Interviews: What The Fire Left

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Crust band What The Fire Left from the USA. 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 did it just happen that?

The first song I wrote for the band was Ash, so I wanted something fire-related. The initial idea was "Ashes of the Warren" as a not-so-subtle shoutout to the main influence for the band, Fall of Efrafa. But, it felt a little on the nose, so What the Fire Left became the more logical choice!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I feel like punk was one of the only genres I hadn't meaningfully invested time into. I came across some really cool bands with a similar style, including Fall of Efrafa and Anopheli, and was inspired to buy a cello and try making something noisy and melodic with it. This EP was the result of that inspiration!

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

Can one ever truly know oneself? But in all seriousness, it's just me in the project, no other members.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

It's ever harder to choose one favourite. Probably Alcest. Blackgaze is my favourite genre, but I also listen to nearly every genre I can find.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Fall of Efrafa and Anopheli directly inspired this band. Also, the cello goblin Rushadicus. But I find inspiration everywhere, even from things as different as hyperpop, rap, and neoclassical. Any music that makes me excited in turn makes me excited to make music.

6. Where was your last gig?

Personally, my last gig was in Osaka, Japan, with my main band, LAANG, at the end of our East Asia tour with Crescent Lament. But, What the Fire Left is brand new and has not performed anywhere yet. Maybe someday!

7. Where would you like to act?

Anywhere that wants to hear us! I'd have to arrange a full live lineup, of course, but I'm simply happy making loud noises anywhere that welcomes it! I think house shows would be a ton of fun, too, as a fun break away from typical performance venues.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

It's hard to say, as a lot of my direct influences for this band are no longer active. Maybe The Manx. I saw them open for Nekrogoblikon once, and they were the most unassuming, but one of the most exciting live performances I've seen. These guys got on stage in their underwear with folk instruments and proceeded to play the most punk performance I've ever seen. I'd love to share the stage with them. 

9. Whom not?

Fascists, racists, nazis, any of the usual unpleasant folks. Music is political, and as a non-binary and queer person who spent a lot of my life as an immigrant, I don't exactly have a desire to perform with a band that would like to see me experience harm.

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

Not for a long time, but I've been performing live since I was 12 years old, so I've had time to learn to beat it. I think the biggest help was realizing that nobody really cares if you mess up. If you mess up, make it fun. Break a string. Choke yourself with the mic cord. Kick over a cymbal. People are paying for a performance, not perfection. So, as long as you're having a good time, the audience will too.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

In general, and at risk of losing all my metal cred, probably Alcest, Harakiri for the Sky, Katatonia, Istasha, Grim Salvo, Marz23, Twentythree, Yakui the Maid, Daine, and more!

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

More related to Laang, but to see my scars. Which I don't enjoy. But on a happier note, I've been asked to sign skateboards and skin, and asked all sorts of questions about my philosophy of death. Which is always a very interesting conversation to have, especially across cultural lines.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Well... they don't exist yet, ha! We don't have any music out... yet! But I'd imagine that when they arrive, they'll of course be the coolest of all. I need a fun name for them. Ashes, or something! I'll workshop it.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it's awesome that you give space and time for newer and smaller acts such as myself to share about ourselves, and give us a platform to get the word out about our music! It's something that not many publications do, so it's very appreciated.

15. Something to add?

As the obligatory plug, our (my) debut eponymous EP is coming out on March 13th! While it's listed as a digital pre-order for $5 right now, it'll be "pay what you want" on release. I simply hope people will listen and enjoy. Thank you!!