Interviews: Concrete

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal band Concrete from Bulgaria. Check out the interview and follow this 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?

We were actually going for a different and more cliched name for the genre. We ended up using “Concrete” because it felt a bit different but still carried that grit and affiliation with heaviness we are going for. So yeah, I guess it was planned indeed.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

Concrete is a death metal band, because this is the genre that feels the closest to me. Ever since I got introduced to it when I was just a kid – around the age of 11 – I knew that I would pick up with it and start my own band.

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

From all the guys in the band, I’ve known Zhivko the longest. He is one of the original founding members. He was right there when I started working on this band, but our friendship predates the band a lot. I’ve known him almost my whole life. Zhivko and Peter were in this school band together before we started Concrete, so I know Peter from there. Pavlin is our newest member. He joined the team in 2018. We knew each other before, since he played in other death metal bands.

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

Everyone in the band listens to death metal, sure. Peter, Zhivko, and Pavlin listen to other stuff as well. But as for me, I mainly stick with death metal, throw in some thrash, and select black metal stuff. I really like the classic stuff – say Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Morbid Angel. Slayer, old Sepultura, Exodus. Anything with that sharp blade in its sound.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

To be honest, being in the scene for 15 years now is enough alone to push me in writing and performing. It’s really motivating to look back and keep enjoying the ride. I also love delivering stuff that I’d like to hear as a fan myself. I love doing what we do.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was right here in our hometown, Shumen. We did our 14 th anniversary bash in a smaller venue. It was a total blast, because we hadn’t played there for 8 years. It felt good coming back.

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

Any extreme fest is welcome, although I enjoy the smaller, packed venues more. The places where you can really get in the crowd’s face and do your thing. That’s where death metal started, so it’s only natural.

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

We haven’t really thought about making collaborations with other artists. We kinda stay on our own path and ride along. As far as sharing the stage with other bands – sure. Ware e always up for a good show and a great gig.

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

If you mean a mutual gig or something. I mean, as long as it's genre-compatible, I don’t see why not. It’s all about getting the best of the band and delivering it to the crowd. So as long as it’s an adequate bill, namely playing with another death, thrash, or other band from a neighboring genre, it’s all good.

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

Speaking for myself, I wouldn’t say I have. I’ve always enjoyed being on stage and seeing the crowd go nuts. So my tip to the beginners on that one would be to simply play as much as they can, so they know their stuff, then get up on that stage and have fun with it.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

The US scene. Anything from Florida or New York. That’s where it all started, where death metal was invented. So we write in that direction.

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

I don’t recall having any bizarre fan encounters so far. It's usually the common stuff – people would come up asking for photos, signed CDs, or guitar picks. I always try to leave something to whoever is asking, because it’s the fans that put us, underground bands, out there.

13. What do you think of your fans?

The fans are awesome! They are pretty much the usual people you would find at a death metal show. There are the mosh pit people as well as the more laid-back watchers.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think you're doing a great job on the website. I see a lot of different bands out there and it seems ypu guys are really going for it. Interview questions are pretty interesting too. The interface is also nice. So, good job! I wish the website good luck!

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

Enjoy extreme music, go to shows. Pick up an instrument and see if you can start a band, it’s a hell of a ride!