Interviews: VOLDT

This is a new interview with the Metal band VOLDT from Germany. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

We wanted something catchy with an edge, not too generic and not too specific, simple but with a uniqueness to it so you would find us immediately when you googled it. After a few weeks of brainstorming we ended up with VOLDT and we lived happily ever after.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We grew up with heavy metal and went through all phases with it, from hard rock and NWOBHM up to black metal and death metal. We wondered why so many bands stick to these sub-sub-genres so frantically and decided to combine the elements we like in the different metal styles in a way that it becomes a fresh and homogenous style for itself.

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

Yes and no, I met Wanja (drums) at a drum lesson back in 2007 and saw him play double bass on the kit there. Originally I wanted to become a drummer myself but since already had written a couple of riffs back then it somehow threw my plans overboard and I said to myself screw it, let this kid play the drums and I'll go with the guitar, he's already three times faster than me anyway. We started out in 2008 then, with a few on and offs. When we met our bass player Johannes and formed VOLDT in 2017, things started rolling. He's a very creative mind and the three of us make for a clock working team.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Uh, that's a hard one. We're not 16 anymore, where you could pick your one favorite band. And I don't think VOLDT would sound like it does if we really had one. But there are a few I'm coming back to forever: Sabbath, Darkthrone, Virus (Norway), Baby Woodrose, Dire Straits, and many many more. But I love exploring the music cosmos and finding new stars over and over, the journey never stops as long as you live.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Anything. Other music, certain smells, situations, moods, a nice walk, a random thought. Anything really. What is also very inspiring, is the inspiration of other people with a similar goal. And the fact that every great musician has started out as a beginner, working hard to get to the top. This will always give me the motivation to keep going.

6. Where was your last gig?

My last gig was at a festival in Kiel (Germany) but it was not with VOLDT. We didn't play any shows since 2019, but fortunately, things are changing here now we will play on March 31 in Hanover and have our official album release show here in Hamburg's Logo club on June 18.

7. Where would you like to act?

Oh, a US tour would be nice. Or asia. We want to play all the places really.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Rob Zombie. Please feature us in one of your movies. Thanks.

9. Who not?

Oh, there are lots of useless film directors.

10. Have any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Not in a way that would handicap us as to ruin a show. A little too much excitement is good, it will turn into focus when the set starts off. If you have really bad stage fright with vomiting you probably should seek out psychological help or try specific hypnosis methods.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rainbow was big for me cause I grew up with it, watched all the videos and I feel like the sound and energy really sank into my DNA. I love that band, the melodies to it, the powerful vocals, the smart arrangements, the catchy song structures - there's really a lot in it that I'm trying to do with VOLDT in a reasonably more modern way.

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

A pair of used drum sticks and guitar picks are to be sent by mail. Also, one guy asked if he could join our rehearsal to just sit and listen.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They have a pretty good taste in music.

14. What do you think of our site?

Just discovered it today, it's always good to see sites that are supporting "smaller" bands by doing stuff like this. Thank you for your time!

15. Something to add?

We want to play festivals other than in Germany so if you are a promoter and like our music, hit us a mail!