Interviews: Woliera
1. How did the idea for the band's name come about? Was it planned or did it happen spontaneously?
It took us quite a while to settle on a name. We also debated whether it should be in Polish or English. In the end, the idea came from our guitarist, Mariusz Wróbel, who suggested the name Woliera. He explained that a "woliera" is a type of aviary where birds can fly, yet they remain confined. We felt this was a fitting metaphor for modern life. On the one hand, we are supposedly free, but on the other, we are constantly monitored and unable to make all decisions on our own. It perfectly reflects life in today's world, which is exactly what the lyrics of our song “Woliera” are about. Also, the band is made up of two families whose surnames have a distinctly "bird-like" sound, so the name felt even more appropriate.
2. Why did you decide to play this particular genre of music?
Mariusz, Ola, and I have been listening to various forms of metal music since elementary school. Over time, our musical interests expanded. I went on to form the hardcore band 1125 with friends, and I still play drums in that band today. While each of us explored different genres, metal was always present in one way or another.
After more than twenty years of playing hardcore, I wanted to try something different and dive into metal. This time, however, I decided to challenge myself as a guitarist because I had always dreamed of playing guitar. The drummer's position was taken by our talented young member, Maciej. 😊
3. Did you know each other before forming the band?
Yes. I've known Ola, my wife, and Mariusz since the beginning of high school. We used to attend parties and concerts together, and later, as adults, we visited each other's homes regularly. That's also how our children, Marcin and Maciej, met. Through them, we got to know Tymon as well. Eventually, we all started playing music together.
4. What is each member's favorite band?
I think it's fair to say that our shared favorite band is Paradise Lost. Of course, each of us also has several personal favorites.
Marcin – Soen, Soilwork, Obituary
Maciej – Groza, Sworn, Marduk
Tymon – Linkin Park, System of a Down, Paradise Lost
Ola – Paradise Lost, Anathema, Insomnium
Mariusz – Death, Paradise Lost, Vader
Krzysztof – Insomnium, Paradise Lost, Slayer
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
The bands we listen to are definitely a major source of inspiration, and you can hear the influence of many artists in our music. You can pick up traces of Insomnium, a bit of Amorphis, and The Halo Effect. There are probably influences from Amon Amarth and At The Gates as well, and of course Paradise Lost.
As for the lyrics, they deal with everyday life, loneliness, manipulation, and violence against children.
6. Where was your last concert?
Our most recent show took place in Germany at the Dettenrockt Festival on September 12 this year.
7. Where would you like to perform?
We would definitely love to play at some of Poland's major festivals, such as Hells Bells and Mystic Festival. However, we also highly value club shows, where there is direct interaction with the audience. That kind of environment allows us to feel the atmosphere of a concert much more intensely.
8. Who would you like to collaborate with?
One of our biggest dreams is to share the stage with Insomnium and Paradise Lost, as both bands have been a huge source of inspiration for us.
9. And who would you not like to collaborate with?
Haha, we've never really thought about it. We're open to working with anyone who plays music or organizes concerts, especially on the independent scene. Unless we'd have to perform with a disco polo band. Then probably not. 😊
10. Has anyone in the band ever struggled with stage fright? Do you have any advice for beginners on how to handle it?
I've been performing on stage for nearly thirty years, so I've learned how to deal with it and don't really experience stage fright anymore. What I feel instead is a sense of focus and inner motivation.
As for our youngest members, I don't think they even know what stage fright is. They walk on stage so naturally that they don't even have time to think about being nervous.
My advice for beginners? If you've started a band, that probably means you love playing music. So get on stage and give it everything you've got, because it's something you enjoy! Don't stress about it. That's my advice. 😊
11. Which bands have been your biggest inspirations?
As I mentioned earlier: Insomnium, Paradise Lost, The Halo Effect, and Amorphis. You could probably find many inspirations from the Scandinavian metal scene in general, as well as from old-school death metal.
12. What is the strangest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
At a concert in Germany, a nine-year-old boy asked Marcin for an autograph and also wanted his phone number. Of course, he was speaking German, and Marcin doesn't speak German at all, which made the whole situation quite amusing. At least for the rest of us. Marcin was a little stressed. 😊
13. What do you think about your fans?
We don't have a huge fan base yet because we're only just beginning our journey with Woliera. However, every listener deserves respect and appreciation. The fact that people are willing to attend concerts and listen to our music means a lot to us.
14. What do you think about our website?
It's a great platform for promoting many bands, giving artists an opportunity to showcase themselves while allowing people to discover new music and read interviews. Websites like yours are definitely needed!
15. Would you like to add anything?
Go to concerts, listen to music, and buy records! And of course, we invite everyone to check out our album!
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