Tellus Terror: The Victory of the Mixed Metal Styles

                         

The brazilian band Tellus Terror, founded in 2012, came up with a complex proposal, both in the sound part as the themes of the lyrics, and then first, it may not be easy to digest the Metal music practiced by the group, is a fact that everything is new and different will cause some early surprise, but the quality is the thing that going to dictate where this new things will come, and in the case of Tellus Terror the impact is extremely positive, and the proposal of the band has received many compliments from the public and the specialized press. 

(versão em português)Denominating their sound with the label M.M.S. (Mixed Metal Styles) in order to pass an idea of ​​freedom that the band has to create their music, letting the creativity flow, moving by a variety of Metal styles, with weight, extremism, complexity and melody. The result can be seen in the debut "EZ Life DV8" (2014) concept and complex album, showing the proposal of the band, which is this musical freedom and address issues 100% common to the humanity, regardless of social class, race , creed or religion.Felipe Borges, singer and composer, talked with us, and, among other things, about the great impact of the debut album, a little more about the concept, and yet about the new job, what is in the process of composition. Check it!

Felipe Borges

RtM: The album "EZ Life DV8" was released in august of 2014,  as you analyze the results obtained from it, which has received many positive reviews not only in Brazil, but in other countries, including being mentioned in several lists of the best album of the year?

Felipe Borges: The vision I have about it is that actually works when a band works hard and is dedicated to creating an Metal’s album, which became part of our Brazilian history with the metal, as well as thousands of other bands did, they do and will do. All this is very cool, and gives me the feeling of wanting to work more and more, and this is reflected in the new album we're writing.

RtM: And about the lyrics ? What the reasons that led you to choose this theme, which is, of course, something quite intriguing humanity, those issues where we came from, where we go, we are alone in the universe ... etc? And what kind of research and stuff you surrounded to perform the compositions being a subject so extensive and complex?

Felipe Borges: When I was driven by two former band members to think of creating an extreme metal band, the first thing I said was:

- I'll just create a band and to sing again, if it is to talk about things that people are 100% common, regardless of their religion, social class, race, sexual orientation etc ...

So I created the name Tellus Terror (Tellus is planet Earth in Latin), to enable this themes that I had in mind. The album EZ Life DV8, I planned the whole issue from the beginning of the band, I started to read about some issues that have affected and affect our planet etc ... and the final product was this. An undeniable trip that equals all human beings simply because we live here. An album that in my view, shows how much a Sheik of Arabia and Brazil's Central Beggar have in common, and we are nowhere near the immensity there around the planet in the cosmos.

                                      

RtM: And for those who are still getting to know the band, and from here you are having contact with the Tellus Terror, would you sum up the concept of the album, and also talk about the sound of the band to the reader that is knowing Tellus Terror now.

Felipe Borges: The concept of EZ Life DV8 (Read "Easy Life Deviate"), begins talking about how it all started, as the understanding of Noss species, talking about how the universes, galaxies, planets and life forms were created on the that our species makes the planet, portraying amazing natural phenomena such as Equinox, reflecting on how would the Panorama of the end times, to the conclusion that today our RAC is unable to determine how it will be our purpose or future.

In the middle of the concept, I had the idea also to create a fantasy song called "Brain Technology Part 1" (This Is Where It Starts ...), where over the albums released, I will always do the following Brain Technology, telling a story apart.

I also imagined a band where nothing arrest the writing process, because complex issues require complex music in what is said, not to use only one style, but rather, use all metal styles, and so I had to MMS idea (Mixed Metal Styles).

RtM: And with a theme so complex, you think of giving continuity to it in the next albums?

Felipe Borges: This second album we're writing is completely different from the first, in terms of concept. It will be conceptual and chronological, bringing another very strong theme and I've never seen before being approached by an extreme band. Hope you like it!

RtM: And talking about this new album, wich is being prepared, what you can tell us in advance about it? Can you give us some "spoiler"? hahaha!!

Felipe Borges: Yes. We are in the new album writing process, and it will have 12 tracks, following the same style of the first album, however much more developed and mature. I can ensure you are getting very good!

A hint of what will be dealt with conceptual and cfonológica way, is that it clearly shows how good and sincere things can become your worst fears when excessive or misinterpreted etc ...
                          

RtM: Within the subject covered on the album, which of these "puzzles" in particular more fascinate you?

Felipe Borges: In particular think about what is beyond the universe ... if we are as small atoms living in some giant body, if our universe is actually part of a multiverse, where they form a celestial body beyond what we can even imagine, or if ever some more developed species that we go to visit us, and tell of unimaginable things ... Why are we here? Why do we exist?

RtM: And about the label Mixed Metal Styles that you used to define the sound of Tellus Terror (after all everyone loves looking label bands - and even it is understandable to people have a reference- then you already eased, he he he), this issue caused curiosity? How did you feel that the public have received and understood the proposal?

Felipe Borges: This label caused quite curious, and so I launched this idea, we were very criticized and praised a bit.

But we remained firm in this choice, and gradually people began to understand and come to love even. I even received messages saying that was bullshit teen, and my answer was simple:

- I'd rather play teenage bullshit forever, and show my work, instead to be a failure who died on the road and now sits on the shadows, and that does not make shit to anyone. Fuck you! For me only wins who persists and fight without look back!

RtM: Faced with so much on offer, so many bands that come up, the facilities of the channels available on the Internet, what factors do you think are crucial to a band seeking its place and stand out in the scenario?

Felipe Borges: This question is very interesting and at the same time gives way to a view that I have, that if you do more of it, people will increasingly notice that what was new and original is now old and recurs, and will seek news. This is part of the natural evolution of things.

Search for what is unique, has good influences as the metal bands of the 80's, 90 to the most current, and create your own sound using all these bases but targeting the future. No doubt you will stand out in the crowd, BUT the main!! Engage in real music, think if you really love what they do, and dedicate themselves without thinking about quitting or giving up.

We are all capable of the same, but only grows those who fight!

                                    

RtM: And how do you see this situation? It is possible, or will one day be feasible to live only by the work with a metal band today? A few succeeded. What is missing for more bands to reach a higher status?

Felipe Borges: Lack of professionalism!

Live the Underground is cool, but professionalize the underground is essential to be seen with good eyes on around the country, where the metal is treated in a professional manner. Here (in Brazil) are some shits producers who burn our name out there, we have bands packing confusion with other bands by banalities, public missing only give her ass band that comes out, just by being gringa.

I call this syndrome without culture, unconsciously think that if you give full support to what comes out, it will be different. Arrange your own home to live better fucking! The house of mainstream bands is already fucking shining! Support what is fucking here, in you ground!


RtM: Another places and coutries have the same problem, i think.

Felipe Borges: We also have those who only go to concerts of foreign or mainstream bands, because they really think that local bands are a turd and he wants to see quality show. The fact is that the bands of Brazil are fucking good. What fucks the bands are bastards producers and motherfuckers, whose dont' wanna pay the bands. Just want the money from the ticket and go.

How a band will have a good sound, with a shit backline? A shit equipament neither a beggar of Europe accept as alms? Are a few good and honest producers here.

When a producer makes the fucking show decently, the show auction, is fuck, the equipament are fucking good, the bands can make a good perform on stage and earn cachet, public drinking, fucking, spewing in bathroom, have fun until the wee early morning hours, go home and sleep fucking happy.

It's simple!

Rehersals

RtM: Besides Tellus Terror, many creative bands have emerged, it is difficult to label some, reaching the conclusion that it is better to call all just metal. What new bands come calling your attention and why? You seek to listen and seek to know new bands?

Felipe Borges: We have so many new bands, and great, who seek their own sound within the metal, which is difficult to highlight a few. Are several! All who come in contact and share their materials I listen, and I admire their work.

RtM: Felipe, Thanks for your attention, hope to have another conversation soon you release the new album, this ultimate space is for your message to fans and readers.

Felipe Borges: Thank you very much for the space, and I thank all the people who took the time to read this interview. Hope to see you on the road soon!


Interview: Carlos Garcia



"EZ Life DV8" released in 2014
Logo, symbol an album by Seth Siro Anton
Mixed and Mastered at Studio Fredman (Sweden)
Produced by Felipe Borges, Tellus Terror and Fernando Campos

 

Tellus Terror are:
Felipe Borges - All Vocals, Wederson Felix - Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Nelson Magalhães - Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Arthur Chebec - Bass, Ramon Montenegro - Keyboards and Synthesizers, Thiago Rafael - Drums and Percussions.
 


Official Channels:
Official website
Soundcloud 
Facebook
Youtube

                              

High Fighter: Creative Energy and No Rules to the Music

Hamburg, summer 2014, from two bands that were incomplete and joined to a jam, merger immediate results, thus resulting in HIGH FIGHTER, that despite the short time of existence, is already collecting relevant achievements, including many good press releases for their music and performance.Becoming very quickly in a creative unit, the quintet released the EP "The Goat Ritual" a few months after the band's formation.  (versão em português)

Recorded in a weekend, and virtually "live", the record served to the High Fighter presents the soul, weight, melody and energy of their sound.One of the most interesting settings that i've read about the High Fighter sound was: "Somewhere between Black Sabbath and Kyuss." Indeed, this statement gives an idea of ​​the sound of the band, but it's hard to label them, and this mixture of influences, preferences and musical background of the members results in a heavy sound, dark and melodic, where we can feel elements of Stoner, Doom and sludge to Heavy Blues, Desert Rock and Metal...yes, a creative energy and no rules for music.

Check out an interview with the singer Mona Miluski, where you can know a little more about of this great band.

RtM: Hello Mona, thanks for your time to answer this interview to us!

To start this interview, would you tell us a little more about the band’s beginning? Did you formed the High Fighter due to inactivity or end of their old bands, and also the need to seek something new? That's it?

Mona Miluski: In the end and almost, yes that's it. High Fighter has been formed in the summer of 2014 by me & guitarist Christian, we both have played together more than 5 years in our previous band A Million Miles, which split up in early 2013. After it took us some while to get back on our feet, we were looking into starting a new band project when Ingwer joined us on our lead guitar. His band to that date, Buffalo Hump, had no singer so Ingwer came up with the idea to bring his drummer Thomas as well as bassist Constantin for a jam. He did, and it turned out like a perfect fusion of two half bands, that would have later became High Fighter....

Mona Miluski: Lots of energy live! (photo Sven Ceder)

RtM: Complementing, for those who knowing the band now, how would you define how High Fighter sounds like?

Mona: Not easy to define the sound or fitting into a specific genre, as we don't. We let many influences and sounds happen in High Fighter, there are no rules for us when it comes to our songwriting. I'd like to call it some Heavy Stoner Bluescore. We mix a lot, from desert rock, to blues, to doom and sludge, with even a hint of core and Metal. 

We almost enjoy and are very amused, anytime people are heavily trying to fit ourselves into a genre, but they can't, and then are not getting the music we play, since we cover more than just 1 or 2 genres. Many people need to categorize. That's cool and just human. But while we're staying open minded, and if you're looking for some heavy, mean, melodic but dark tunes, that reaches from Desert Rock to Sludge Metal, then you will be probably finding some of your taste in High Fighter. 

Mona Miluski on stage (Pic by Anders Oddsberg)

RtM: And the influences and elements that make up the High Fighter sound? I could identify elements of Stoner and Doom, and Desert Rock and Heavy Blues. I guess that among the influences are bands like Black Sabbath (well, everybody has Sabbath influences, hehehe), Kyuss and Cathedral.

Mona: We listen to all kinds of music. Of course Sabbath is one of them. Among many more. If it's Kyuss, if it's Pantera. If it's old blues, rock and metal, or new doom and sludge bands. But I would not define High Fighter as taking elements of these bands or any genres as a whole, we all are just influenced by the history and presence of sounds we dig, it comes out naturally and the end result is what you will hear in High Fighter. We just let it happen, without thinking of fitting into this or that specific style.  High Fighter is us, we combine our very own and individual influences and try to create our own sound and vision of them.

RtM: And how did you come to choose the name of the band, and what "High Fighter" mean to you?

Mona: Before we unveiled the band to public and while we were still thinking about the perfect name, Thomas - our drummer - once came up with that he likes “Tie Fighter” of Star Wars as a possible band name, we all were into it since we're big Star Wars fans. But then he came up with High Fighter on top, and that nailed it for us to 100%! It's a very strong and powerful name, and not that usual for a band with this sound....I actually can't tell you who this high fighter dude or lady is, it can be created in your very own imagination. 

We like to give enough space for everyone that listens to our music.  If it's someone who struggles and stands up again, or who is just very stoned or high of things in life, you create who the High Fighter is and what he or she means to you. Maybe we're all and must be some High Fighter from time to time and in life....

Live! (Pic by Agata Frelik)

RtM: We can feel the enthusiasm of all members with the band, and this is reflected in the debut EP, which also was released very early, a few months after you forming the band. What do you attribute these facts?

Mona: If there would be no enthusiasm in a band, why doing it? I think, having a fusion of two half, lost bands, who caught up for a first jam and it immediatly felt like that fire, like we had played together for years already,  High Fighter became a very creative unit from the very beginning. “Black Waters” for example, has been written in within 30 minutes! I went out to get us more beer, came back and the song was ready. 

We have a lot of creative energy in this band...We jammed heavily over the months in summer 2014, when we wrote our first songs, it has been always clear to us, that we need to present our first record live. That we need to always keep the fun inside the band. That we need to be enthusiastic but it naturally happened, because we felt in love with each other and with this band from the very beginning. What later became more than just an enthusiastic band, it became family for us. We are enthusiastic for ourselves, not for any fame, but just because we love what we do. 

RtM: We can see nowadays there is a certain revival, with many bands, some more experienced, and other younger ones, bringing a sound influenced by great bands of the 70s, including the labels and record companies releasing much material on the market. I would like you to comment about it, and also what the difference that the band should seek to excel in this competitive scenario?

Mona: I can only speak for myself, but people may got bored by many over-polished sounds we have heard over the last years, so they like to get back to the roots. At least I feel this way. Like analog and live recordings, the way bands did it in the 70's.  It still delivers the real soul of music in my eyes and ears. And I think, the  soul and life of sounds is what bands, fans and also labels need nowdays, it's all getting back to the roots, but with a new energy and modern vibes. I am not a fan of jumping on any trains that are now super hip, like the word Stoner, which became very popular over the last years. Or being in a doom band. May be fancy for some and then they will be a copy of a copy, but as a fan you will always hear and get when a band means it, and is authentic enough to deliver their true sound.

(Pic by Peter Stñcker)

RtM: Talking about the EP "The Goat Ritual", it was recorded live at the band's rehearsal room, then I would like you to comment more about the recording and production of the EP, and why you have chosen to do the recording in this way .

Mona: As mentioned above, when we jammed our first songs heavily, it's been very clear to us that we are going to also present this true live sound of High Fighter on a record. So we did, and locked ourselves into our rehearsal room and recorded 'The Goat Ritual' live and on one weekend. No editing, no highclass studio production, all one-takes. This debut has been recorded, mixed and mastered by our very good friend Benjamin Kapidzic (Skythen), who did an incredible job for a live-recorded demo in our fucked up rehearsal room, spending up to 14 hours with us each day and until the middle of the night. 

We have chosen this way of recording, as it represents us and who we are.  We will be also recording our upcoming full length album live, not in our rehearsal room – this time in a real studio to get more space, but for us we feel it's the right and most comfortable way, to record our tunes live. It still has the above-mentioned, real soul of High Fighter we want to share.
 
RtM: I would like you to comment about the theme mentioned in the title "The Goat Ritual" and also the themes that the band discusses in your lyrics.

Mona: 'The Goat Ritual' is a very dark-themed record, we do play with heaven and hell although none of us in the band is any religious, but we deal with the demons everyone has in life, struggling with them and living with a dark side, inside all of us. You have it, too.
From a sound perspective, I see this EP as a ritual – you need to listen to it from the start to the very end, as an entire picture and every track belongs to each other. It's a ritual of tunes, it gives you an almost schizophrenic perspective on many genres we combine, if it's the melodic, catchy rock part or very aggressive, mean parts, it's as well a lyrical ride through heaven and hell...We are trying to give enough space in what you hear or feel with our music and lyrics, we won't be telling you what to feel or to hear, I never write my lyrics in a very clear, black on white way - you can just grab it and imagine anything you want for your own life and thoughts.

High Fighter (pic by Frau Siemers)

RtM: The EP had a very good reception from the public and the press. What were your expectations when the releasing? Are you satisfied with the results achieved so far?

Mona: We were more than stoked and very surprised how people reacted on our debut, please remember it's still a demo! But then it got played on several radio stations, we received such great press and are grateful that people seem to dig our very rough and pure sound.

In one year band history only, we have made many new friends and fans, got amazing press and are lucky enough to have played tons of shows already! In 2015 we have played support shows for bands such as Corrosion of Conformity, The Midnight Ghost Train, Mammoth Mammoth or Greenleaf, we have played festivals such as Stoned from the Underground, Sonic Blast in Portugal, Red Smoke Poland, even a press showcase live at Wacken Open Air 2015. 

RtM: Yeah, it's great, many gigs and oportunities to show the band's sound to more people!
Mona: We recently just came back home from a European tour with AHAB and MAMMOTH STORM this Fall, which has been a blast for us. So yes, having played around 60 shows in the first band year, and people got aware of us and show their support in such positive ways, makes it still unreal sometimes, and we are more than satisfied about our first year together as a band.
 
RtM: And what can you tease us about the future Full Lenght? You already have sufficient compositions and have a release date in mind ?

Mona: It's getting closer and closer. We just came back from tour with Ahab, now we are focussing on finalising our album songs. We do play many of them live already. We currently plan to enter the studio in February of 2016, to record our first full length album. It won't be going into a very different direction of what you know from us already, some tracks will have more doom, some not. It will stay a mix and fusion of many tunes and styles combined in the High Fighter sound. But we will be definitely recording live again. We like to release it until early summer 2016, hopefully by Spring already.

(photo by Sven Ceder)

RtM: There were contacts with record labels or you wish to release it independently?
Mona: There are some interesting chats about a possible label release, but we will see how it goes and where we will find a home for our first album.
At the moment and so far, we have always been a happy do-it-yourself band – so we would not die to release it on our own again. This band has enough own manpower, we understand our 'business'. But we will see where the road and these label conversations will take us, surely it would be a huge step and chance, to have support from a label side of things, especially when it comes to a good distribution.

RtM: What about you Mona, tell us a little how you started in music and metal, and also about your personal influences?

Mona: Well, where to start....I actually grew up in a very music-enthusiastic family, my father is a professional guitarist, and I am lucky enough he left me some of his good genes in my veins.
Started singing in choirs very early and when I was a child, but it was the grunge era that changed my personal music influences and direction. With 13 I joined my first grunge band, when I was 15 years old I started in my first real metal band. I used to sing in metal bands half of my life, before I felt more home in the sludge, doom, stoner metal tunes. 

My biggest personal influcence will have to be Phil Anselmo and all he did in Pantera, Down and other bands he has been involved I am sure, but among many more such as bands as Kyuss, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Eyehategod. Too many to list here. There's also many 'new' bands I personally adore, especially from the desert rock and doom scene. Very looking forward to the new records by Conan, Greenleaf, Radio Moscow and many more, things are bright for these kinds of genres, that used to be underground but became visible over the past years, which is great for the bands to get their tunes being heard.
Luckily, beside my own music and being on stage, behind the scenes I work in the music industry and having the pleasure to be working with great music and many amazing artists the entire day. It's been a long way, full of hard work and passion for what I love...that is music.

RtM: Mona, thanks for your attention, we are waiting the full lenght, and we sure High Fighter will bring to us many great and powerful songs. I let the space for your message to readers!
Mona: Road to Metal, thanks so much for having us! We hope and it would be a dream come true experience, to hopefully be able to play Brazil one day. Thanks for your support, stay high! 

www.highfighter.de
www.facebook.com/highfighter
www.highfighter.bandcamp.com

(photo by Adrian Kietzmann)

'2Steps Blueskill' Official Video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEr35ihG4Gc

'High in Summer 2015' Tour documentary:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNN1mEFNhq4

'A Silver Heart' live ( taken from High Fighter's upcoming first, full length album! )
www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4nuaRZ1Uas

Live at Stoned from the Underground 2015:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD0DPIEyje8

Pic by ELP Photo

 

Interview: Issa Oversveen - New Queen of Melodic Rock Arises

When we were looking for Issa to talk about her new album, the recently released "Crossfire", Norwegian singer did not hide her enthusiasm: "I think it's my best album until now." And the enthusiasm is justified because "Crossfire" brings all the elements that fans of Melodic Rock and AOR more love, great choruses, great melodies, many keyboards, and the "plus" that Issa is a singer above average and in addition, has amazing writing partners beside her, and even extreme care in production, resulting in albums that are a step ahead.

With the fourth album in hand, a lot of talent, growing popularity among fans, undisputed quality songs, Issa is already one of the names most greeted when we talk about Melodic Rock, and it is no exaggeration to say that today is one of the most important female voices of the style, legitimate heir of great singers as Ann Wilson (Heart) and Robin Beck. Indeed, a new queen of Melodic Rock arises.       (Portuguese version: read here)

Check out the following interview with the always friendly Isabell Oversveen, or just as she is known, Issa, where we talk about the new album, their discography, a little of history, curiosities and more! check it out!

RtM: Hi Issa, thanks for your attention, first, i would like you tell us a little more about your fourth álbum, “Crossfire”, what the fans can expect, and what your expectations?

Issa: Heya and thanks for having me... As you can understand, i'm very excited to release this álbum. “Crossfire” has taken me 2 years to record, and some of these songs will go back 5 years in writing. “Crossfire” has lots of keyboards, huge choruses and great songs, to sum up. I think this album will show a more pure AOR feel – a little like roxette.

RtM: And comparing with the first  records, what did you try to do different on this new?

Issa: I do have this “thing” about not making every álbum sound the same. I think as people we change over time, and so do the music that comes out of us, i always try to do what i feel like at that time. “Crossfire” is different to “Sign of Angels” in the way that i think the songs are bigger and since i've been a part of writing this album, it will be more suited to me of that reason. I think when you write and demo up songs over time, you do get some that sticks out. 

RtM: In "Crossfire", do you risk to point out what are your favorite songs, and which you bet will win immediately highlighted among your fans?

Issa: Well, like i said to Frontiers Records when we talked about what song to do a video,  i had no clue, coz all these songs are fantastic. Saying that i would say that “Long time coming” is a darker edgy rock song, “new horizon” is an amazing song and just sounds fantastic with all its synth sounds, “heartbeat” its a hook song that simply just gets you hooked ha!! And lets not forget “Raintown”, thats just a dream come true and this song should have been a huge world hit.. it's fantastic.

RtM: The album has special guests, and one in particular I was very anxious to hear,  is your duet with Steve Overland (FM). Can you tell us a bit more about this duet?

Issa: I have always been a big FM fan and especially Steve Overland's voice , he has an amazing voice and very individual. When I recorded the album, i wanted to make the song “fight fire with rain” into a duet, i knew i wanted Steve Overland to sing it, so i managed to get his contact details from Steve price at ARFM. Steve overland received “Fight Fire With Rain” and loved the song so we planed the recording from there. Then, a few days later, i got the mix of “Raintown” back, and it just hit me then: "THIS is the song". It just wasn’t enough with just me on it, and i started immediately to work on changes, so this could be turned into the duet i heard in my head. So after all this i had get back to Steve and show him “Raintown” - he loved the song and shortly after we recorded the song as you hear it today. Steve is not just an amazing singer, but an amazing person to work with. I’m so happy with the result and very proud of it too.

RtM: And this team of musicians who accompanying you on "Crossfire"? Some you've been working since “Can’t Stop”, including Alessandro Delvecchio, and sure, James and Tom Martin. And the results achieved , shows that there is a beautiful chemistry. Tell us a bit more about how Works the composition of an album yours, and also What you could tell us about this team?

Issa: Yes, i'm very lucky to have só many amazing people to surround myself with. We had a “core” team on this álbum- James martin on kees, Tom Martin on base and Mikael Cruise on drums, with guests on guitar and kees on all the songs. It was very easy for me to get in touch with all the guys, because i've worked with all of them at some point. I wanted each and everyone to put their own feel to the song as i do believe that brings out the best of people, and i can't say more then that the result is amazing, i'm very grateful for all the work everyone put in.

RtM: On your page you've released some concert dates to promote "Crossfire". Do you have plans to visit more countries to album release? There are some good proposals?

Issa: I'm love playing live, and i think for now planning a uk tour closer to the summer. I dont know the details of this yet, but i will post this on facebook/issasite as soon as i know more. Its always harder beeing a solo act then a band, for the financial reason, i have to pay everyone involved with my gigs. It just makes this a little more harder to do lots of gigs, even that, i would love to. If any festivals comes up, i'll definitelly be there:O)))

RtM: Of wich countries do you receive more contacts? Can you tell which countries your albums have a higher demand?

Issa: Well that's always hard to know until a year or so after the release. I would say Japan seems to be a great place but in general it goes down well everywhere. I don't have the details about that. Its always exciting to know that Frontiers records is doing such a great job all over the world, and i'm very lucky to have such a good label behind me.

RtM: Talking about your previous albums, “Can’t Stop” was a compilation of great songs from bands  that did not have proper recognition, and on this album they had another chance. How surged the idea of making this record with these versions? You participated in the choice? Some of the original authors even talked to you about what they thought about the new versions?

Issa: Yes, well the whole idea came from the president of Frontiers records, and we thought as a bit of a pit stop, this could be great to do. I think i recieved the songs from the label in the same e-mail and after having a look at the songs, i thought there was some amazing choices there. Funny enough some of these songs was on my ipod already, so they were no surprise to me. I also had the chance to meet the singer of Boulevard ("Dream On") at Firefest last year, and it was pretty cool when he came up and sayd we did a smashing verson of “Dream On” on “Can't Stop”.

RtM: I Believe many people went looking for the original versions of “Can’t Stop” after that, and also know more of these bands. And if you were to do a new album with versions of other artists or bands, which songs you would like to create your own interpretation or version?

Issa: Unruly Child –  “WhoCries Now" is one of my favourites, Cheap Trick – “The Flame” , Maybe another Tower City song like “Aint Nobody To Love” would be cool also. Ah! what an album that would have been!!

RtM: Agree! Do it!! Well, and about your debut, “Sign of Angels”, how do you felt about have the opportunity to start a solo career, and how did surged the interest of Frontiers Records on your work?  And "Sign..." sounds a little more “Metal”, i think.

Issa: Yes, well this is a funny story. I used to be a lot in the music scene in Oslo, Norway. I was singing in several cover bands and a lot of my friends was in Metal bands. Over the years i did some guest work on some metal bands recordings, and in general, did not even think about trying for my own career. One day i got a phone call from Mikael Erikson from Circus Maximus and he asked me for some demos, he mentioned he was in touch with a label, and they had asked him if he knew of any females to sing on a duet they was working on. So i gave to him a few demos- i remember i sent him AC/DC “You Shook Me all Night Long” and TNT “10000 lovers", these were demos  that i used to promote my cover band with. And well, a few weeks later, i got a e-mail from Frontiers offering me a deal... 

It's so strange, but it seems things just fell into place with me, and i will forever be grateful for that. I believe that you should never “be to good” or say no to things, because you don't know where it can lead. If i hadn't done lots of guest work for some local metal bands, i dont think i would have been here today. “Sign of Angels” was a great album, and strange enought when the whole production team that was arranged i knew them all !! So, it's a small world ha! I like to do every album a little different every time, and who knows, my next album might be darker again, i do feel like i crave doing that again.

RtM: And about your second álbum, “The Storm” (a true ‘storm’ of amazing AOR and Melodic Rock!), you have participated of the songwriting, and had by your side the Martin brothers (House of Lords, Veja, Khymera). How was to work with them, and why just in this second album you participated more actively on the compositions? It was because you was feeling more secure than the debut?

Issa: Yes i do think with the first álbum, well everything was new, i had never gone true the process before, and we started recording my first álbum very soon after we decided to do the album- i never really had the time to be part of the writing process on that album. After the release i came in contact with the Martin brothers and we started to work on songs together- they maybe sent a backing track and i went on from there, it's a good thing that the internet was invented, so we could send  things between us.

We never really wrote to write for me, we just wrote to pitch songs. It was fantastic to see songs like “Find Me” on an album... When Frontiers got in touch again to start up on “The Storm”, well we had to dig out some songs and see if any of those songs could suite the album, i always wanted to have the song “Invincible” on a record and i think it got pulled from another album, so that i could have it for myself. It's a song that means so much to me and its very personal. I remember singing the Demo a year or so before this, and it was hard to recreate that feel when the recording of the album started- but at the end i had to see myself happy... now a few years later, the list of songs are much bigger, so that is why this new album features a lot more songs that i've been part of.

RtM: You have a beautiful voice, with a lot of feeling. What about your start in music? Who was your great supporter and what are their main influences or inspirations as a singer, and also in music in general?

Issa: Well, when i was a child, i was singing everywhere alllll the time- i even remember my parents giving me some money if i could stop for a little bit (heheeh)- of course my mum has been my biggest supporter. I'm very lucky coz i got the chance to be in many bands and get that experience that so many new artists dont have today, especially with all these talent shows on TV. I think that was worth i'ts weight in gold for me... i knew very soon, into my coverband work, that i liked singing rock songs, and i just loved how i could belt out and the amazings songs that came with it. Not to forget to that i think my dad still wears the 80s jeans, so you can say i grew up with 80s music. 

I've always been a fan of huge voices, so Robin Beck and Ann Wilson would be up there for me, mostly because they were female. A little later on in my life i think, the male voices got to me- it was just so cool.. i guess bands like U2 also played a role.. all in all i had lots of influences, but didnt really discover what i liked to do with myself until i started playing with a band.

RtM: I remember you won a contest, where you performed the song "Fade Away", by Stian Aarstad (former member of Dimmu Borgir). Tell us a little about how it was this opportunity, I believe must have opened many doors for you.

Issa: Haha! Yeah, i started to work for an artist called Jahn Teigen in Oslo when i was 16 years old. I started out auditioning for him as he was starting up a talent school in Oslo. Jahn Teigen is well known in Norway, so i remember traveling in to Oslo to go to the audition. I was chosen by one of his talent shows in a local club, and i was so excited. Then, one day, i bumped into Jahn and his assistent when i was out handing out my cv for work.

A few weeks later he called me and asked if i was still looking for a job, because he had a job as a receptioning at his office. I accepted and had a blast working there, putting together shows i even got to sing with the man. Stian Aarstad was working as an engeneer in his studio and, well we spent a lot of time together and became a couple the following year. Stian used to write some songs, so we recorded “Fade Away” together and entered in a competition for the TV channel Fox kids. Never ever did i think it would win, but there you go!! it was amazing to look at the CD when i got it in the post- i was there together with all these huge artists.

RtM: And how to be a singer of AOR and melodic rock, in a country like Norway, which is well known for black metal bands? I believe many people should be surprised when they find out that you are from there. Including i've seen one site erroneously posting that you were a swedish singer! Hehe!

Issa: Haha! Yes, i know- i got no clue where they got sweden from, i guess so many melodic rock bands are from sweden, so they just asume i'm from there to, haha!! Yes, Norway has a huge scene for Metal music... like i said i've done lots of guest singing on Metal albums, and some of my best friends are very into the Metal scene.. i like Melodic Metal personally, and can i tell you, it's fascinating to watch these bands.. the amount of music partnership is amazing- they are the nicest people and soooo talented.. most of the guys i played in bands with, had their own Metal bands, so it was a stroll for them to play 80's rock with me.

RtM: And besides music, what are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

Issa: I guess i'm like what everybody else like, i like to be social, love my 2 dogs, and of course then, we have music!! As a secret, i'm a "clean freak"!!! I spend lots of time beeing tidy- cant do anything without a tidy house- ha! if you only knew! (Hahaha)


RtM: Haha, your secret is revealed!!Well, I have a curiosity, you seems to be very tall, how tall are you?
Issa: Haha!Yeah, I'm 1,75 cm tall... Typical Scandinavian hahah!

RtM: Issa, thank you for your attention, we are waiting the new album (the interview was made few days before the release date, 20/02), and maybe your visit here in Brazil (Hello producers!)! And now i let the space for your message to the Brazilian fans, and also the worldwide fans, since this interview will also be published in English, and we have many readers in another countries, like US and Germany.

Issa: Thank you so much, it's my pleasure, i would love to see Brazil, i'm just waiting for an invite!
Success!

Issa xxx

Interview by Carlos Garcia

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