughts, reading, philosophy. Works by Schopenhauer, Cioran, Milton, Sologub. Life itself is a source of inspiration. Music by other bands inspires me to a lesser degree.

6. Where was your last performance?

I think it was in Hungary. It was over 10 years ago, honestly — my memory is hazy. But the energy from those shows still lives in me.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Practically any country, any stage. It’s a goal, but right now there are a lot of obstacles. Where we’d never play — that’s easier: Russia, China, Iran... and other such crap.

8. Who would you like to collaborate with?

We’ve had collaborations before — for example, with Hell:on — we’re proud of that. It would be an honor to record with Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ. Or someone from Mgła. Working with Fischer would be fun. Mikhail: I’d love to do something with Nergal.

9. Who would you definitely not collaborate with?

Anyone who supports the Russian Federation’s aggression.

10. Has anyone in the band suffered from stage fright? Any advice for beginners? 

I’ve never felt stage fright. Maybe vanity helped. And bad eyesight — you don’t even see the audience. Advice? Don’t think about how you look — think about what you want to say. Think about the sound, how you’re going to crush everything around you. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. You’re badass, and your brothers-in-arms are up there with you.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

Hypocrisy, Satyricon, Carcass, Death.

12. What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever received from a fan?

Once, a girl entered my toilet stall asking for an autograph — that was unexpected. In Slovenia, someone suggested we break into a church at night and "do something." Another listener insisted I come over and try the beans she grew in her backyard. But I appreciate all of it. These aren’t oddities to me — they’re signs of connection. I’m addicted to that connection with people. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re important. Extremely important. I try to convey my ideas, fears, and doubts to them, and it matters to me that they understand, not just hear noise. I respect every listener. I try to create meaningful, quality work because I see them as brothers and sisters.

14. What do you think of our website?

You’re doing important and meaningful work. I’ve seen your site more than once, and I’m glad it exists. I wish you wide reach and great success.

15. Anything you’d like to add?

Stay true to yourself. Live by your own morals, not by the ones imposed on you. Listen to good music, and don’t look back at others. You are valuable as you are. And don’t forget: sometimes, emptiness is the space where something real can finally be born.