Interviews: Stryfe

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band, Stryfe from the USA. 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 come out just like that?

Like every band’s formation, there came a point where we had to name our group. When we were doing that, we wanted the group’s name to be in line with the broad strokes in our lyrical content. The word “strife” came to mind. We slightly altered the spelling and held on to the name since.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We try not to think too hard about genres or sub-genres. We all have a metal background, and apart from that, we listen to all kinds of other music. Our sound is what happens when we fuse all of that together in a way that feels good to us when we play.

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

Derek, who is our newest member was already a friend of Kar’s before he stepped up to replace Koryun as our drummer. The rest of us met through the band.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Sergio: Nirvana 

Kar: Pink Floyd 

Karo: The Beatles 

Derek: Gojira

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Music itself is probably our biggest inspiration, but every day things in our lives also inspire us, things happening in the world also drive us towards a particular thought or concept, which can ignite a spark that leads to a song.

6. Where was your last gig?

The Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.

7. Where would you like to act?

Our dream gig would probably be at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a terrific venue that’s very special to all of us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

An active band we’re pretty impressed with on a consistent basis is Gojira. We’d be beyond honored if the opportunity ever arose.

9. Who not?

We haven’t had many bad experiences with any groups we’ve shared the stage with. We’re happy to work with anyone, as long as there’s some kind of aesthetic compatibility. We love to meet other musicians.

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

Of course. Just about everyone does, and some of us still get a little nervous before shows. The trick is to be as well prepared as you can be, so you can let your adrenaline carry you through the performance. If you’re well-rehearsed, you’re fine.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bands like Opeth, Tool, Dream Theater, Death, Metallica, and Black Sabbath come to mind immediately, but we’re also very influenced by Armenian music because many of us grew up with that as part of our heritage. All of it leaks into what we come up with.

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

They’ve never asked for anything weird, but we’re finding it interesting that we’re getting some folks asking about CDs and vinyls. So far, we’ve only done digital releases because we thought the demand for physical media is fairly low, but it’s good to see that there’s some interest there. I want to say that we’re definitely thinking about pressing some physical copies.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We love them. They come in all shapes and sizes and backgrounds, but we all come together like one big family during our shows, and it’s a privilege to be able to perform for such excellent people.

14. What do you think of our site?

We love to see publications that focus on heavier, guitar-based music and appreciate the effort it takes to keep something like that running. Thank you.

15. Something to add?

We just released a new single called “Death of a Kin”. It’s available on all major streaming platforms. We’ll be playing it at our next show, which is at Harvard and Stone in Los Angeles, on August 23rd. We’d love to see everyone there. We’d also like to express our gratitude to Breathing the Core for taking the time to interview us, and to our label, Wormhole Death Records, for making the introductions.