Interviews: Endeavour

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal band, Endeavour, from France. 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 did it come out just like that?

The name "Endeavour" came to my mind a few years ago: I stayed a year in New Zealand, it was a great experience, but also really tough sometimes. I had heard that James Cook, the first European man to explore NZ, made it with his ship, the HMS Endeavour. It was also the name of a space shuttle from the 90's, which I was really interested in. I really wanted to name my future band like that because endeavour means "effort" and I found the meaning quite deep. It also fits perfectly with the kind of music we play and the commitment we put in it. Everyone agreed, and we chose it!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Well, maybe because we didn't get the technical abilities to play grindcore...! We used to jam, Raphael, the guitar player and me. After a few sessions, we found it interesting to go that way, also because it was new for us and exciting to approach a new type of music.

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

No, we used to tell the people that we met online, haha. We first met with Raphael and got along really well. Then Benjamin, the bass player, arrived (also from an announcement), and a few months later, we decided that we needed a proper Singer (after a disastrous try to sing on our own...). Nicolas arrived, and it was a blessing because he understood really easily what we needed from him. We are all good friends now, which is, for us at least, as important as the music we create.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Simon (drums): Hangman's Chair, Slayer, Down, Gojira, Anna Von Hausswolff 

Raphael (guitar): Converge, NOFX, Birds in Row, Coilguns

Nicolas (singer): Danzig, Faith No More, Type O Negative

Benjamin (bass): Calogero, Tar Pond, Redstone

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We are inspired by a few bands like Hangman's Chair, Tar Pond, and Alice in Chains. Regarding the lyrics, Nicolas talks about feelings, society issues, psychological problems, addictions,... We try to make it our thing by adding heaviness, but we also have a really romantic and melodical approach.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in an ancient Iron mine close to Angers. It is a really interesting place full of old industrial buildings from the mining era. My grandfather used to work there. This is where we took the picture of this big tour for our last EP, "Astomishment". It is of great significance for us.

7. Where would you like to act?

Everywhere, we love playing! But it would be great to play at Hellfest, for sure ;) 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I am not sure we would feature with someone, but it would be great to share a split album with bands like Brutus, a Belgian band we really love.

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

I think we are all a bit stressed before going on stage, but this is a really good feeling. We share this anxiety as a band; we talk about it, it is a common experience, and it is part of the process of going on stage. For beginners, I would say that it is interesting to embrace this fear and also get prepared as much as you can in order to get on stage and put the "cruise control" mode on!

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely hangman's chair, we are really big fans. It is a shame that they stopped activities... We like bands like Type O Negative, another big influence for us. Amenra and Cult of Luna, for the dark side, also.

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

A girl texted us on Instagram to tell us our guitar player was really handsome with is mustache and wanted his number. Not that weird, but funny.

12. What do you think of your fans?

People are really nice and receptive to our music, and it is also good to talk to them after a show.

13. What do you think of our site?

Your site is really good! It promotes a lot of good bands, from a lot of different styles! The interviews are great! It is really important that people like you mobilize to defend a scene.

14. Something to add?

Thank you very much for the interview; it is always a great pleasure to share.

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