ROKKERSPRESS INTERVIEWS | January 2024


|| INHERENTLY LOST ||

1) What made you want to become a musician?
Our house growing up always had music in it.  My dad has been in bands since he was 13, and him and my mom had one together that practiced in our basement.  I guess it is just in my DNA haha!!!  Since I can remember I just had a strong connection to music.

2) How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I am heavily influenced by the Symphonic Metal Genre.  I love everything about it!  I write lyrics with that more so in my mind.  I will have Mark and my parts mapped out for the most part before introducing them to the guys.  That can change depending on the music everyone contributes.  We just put all our tastes together, and see what happens haha!!! 

3) Did your style evolved since the beginning of your career? Or did you always follow that stream?
I wouldn’t say it changed much.  We have to change things up a bit when members change, but I think the original concept has stayed the same.  I feel I am getting a bit more confident, and Mark always works really hard on figuring out the recording and production side of things to help with what I lack. 

4) Do you create music for yourself or for fans’ taste? Nowadays it is always hard to satisfy listeners?
I write the lyrics for my therapy really.  Especially lately they have been quite personal.  Of course we want people to enjoy our music, but when we create it we don’t have that in mind.  It’s just what flows at the time, and whatever emotion is portrayed we try to stay honest to.  Main thing is to make something you can be proud of!

5) Does your outfit have anything to do with the music you listen to or play?
Haha!  I always laugh when I get this question.  If only you saw what I look like when I am not on stage.  We pretty much wear black only because we all have that color, and we like to be cohesive.   Other than that it depends on how I feel that day.  Some days I just want to be comfortable and baggy, other times I’ll wear boots and fancier clothes.  This year for Halloween I dressed up like a cow.  It just goes by my mood that day honestly haha!!!  Always always no matter what I wear a shirt that isn’t too low and longer.  Last thing I want is to have my shirt ride up while head banging haha!!!!

6) What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Hmmm the biggest problem….I would say loyalty and motivation.  It took us forever to find Drew and Mikey.   We had a lot of good interviews that talked a good talk, but at the end of the day either they were no shows or never prepared. 

7) Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
Dream artists would be Epica, Eluveitie, and I think a collab with BTS would have everyone super shocked and confused which I would absolutely love haha!!!  I love throwing people off their guard.  Plus rather it’s your taste or not you can not deny the talent each member has.  Now in the real world Storms Within and Animus.  They are so amazing and the sweetest people.  If you haven’t checked them out you need to.  They will blow your mind!

8) If you were a CD/album, what would you be and why?
Is there a CD called Dead A** Tired hahaha!!!   This one is so tough to narrow down.  I feel this changes with life experiences,  but I would say  The Phantom of the Opera movie soundtrack.  It touches on hope, darkness, toxic connections, and desire for happiness.  Definitely describes my life haha!!!

9) What artist would you recommend to a person who is undecided about what to listen to?
I would have to say one artist that can do any genre and flourishes at it is Florence Welsh from Florence and the Machine.  Her lyrics, emotion, and her voice is just perfection.  It is hard to pin point a genre for her, so just in one album you will get a taste of it all!  She is so unbelievably talented.

Noreen Javersak
Vocals/Inherently Lost


|| FRANCK CARDUCCI AND THE FANTASTIC SQUAD ||

1) What made you want to become a musician?
I grew up in Lyon, France, in an Italian family where 70’s classic-rock music was part of everyday life. We would listen to the Beatles and the Stones as well as Billy Joel or Supertramp, Led Zeppelin and old Elton John records. As a teenager, I grew particularly fond of a band with very weird album covers. They had this cow with no band name on it, and another one had 2 guys shaking hands but one of them was on fire. My favorite one pictured a pig flying over an old London power station. They went by the name of Pink Floyd, and their music changed my life. So I started to play covers in pubs and clubs downtown Lyon, where I was not even old enough to be allowed in as a customer 🙂 I was also doing some studio sessions work in the area. In parallel, I was writing my own songs and recording some demos. Regularly, friends would tell me: “Hey, these songs sound good, you should make an album!” and I would always give the same answer: “What for? Nobody knows me and it’s never gonna work!” Later on, I moved to Amsterdam and joined the local scene there. Then I got to meet one of my childhood heroes, Steve Hackett from Genesis. I opened a gig for him and we had a long discussion. At some point he said to me: “Your songs sound good, you should record an album!”. So I fired my usual response to this, but then he replied: “Well, just do it for yourself, that way you can’t be disappointed, if it works you’re happy, if it doesn’t, you’re still happy because you did it for you anyway!”
The next day, I started the recording of my first album “Oddity”. Steve was very supportive in the process and he apparently enjoyed the album because he then offered to play on the next one, which he did on “Torn Apart” in 2015. So I guess, everything I achieved as a solo artist, I owe it to Steve somehow, I wouldn’t be here without his wise words. We even opened for Sting this year, how cool is that?

2) How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I’m a new classic-rock artist with strong 70s rock influences and a  lot of visual stage effects. Some call it “Theatrical Rock” I think it fits perfectly.

3) Did your style evolved since the beginning of your carrer? Or did you always followed that stream?
I’d say it has evolved a little bit. I used to be more fond of long complex pieces. Now eve though I still love that, I’m more impressed by simpler and yet moving pieces of music. Sme thing for the lyrics, I like it deep and down-t—Earth.

4) Do you create music for yourself or for fans’ taste? Nowadays it is always hard to satisfy listeners.
I’d say both. At first for my self, selfishly. But then, especially live, I like to do something that the audience will relate to…

5) Does your outfit have anything to do with the music you play?
Totally! We have a very visual show, very theatrical, with costumes, make-up, dances, staging, …

6) What is the biggest problem you have encontoured in the journey of music?
Well as an indie artist, there are some things you don’t have acces to. Like big festivals, big support slots. So it’s complicated to get visibility!

7) Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
I’d say Sir Paul McCartney. He’s the ultimate rock legend!

8) If you were a CD/album, what would you be and why?
I’d probably be “Animals” by Pink-Floyd because I love everything in it (including the cover).

9) What artist would you recommend to a person who is undecided about what listening to?
Well, I’d suggest them to give us a chance. He might disover something new and even maybe enjoy it!
Especially if he’d like to try the live experience … we’ll be touring the UK in 2024:
FEB-28 : LONDON – The Bedford
FEB-29 : SWINDON – The Victoria
MAR-01 : PORT TALBOT – Seaside Social & Labour Club
MAR-02 : STOURPORT – Fusion Festival
MAR-03 : SOUTHAMPTON – The 1865
MAR-06 : LEICESTER – The Musician
MAR-07 : LIVERPOOL – Cavern Club
MAR-08 : GLASGOW – Ivory Blacks
MAR-09 : NEWCASTLE – Innisfree Sports & Social Club
MAR-10 : OUNDLE – Queen Victoria Hall

More info on my website: http://www.franckcarducci.com
And of course Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple, Bandcamp, Amazon, Deezer, …you name it!


|| NON TALKERS ||

1) What made you want to become a musician?
Marco: My desire to become a musician was fueled not only by my passion for music and its emotional depth but also by a pivotal experience I had in Barcelona. Witnessing a busking musician there, a one-man show captivating an audience without being widely known, had a profound impact on me. It made me realize the power of music to communicate deeply with an audience. I thought to myself, “I want to be able to do that too.” This experience, combined with my love for music as a form of deeper emotional communication, solidified my path as a musician.

2) How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The music we typically create is a heartfelt blend of pop and folk, infused with indie elements. Our songs are characterized by their emotional depth, lyrical storytelling, and melodic harmonies. We strive to create music that’s not only pleasing to the ear but also resonates on a deeper, more personal level. Our style is about bridging the gap between the traditional and the contemporary, creating a sound that’s both timeless and reflective of our own experiences and emotions.

3) Did your style evolved since the beginning of your carrer? Or did you always followed that stream?
Our style has indeed evolved since the beginning of our career. Initially, we were exploring and experimenting with various musical directions. It wasn’t until we met our producer, Hugo Danin, that we really honed in on our unique sound—a blend of pop and folk with indie influences. This evolution has been a journey of discovering our musical identity and refining our approach to songwriting and production. So, while we’ve always been inclined towards a certain stream of music, the way we express it has developed and matured over time.

4) Do you create music for yourself or for fans’ taste? Nowadays it is always hard to satisfy listeners.
While we’re aware of our fans’ tastes and preferences, we believe that genuine and heartfelt music resonates the most. It’s about striking a balance between our creative expression and what our audience enjoys. In today’s world, where listeners’ preferences are diverse and constantly evolving, we find that authenticity in music creation is key to connecting with our audience.

5) Does your outfit have anything to do with the music you listen to or play?
Our outfit choices do somewhat reflect the music we listen to and play, but we’re not overly strict about it. We enjoy a certain freedom in our attire, occasionally wearing something that might not directly represent our music style. We believe in expressing ourselves both through our music and our fashion, but we also enjoy the flexibility to mix things up once in a while.

6) What is the biggest problem you have encontoured in the journey of music?
The biggest challenge we’ve encountered in our musical journey has been navigating the balance between artistic integrity and the practical aspects of the music industry. As independent artists, managing the business side of things while staying true to our creative vision can be quite demanding. There’s always the pressure to conform to industry standards or trends, but we strive to maintain our unique voice and style. This includes everything from production decisions to marketing strategies while ensuring our music remains authentic and true to who we are as artists.

7) Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
Our ideal collaboration would be with the band Kodaline. Their heartfelt, anthemic sound and deeply reflective songwriting are in perfect harmony with our own musical approach. Collaborating with them would offer an exciting opportunity to blend our lyrical narratives and emotive melodies, potentially leading to a creation that resonates deeply with fans of both bands. Kodaline’s style, much like ours, navigates the realms of emotion and storytelling, making them a perfect match for a collaborative musical venture.

8) If you were a CD/album, what would you be and why?
If I were to describe myself as a CD/album, I might liken myself to something like Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” This album is iconic not just for its harmonious blend of musical styles but also for the depth and authenticity of its storytelling. The songs on “Rumours” are imbued with genuine emotion, reflecting the real-life tensions and relationships within the band. This mirrors how we approach our music, crafting songs that are deeply personal and reflective of our experiences, blending various influences to create something that resonates both personally and universally.

9) What artist would you recommend to a person who is undecided about what listening to?
For someone undecided about what to listen to, I’d recommend trying out Jack Savoretti. His music offers a beautiful blend of folk, pop, and soul elements, making it accessible yet deeply emotive. Savoretti’s songs are known for their heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, appealing to a wide range of musical tastes. Whether you’re looking for something uplifting or introspective, his diverse discography is likely to have something that resonates.


|| THE ABSTRACTION ||

1) What made you want to become a musician?
I’ve just always been really creative. It was art for me to begin with. Drawing and designing things. Done some  shirt runs in the past. But I got really into music in my teen years, started working at a local recording studio and the process of seeing songs come together completed and polished was just magical to me. I was hooked, got my own recording gear for home and started writing and recording songs from there. Bands formed out of it, from sharing what I was doing, and it’s something that’s a part of me now.

2) How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would pin it as progressive metalcore. However, I aim to be as diverse as I can. The whole purpose of the EP I’m creating is for each song to stand along as something completely different from the last, but have a consistent tone and sound. And I’m absolutely achieving that, which is really exciting. So, although the ‘main’ genre is progressive metalcore, there’s a whole realm of other influences from other metal/rock subgenres and others outside of that.

3) Did your style evolved since the beginning of your carrer? Or did you always followed that stream?
It’s definitely evolved. My first bands were much more thrash and middle of the road kind of metal music. It’s the kind of music my peers were into and it got me into learning guitar and songwriting. From there I started a band called Rise Of Athena, which was a female fronted post hardcore band. We did really well and did some amazing shows, but we disbanded when I relocated due to family commitments, and ended up having an 8 year hiatus from any music projects, or even playing an instrument. But last summer I decided I was fed up of not doing what I loved, so reinvested in instruments and recording gear again, and decided to start work on my own EP. And having hhat break and listening to a whole realm of different music actually did me a world of good. My style has developed and matured significantly during that time and I’m now creating vibes and sounds I’ve not heard anywhere else. It’s really exciting and rewarding to have come along as much as I have.

4) Do you create music for yourself or for fans’ taste?Nowadays it is always hard to satisfy listeners.
I absolutely do it for myself. I make music I genuinely love to listen to, and make sure the themes are personal to me. It might sound egotistical, but you have to back yourself 100%. And if you don’t love what you are doing, then why should anyone else? I make my absolute favourite music and create something I can listen to day in, day out. If I can get that out of what I’m doing, then hopefully that will translate with other people.

5) Does your outfit have anything to do with the music you listen to or play?
As in what I’m wearing, or band members? I mean, neither really. I’m a solo project, so it’s just me. And my dress sense doesn’t have anything to do with my music taste really. I just wear what I wear! A comfort over style guy for sure! 

6) What is the biggest problem you have encontoured in the journey of music?
Some of the people in the business. People can be there to make a quick buck out of people and take advantage of younger naive artists. It’s also no secret that a lot of people have been outed in the metal scene recently for their behaviours. And it’s definitely something I’ve seen on my travels. It’s so sad to see. People just need to check themselves and act appropriately.

7) Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
Jason Butler (ex-LetLive/Fever 333). He’s such a huge inspiration to me. His creativity and energy is unparalleled. If I ever got the opportunity I’d be absolutely humbled and so hyped.

8) If you were a CD/album, what would you be and why?
Prophets by Counterparts. That’s been a huge influence on me over the years and it’s just perfect front to back. Not that I am! But it’s something I’ve just really connected with and I absolutely love it.

9) What artist would you recommend to a person who is undecided about what listening to?
The recent Unprocessed album …And Everything In Between. The first album in a long time that has genuinely given me goosebumps. The technical ability of all the musicians paired with huge chorus’ and amazing songwriting is just beyond comprehension. If you listen to anything, it has to be that album.


[In collaboration with ROGUE PR]


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