Interview With Kevin Ramdin
Of So Above So Below
- Q1. How and when did So Above So Below form? What inspired the name?
Firstly, So Above So Below is my independent post-rock project. Ever since I was growing up I was always an avid fan of rock and ambient soundscape music, but as an aspiring guitarist I gravitated towards focusing more on the rock aspect of music. It wasn’t until a few years back that I decided to combine my love for both rock and ambient music to create my own post-rock project and hence the formation of So Above So Below.
The name So Above So Below was originated and inspired from the expression “As Above, So Below”, which simply means that everything is connected in harmony; a change in one can reflect a change in the other.
Q2. Who would you say are some of the biggest influences on your music?
My main influences would be, If These Trees Could Talk, Tuber, God Is An Astronaut, Hammock, Isis, A Perfect Circle, Explosions In The Sky and Jakob.
Q3. How hard is it doing a style of music in a Caribbean country that is very uncommon - We're aware Rock or Metal music struggles on its' own, but you do music more along the lines of Post-Rock and Ambient Shoegazer music that's often instrumental in nature, how hard has it been capturing an audience locally with that in mind?
It’s definitely a challenge to capture an audience here locally, especially being the only post-rock act in the country. Nevertheless, I think my music is slowly but surely spreading through the veins of the local community. I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback from local listeners who are really intrigued with the type of music and more people are starting to take notice. I hope that by playing some live shows in the future, I can further expose the local audience to this underrated style of music and may even influence some other post-rock artist/bands to be formed.
Q4. I notice you have a strong following overseas... Dare I say, more so than you have back in Trinidad. Did you expect such a reaction internationally?
I honestly never expected my music to receive as much attention as it’s getting internationally. I’m truly humbled to see all the responses that the music is transcending. I have people from all around the globe constantly sending me messages, just wanting to find out more about the music and when the album will be available. It’s really an overwhelming feeling to know that my music is being so well received and appreciated by so many listeners both internationally and locally.
Q5. Do you do play all instruments yourself or do you use session members?
I play all the instruments in my music. Although it can be very time consuming to write and record all the instruments by myself, there’s the advantage of controlling how I want things to sound and what I’m trying to achieve sound-wise.
Q6. When it comes to other bands in your country, do you ever think bands sometimes focus too narrowly on Trinidad?
Trinidad certainly has some very talented bands, but unfortunately not many people out of Trinidad may know about them because of the lack of exposure, hence forcing these bands to only focus on a local fan base crowd. I think what bands/artists need to understand is that studio-recordings can play a crucial role in marketing their music to a bigger audience. This can be the first step to opening new doors of opportunity outside Trinidad.
Q7. Will we ever see a full live band for So Above So Below in the future?
You can definitely expect a live band performance for So Above So Below. I’ve already assembled an amazing line up of musicians to assist me in executing the music live.
Q8. We at KMK can't get enough of the material you've put out so far, but when can the World expect to see a Debut album from So Above So Below?
I’m really glad that your enjoying the music. As for the album, it’s still currently in production. Hopefully by the end of the year it should be released.
Q9. Where can people find you on Youtube, Facebook... or online in general?
You can find music of So Above So Below on Youtube via “the19dreams” channel, or just simply search for So Above So Below on Facebook, Myspace or Last.fm. There is also my email contact, [email protected]
Q10. Any closing words?
I really want to thank KMK and everyone else who has supported So Above So Below.
Interview With Andy Raymond
Of Lasher Zombie
Q1 - Where did the name Lasher Zombie originate?
The name Lasher Zombie came from the 2 founding members nicknames Lasher and howler zombie . Lasher comes from a character of Anne Rice second novel from the series Live of the Mayfair witches and zombie from my fanaticism towards horror films.
Q2 -What can you tell us about the Belizean metal scene
The belizean metal scene is poor,most of the bands are cover bands like 99% of the metal bands rite-now in Belize are cover bands but there are alot of talented kids.Lasher Zombie was the first metal band to release an album in the history of Belize music
and hope the new metal generation in Belize start creating New music
Q3-How many recordings have lasher zombie done so far
and how necessary do you think they were?
Lasher Zombie have release and EP name Life Final Warning EP which was just a taste of what tge full length album would be and The full length album Back From Death which was release through Torn Flesh Records
I think they were necessary to show people and the younger metal bands that yes we can do metal in Belize and we did it with no sponsors no studio no money just for the love of metal music
Q4-You recently did a show in Mexico if i am not mistaken what was your experience there like
yes we jam at chetumal Mexico and it was awesome. The people are really crazy , supportive and friendly we sure would love to go there and jam again. Great bands there also lisergia,sentencia ,icnos are some of my favorites we have shared the stage with .
Q5-Tell us how you got into metal and who were you inspirations
I got into metal thanks to my uncles and my cousins ,my uncles where into classic rock like Santana ,the rolling stones etc and my older cousins into the MTV era of the 90's like sepultura ,pantera ,korn etc from them I learn a lot about metal,my inspirations alot alot of metal bands from cannibal corpse,suffocation to metallica ,immortal also the belizean metal band Of the Fallen and Downfall where huge inspiration for me
Q6-If you can bring back one musican from the dead who would it be
Dimebag Darrell
Q7-Recommend us a band to check out
I would recommend Putrid pile great one man band also sickening awesome brutal death metal
Q8 - Give us some detail about the label you are on
Tornflesh records is a netlabel from the united states that helps underground deathmetal bands,goregrind and other extreme metal genres to release there albums, through email we got signed they e-mailed us asking if we want release our songs through Tornflesh and that was it ,Lasher Zombie back from death was released
Q9-what can we expect from lasher zombie in the future
The future for Lasher Zombie is to release a second album which we are working in it.this album will be more brutal,heavy and little more technical that the previous
Q10Any last words?
thanks for taking your time and interviewing Lasher Zombie ,Want thank all the metal brothers and sister for supporting us and a special thanks to Tornflesh records
The name Lasher Zombie came from the 2 founding members nicknames Lasher and howler zombie . Lasher comes from a character of Anne Rice second novel from the series Live of the Mayfair witches and zombie from my fanaticism towards horror films.
Q2 -What can you tell us about the Belizean metal scene
The belizean metal scene is poor,most of the bands are cover bands like 99% of the metal bands rite-now in Belize are cover bands but there are alot of talented kids.Lasher Zombie was the first metal band to release an album in the history of Belize music
and hope the new metal generation in Belize start creating New music
Q3-How many recordings have lasher zombie done so far
and how necessary do you think they were?
Lasher Zombie have release and EP name Life Final Warning EP which was just a taste of what tge full length album would be and The full length album Back From Death which was release through Torn Flesh Records
I think they were necessary to show people and the younger metal bands that yes we can do metal in Belize and we did it with no sponsors no studio no money just for the love of metal music
Q4-You recently did a show in Mexico if i am not mistaken what was your experience there like
yes we jam at chetumal Mexico and it was awesome. The people are really crazy , supportive and friendly we sure would love to go there and jam again. Great bands there also lisergia,sentencia ,icnos are some of my favorites we have shared the stage with .
Q5-Tell us how you got into metal and who were you inspirations
I got into metal thanks to my uncles and my cousins ,my uncles where into classic rock like Santana ,the rolling stones etc and my older cousins into the MTV era of the 90's like sepultura ,pantera ,korn etc from them I learn a lot about metal,my inspirations alot alot of metal bands from cannibal corpse,suffocation to metallica ,immortal also the belizean metal band Of the Fallen and Downfall where huge inspiration for me
Q6-If you can bring back one musican from the dead who would it be
Dimebag Darrell
Q7-Recommend us a band to check out
I would recommend Putrid pile great one man band also sickening awesome brutal death metal
Q8 - Give us some detail about the label you are on
Tornflesh records is a netlabel from the united states that helps underground deathmetal bands,goregrind and other extreme metal genres to release there albums, through email we got signed they e-mailed us asking if we want release our songs through Tornflesh and that was it ,Lasher Zombie back from death was released
Q9-what can we expect from lasher zombie in the future
The future for Lasher Zombie is to release a second album which we are working in it.this album will be more brutal,heavy and little more technical that the previous
Q10Any last words?
thanks for taking your time and interviewing Lasher Zombie ,Want thank all the metal brothers and sister for supporting us and a special thanks to Tornflesh records
The Truth About Metallica
Why it Fails II : Trinidad Rock scene
Why it Fails : Trinidad Rock scene
Band spotlight : Vox Deus
Origin : Trinidad
Genre : Hardcore
Demo available for download!
Download link :
http://www.mediafire.com/?ydld0czy4uccvc3
Line up.
Matthew Coelho - Vocals
Nikolas Khan -Lead Guitar
Jonathan'Sundar'Nelson - Bass and Backup Vocals
Gerard Ferreira -Rhythm Guitar
Nicholai Assam - Drums
How to be "Deathcore"
Kmk podcast #3 - Morrighon :Melodic death/thrash in Suriname!?
Band spotlight : Morrighon
Origin : Suriname
Genre : Melodic Death/Thrash Metal
Bio:
The band started with Mellwin, who started some
practice sessions with Raoul. After a while we were introduced to Veroz
who happened to be playing drums. So we jammed with him and were totally
blown away by his skills at that time. He was interested to play
permanently with us.
In 2002 we came across Alexo on the streets. We talked him into joining a practice session at the time, which he agreed to attend. After the session he agreed to give it a shot and we started practicing even harder.
After doing some research we found Rakesh who happened to be a very awesome guitar player. He also was asked to join a practice session and to make his decision afterwards. Ofcourse he joined, and the band was finally complete.
We started playing cover songs but discovered that this wasn't something for us.....we wanted our own material and started writing and composing our own songs at the spot!! Till today we have about 30 own songs
We wanted to try some gothic melodies in our songs and found Vinesh for the spot but he ended up joining Alexo as a back up vocalist. However, his stay was cut short by the band because of some issues at the time.
We tried with Arsenio on keboards but that also didn't last long....so we decided to leave the thought of going gothic or black.
On the 29th of november 2003 we made our debute on stage wearing masks. We were a bit scared because of the fact that we were the only newbie band to come onstage and perform own songs......we didn't know what to expect from the crowd.The crowd response was unbelievable_
Line up
Alexo "Screamer" - Vocals
Mellwin "Hellraiser" - Rhythm Guitar
Rakesh "Kesh" - Lead Guitar
Duane Manson - Bass
Ricky - Drums
In 2002 we came across Alexo on the streets. We talked him into joining a practice session at the time, which he agreed to attend. After the session he agreed to give it a shot and we started practicing even harder.
After doing some research we found Rakesh who happened to be a very awesome guitar player. He also was asked to join a practice session and to make his decision afterwards. Ofcourse he joined, and the band was finally complete.
We started playing cover songs but discovered that this wasn't something for us.....we wanted our own material and started writing and composing our own songs at the spot!! Till today we have about 30 own songs
We wanted to try some gothic melodies in our songs and found Vinesh for the spot but he ended up joining Alexo as a back up vocalist. However, his stay was cut short by the band because of some issues at the time.
We tried with Arsenio on keboards but that also didn't last long....so we decided to leave the thought of going gothic or black.
On the 29th of november 2003 we made our debute on stage wearing masks. We were a bit scared because of the fact that we were the only newbie band to come onstage and perform own songs......we didn't know what to expect from the crowd.The crowd response was unbelievable_
Line up
Alexo "Screamer" - Vocals
Mellwin "Hellraiser" - Rhythm Guitar
Rakesh "Kesh" - Lead Guitar
Duane Manson - Bass
Ricky - Drums
Media/Contact
__http://www.myspace.com/morrighon
Interview with Tamara picardo
of Upon Shadows
Q1-first,tell us about yourself,what hobbies you may have besides playing music.
My hobbies apart from playing music are drawing, writing and since some time ago visual things related with video edition and photo sequences.
Q2-what got you interested in metal.
mmm… I always listen to metal, maybe because the time when I was very little helped for it, since Kiss and Van Halen were like super heroes and sounding in all radio stations, their videos were on TV many, many times. Kiss movie, amazing live performances that makes us all dream, feeling the power and the very strong energy of their music. Plus Van Halen came to play in Montevideo in 1982 so was a very big and special thing. Because we still were under military government at those years, I was a little kid when that happened and would never forget how amazing was to see the performance on TV a few days later.
Who can resist to such a charming thing metal is my passion and is in my blood since always.
Q3-what position do you play in the band
Well Upon Shadows is a two women band. Is my personal project and all music is written by me. I play the keys, guitars, vocals and drums programming. And my partner Natalia Arocena is my bassist.
Q4-why is the band called up shadows
The band is called Upon Shadows because is a reflection of myself. All is about my shadows in upon shadows haha I deeply believe in the idea or fact, that art is the best way to transform the bad into good, the sadness and despair into beautiful melodies, lyrics, painting anything. And is working for me. Art full my emptiness.
Q5-Describe what upon shadows sounds like to someone who has never heard them before.
Upon Shadows is a mix of all my influences in a very capricious way. So full of improvisations and first takes to save the feeling of the moment. I use to compose in another way before taking care of the guitars by my own, but now things are more united, assembled one instrument with the other. What people will find is basically a dark metal band full of ambient parts, lots of keyboards everywhere with a “raw” sound on the background.
_
Q6-Which bands are you most influenced by and why
My biggest influences are Sisters Of Mercy, The Whores Of Babylon, Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia, Immortal and Abigor. I like a never ending list of bands and artist but I feel this bands are the clearest influence that can be hear in my music. First of all I`m keyboardist (is my main instrument) so the bands like Sisters of Mercy and The Whores Of Babylon always take my attention specially for the amazing dark ambience they create and the very free way of composing. Also the keys lead all or are a very important thing. In Upon Shadows keyboards are the core of all.
Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia, Immortal and Abigor are bands that I always feel in a very special way. I believe in perfection in music. And this bands knows how to make it in a very personal way. I grow with their music, since their very first albums. And always were a big influence since my beginning into music in 1995, as keyboardist of a local death metal band called Eclampsy, where I staying for 7 years before starting my own project Upon Shadows in 2002.
Q7-what do you think are the highlights of the Uruguayan metal scene.
One thing that make Uruguayan metal scene very unique is that common public almost doesn’t exist. I mean that a very big part of the public are also musicians or artist. And we have an incredible number of bands into all metal styles for the few population of our country.
Q8- who is the most underrated metal band right now
I believe Abigor is not taking the attention they deserve. They always were an amazing band but the two last albums made a brake in metal music. They are making true avant-garde in a very passionate and deep way. I`m total in love with their music. Apart from the fact that they are great musicians what captivates me the most is their freedom to compose, the harmony of the all ( music, lyrics and art ). Those ambiences full of brilliant and beautiful dark melodies that make me feel every note and word.
Q9- if you could bring back one musician back from the dead who would it be
Jesse Pintado
Q10-has upon shadows ever done a live show
No, we both had played live with the projects before, but upon shadows is a bit complicated thing to put on live since I play most of the instruments and the idea of using so many recorded tracks for a live show is not so seductive for us.
Q11-When can we expect any new material
New material will be ready for the next year, we are recording the new song right now. Still can`t say a date but will be during the 2012 for sure. We just presented and advance of it called “Tragic Prelude” which is a single we made for free download. The Single Include: the song in wave an mp3, the video, complete artwork for slim case and wallpapers, and can be downloaded here : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BFP9HN4D
or you can see the video in our pages too. All Upon Shadows music is for free downloading and the links are all in our pages. Our last albums can be found as a physical editions at Satanica Productions from New Zealand at www.satanica.org
Q6-Which bands are you most influenced by and why
My biggest influences are Sisters Of Mercy, The Whores Of Babylon, Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia, Immortal and Abigor. I like a never ending list of bands and artist but I feel this bands are the clearest influence that can be hear in my music. First of all I`m keyboardist (is my main instrument) so the bands like Sisters of Mercy and The Whores Of Babylon always take my attention specially for the amazing dark ambience they create and the very free way of composing. Also the keys lead all or are a very important thing. In Upon Shadows keyboards are the core of all.
Impaled Nazarene, Necromantia, Immortal and Abigor are bands that I always feel in a very special way. I believe in perfection in music. And this bands knows how to make it in a very personal way. I grow with their music, since their very first albums. And always were a big influence since my beginning into music in 1995, as keyboardist of a local death metal band called Eclampsy, where I staying for 7 years before starting my own project Upon Shadows in 2002.
Q7-what do you think are the highlights of the Uruguayan metal scene.
One thing that make Uruguayan metal scene very unique is that common public almost doesn’t exist. I mean that a very big part of the public are also musicians or artist. And we have an incredible number of bands into all metal styles for the few population of our country.
Q8- who is the most underrated metal band right now
I believe Abigor is not taking the attention they deserve. They always were an amazing band but the two last albums made a brake in metal music. They are making true avant-garde in a very passionate and deep way. I`m total in love with their music. Apart from the fact that they are great musicians what captivates me the most is their freedom to compose, the harmony of the all ( music, lyrics and art ). Those ambiences full of brilliant and beautiful dark melodies that make me feel every note and word.
Q9- if you could bring back one musician back from the dead who would it be
Jesse Pintado
Q10-has upon shadows ever done a live show
No, we both had played live with the projects before, but upon shadows is a bit complicated thing to put on live since I play most of the instruments and the idea of using so many recorded tracks for a live show is not so seductive for us.
Q11-When can we expect any new material
New material will be ready for the next year, we are recording the new song right now. Still can`t say a date but will be during the 2012 for sure. We just presented and advance of it called “Tragic Prelude” which is a single we made for free download. The Single Include: the song in wave an mp3, the video, complete artwork for slim case and wallpapers, and can be downloaded here : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BFP9HN4D
or you can see the video in our pages too. All Upon Shadows music is for free downloading and the links are all in our pages. Our last albums can be found as a physical editions at Satanica Productions from New Zealand at www.satanica.org
KMK Band Spotlight: Upon Shadows
(Uruguay)
"Melodies in grey scale" (2011)
Upon shadows is a Dark/Ambient metal band from Uruguay.The current line up consists of
Tamara picardo : keyboards,guitar, drum and vocals
Natalia arocena : bass
Influences : Samael, Impaled Nazarene, Immortal Sisters Of Mercy.
Upon Shadows is Tamara`s project in collaboration with the following musician(s): Marcelo Aguilar in guitar and vocals in demo 2003 (ex Thy Dominion / Requiem Aeternam). Natalia Arocena in bass guitar (ex Sigma Sentinel /Alsirat/ Asgard). Tamara started playing keys in 1995 in Eclampsy, one of the biggest death metal bands of her country where she played for seven years; and started this project in the middles of 2002.
From the opening track and intro of Melodies in grey scale,one thing is certain. Upon shadows intends for the listener to conjure up dark imagery through their use of keyboards and melancholic atmosphere.The album contains ten tracks. Four of these are eerie instrumentals which could easily make its way on a hollywood horror film score.Many of the remaining six tracks ooze with a depressive undertone or even a gothic slant, The vocals range from a black metal rasp to clean whisper-like deliveries. A perfect soundtrack for that late night invocation and other mysticisms. >:L
Melodies in grey scale is a re-release via Satanica Productions
FREE Download : http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Y1VPXSX6
Contact : http://www.myspace.com/uponshadows_
KMK Band Spotlight: Blue Barrel (Brazil)
BLUE BARREL is a Stoner/Southern Metal band which started in 2008 in Campinas city, Brazil.
The band’s main feature is the explosion of several elements of Stoner Rock, Southern Rock, Sludge Metal, Country and Rock & Roll, synthesizing a dense and aggressive sound generally classified as Stoner Metal/Southern Metal, or even Groove Metal in its' peculiarity.
Currently, the band is composing their debut album, “The Oversize Load,” being produced independently. The release is slated for a 2012 release.
Line up:
Vitor Maldonado (Vocal)
Lucas Descio (Bass)
Rafael Bazzanella (Guitar)
Miguel Renzulli (Drums)
Hometown:
Brazil – Campinas city (São Paulo state)
Genre:
Stoner/Southern Metal
Influences:
Black Label Society, Pantera, Kyuss, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rebel Meets Rebel, Down, Alice In Chains, Alabama Thunderpussy, Led Zeppelin, HogJaw,
Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, Pride & Glory, Motorhead, AC/DC,
Blackberry Smoke, Damageplan, Hellyeah, The Sign Of The Southern Cross ...
- MySpace:
www.myspace.com/bluebarrelband
- Twitter:
www.twitter.com/BlueBarrelBand
- Press:
www.msmetalpress.com
- E-mails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
The band’s main feature is the explosion of several elements of Stoner Rock, Southern Rock, Sludge Metal, Country and Rock & Roll, synthesizing a dense and aggressive sound generally classified as Stoner Metal/Southern Metal, or even Groove Metal in its' peculiarity.
Currently, the band is composing their debut album, “The Oversize Load,” being produced independently. The release is slated for a 2012 release.
Line up:
Vitor Maldonado (Vocal)
Lucas Descio (Bass)
Rafael Bazzanella (Guitar)
Miguel Renzulli (Drums)
Hometown:
Brazil – Campinas city (São Paulo state)
Genre:
Stoner/Southern Metal
Influences:
Black Label Society, Pantera, Kyuss, Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rebel Meets Rebel, Down, Alice In Chains, Alabama Thunderpussy, Led Zeppelin, HogJaw,
Corrosion Of Conformity, Crowbar, Pride & Glory, Motorhead, AC/DC,
Blackberry Smoke, Damageplan, Hellyeah, The Sign Of The Southern Cross ...
- MySpace:
www.myspace.com/bluebarrelband
- Twitter:
www.twitter.com/BlueBarrelBand
- Press:
www.msmetalpress.com
- E-mails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
KMK Podcast #2 Steve Satanas and Guyana's Rock scene
KMK podcast episode #1
Caribbean Band Spotlight: 'So Above, So Below'
Genre: Post-Rock, Instrumental, Ambient
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago
So Above So Below is an ambient post-rock band from Trinidad & Tobago who has been making waves in the international community recently. Hailing from a Caribbean island where their specific style of music is not widely appreciated, the band themselves are very seldom spoken about, and their emotional, evolving instrumental music appeals only to a select few. Yet regardless of these factors they have remained focused and may in fact be one of Trinidad's best kept secrets...
So Above So Below was initially a small project that has now evolved into something more and their dedication is paying dividends as they are receiving growing support from the international community, with some of their tunes on Youtube.com garnering over 11,000 views. So Above's facebook page is also growing at a steady rate, and they have even been featured on a few international blogs and musical playlists.
With Post-rock and instrumental music experiencing increased interest over the last five years, bands from all different parts of the world are entering the arena to join well established names such as: Explosions in the Sky, Red Sparowes, Godspeed you Black Emperor, amongst others. It is rather refreshing to see a Caribbean band not only enter the post-rock arena, but to hold their own and stand firmly amongst the rest. It is clear that this band has a distinct vision of where they want to go musically. The material is surprisingly diverse, and the production fits the music like a glove. We would only hope this is a sign of greater things to come out of not only Trinidad & Tobago, but the Caribbean by extension.
So Above So Below plans on releasing their debut album soon and we anxiously await this release along with the rest of the international community.
For more information on So Above So Below please visit :
http://www.myspace.com/soabovesobelow
http://www.youtube.com/user/The19dreams
http://www.last.fm/music/So+Above+So+Below
http://www.reverbnation.com/soabovesobelow