Interviews: Canvas Of Silence

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band Canvas Of Silence from Finland. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or came out like that?

Tatu: The name is from a quote, "A painter paints pictures on canvas, but musicians paint their pictures on silence", attributed to Leopold Stokowski. When I started the project Canvas of Silence, which later became the band, creating music was the only way of saying things I wanted to say, and the only way I could express the emotions I desperately needed to unleash. So, I just sat in silence with my guitar and started to compose; started to paint the silence. Hence, the name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Tatu: We call our music "prog-influenced chorus metal" because that describes our sound the best. I've always loved a good pop chorus, and since I was a teenager, I have loved progressive metal, so there you go: combine these two and you get our sound.

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

Tatu: I've known Mikael since first grade, and Jaakko and Iiro since junior high school. Jaakko and Aino knew each other, but I got to know Aino only when she joined the band. And I'm glad I did!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Iiro: Strapping Young Lad

Mikael: Metallica

Tatu: CMX

Jaakko: Black Sabbath

Aino: The Beatles (at the moment: Eva Cassidy)

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Tatu: I like to ponder about human nature, which is a recurring theme in my songs. Nature is also inspiring to me; when I listen or compose music, I often imagine myself in some kind of nature setting, depending on what kind of song it is I'm listening to/composing.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at our local live club, Ilokivi. We are going to do more shows around Finland promoting our debut album!

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere around the world! Music is an international language uniting people.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We would love the chance to support all kinds of progressive metal bands, like, for example, Pain of Salvation or Cellar Darling. But we would also fit together with some melodic death metal or pop metal acts. We are not picky!

9. Whom not?

We don't think we would be a good fit with some NSBM bands, for many reasons. 

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

Mikael: Our first Tool cover gig (Mikael, Iiro, and Tatu also play in a Tool cover band) was a bad one, considering the stage fright. But it's good to remember that the crowd is always on your side, and no one is watching and hoping that you will fail on stage.

Aino: Stage fright can be eased by good preparation for one's own performance and discussing it with the band. Trust in other band members goes a long way; if something surprising happens, the whole band will know how to take control of the situation. And you can think about it this way: If you're doing something that's frightening, but you still want to go and do it, maybe you're in the middle of something really meaningful.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Tatu: To name a few: Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Opeth... And some Finnish bands like Nightwish, CMX, and Stam1na, for example. Throw in some pop and soundtrack music, and you get a picture.

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

Our fans, if there are any, haven't really asked us anything! Feel free to send us a message and ask weird things!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Tatu: Thanks to all who have listened to and commented on our music, and saved the songs to their playlists! If someone can connect with our music and get something out of it, I consider that we have succeeded as a band, and I as a composer and lyricist.

14. What do you think of our site?

These kinds of sites are really important to feature bands like us, so thank you for your important work!

15. Something to add?

You can pre-order the album from Rockshots Records' site. Thank you for your support!