Sirens Over Sumeria - Interview

Hey, Breathing The Core fans, here we bring you another interview of the Progressive Metalcore band Sirens Over Sumeria from USA, so here you can see and give a like to his FACEBOOK PAGE. We have nothing more to say, so enjoy this interview!

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

Demir Mehovic: Our band name is mainly political. Sumeria (translating to "land of the civilized kings) was once a great civilization that occupied the majority of the middle east. They rose to power, conquering those around them, and relatively speaking, almost instantaneously vanishing off the face of the Earth. Their armies became stretched too far and wide, and disappeared due to their own lust and greed. We see the modern day world as Sumeria. World powers are waging war at every oppurtunity, and for what? Money and resources. We're killing our own kind for material possessions that will inevitably run out one day and then what are we going to be left with? A bunch of politicians who will continue to wage wars for any possible reason they could conjure up. Oh, and sirens is referring to air raid sirens seeing as a nuclear apocalypse isn't such a far-fetched possibility at this point.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?  

DM: I grew up being surrounded by mainstream music like pop and hip hop, whether it was while I lived in Bosnia or in Germany. But when I moved to the U.S., I discovered that there was a whole underground scene that's never even talked about on the radio. I instantly fell in love with it and soon after decided I wanted to write and play it myself. It's such an effective way to express raw emotion because it's what this genre is all about.

Jesse Morin: I wanted to play this genre because I've always been intrigued by harsh vocal styles. I wanted to learn them correctly and apply them. I try to sound like Jake Luhrs from August Burns Red, but I've been told countless times that I sound more like Randy Blythe from Lamb of God.

Zak Swanson: I've always been a part of this genre, really. I've gradually increased my musical maturity as I moved from bands like Paramore and A Day to Remember to more progressive and technical bands like ERRA, In Hearts Wake, August Burns Red and the like.

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

DM: I knew Jesse for a couple of years before I formed this band and I've grown up with Luke. Other than that, we've all just kinda come togther and bonded through this whole experience of being in a band together and wanting the same thing out of it.

4. Each band member favourite band?

DM: August Burns Red, Erra, I The Breather, and Periphery. I can't pick just one.

JM: My favorite band will always be August Burns Red.

ZS: My favorite band has been and always will be ERRA.

Aaron Stacey: Pantera.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?  

JM: My inspiration is drawn from my memories. Whether it be from thinking of a friend who passed away or simply a bad ass video game I love.

ZS: Emotion. Raw, electric emotion.

DM: What they said.

6. Where was your last gig?

DM: The Webster Underground in Hartford, CT.

7. Where would you like to act?  

JM: I'd like to play anywhere where people give a shit. I'd play in a basement if people were there to listen, but I'd also play for the Queen of England if she was feeling my lyrics.

DM: Basically what Jesse said haha. But my goal is defintely Warped Tour main stage. Actually it's more of a dream. But a realistic one. (Confidence intensifies).

ZS: It's always been my dream to play main stage at Vans Warped Tour, but those dreams may be maturing as well. I've played for so many empty crowds in the past that, at this point, I'll play a show for whoever is willing to listen.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

DM: I'd want to feature with Jesse Cash from Erra. That dude is ridiculous.

JM: I'd like to feature with a rap artist. There's no reason to feature with an artist that has a similar vocal style.

ZS: If we could feature with anybody, I'd like to feature with the new vocalist from Northlane. His vocals capture raw emotion better than others that I've heard.

9. Whom not?  

DM: Lil Wayne.

JM: Pompous jerks like Kellin Quinn, Johnny Craig, or Ronnie Radke. I don't get the feeling that they're in it for the right reasons.

ZS: If I could avoid partnering up with Chris Fronzak from Attila at any point in time, sign me up.

DM: (Laughing hysterically at Zak's answer)

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

DM: Nope. But I've embarrassed myself on stage more times than I can count.

JM: I've never suffered from stage fright, but I feel like leaving your ego at the door plays a huge role in the way you approach a show. Tyler the Creator said it best "What the fuck is a good performance? I get on stage and try to have as much fun as I can."

ZS: Unfortunately yeah. Back in high school I had a solo for a senior show and when the lights came up, no words came out. I just quietly creeped back into the shadows of the curtains. Definitely one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. But I've never had a problem while playing an instrument on stage, I've been doing it ever since I could remember. Just stick to your guns, have a glass of water, leave your baggage at the door and kill it out there.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

DM: To be honest, Bullet For My Valentine are responsible for introducing me to the metalcore scene. They're the main reason I am where I am. Shortly after, I also discovered August Burns Red and Periphery, which is when my taste became a lot more proggy and technical.

JM: The bands I am inspired by are August Burns Red, Erra, Killswitch Engage, and rap artists like Aesop Rock, Tyler the Creator, and Rob Sonic.

ZS: ERRA, Northlane, August Burns Red, In Hearts Wake, The Afterimage, and Novelists. These bands have a special place in my heart, they're the true inspiration for why I do what I do.

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

DM: It wasn't as much what they asked but what they said. In 2012, when we were opening for Within The Ruins, we were doing sound check and a guy comes up to me looks at my shirt and yells "The Devil Wears Prada?! More like The Devil Wears Gay! AHAHAHAHA!", as we stand there waiting for the que to start our set.

JM: Fans don't really ask me for much. One time I asked a fan if they would battle me in Pokemon because I saw that they had a Nintendo 3DS on them.

ZS: Believe it or not, I was actually asked for a bathroom selfie at a show. Needless to say that the wish was granted!

13. What do you think of your fans?

DM: We have a small fanbase of truly  dedicated fans. They're always helping us promote ourselves and try to support us in every way possible. For example just yesterday, a guy bought our album for $10 even though it's only $4 on bandcamp. That's dedication right there and we appreciate it to no end. It's you guys that drive us to be better. Without you, we'd be nothing.

JM: The fans we do have are what make it matter. If nobody gave a shit, I'd stay home and play Guilty Gear all day, but the fans make the stage something to live for. For that half hour or hour I'm on stage, I want to make them feel as awesome as I do when I'm up there.

ZS: In my eyes, the fans are the core of the entire project. Without them, this project would be nothing and I would have never been given such an amazing opportunity. Endless thanks to all those who support us.

14. What do you think of our site?

JM: Your site makes it really easy for people to connect with bands they like or might come to like. That bridge is something rare these days, oddly enough. So, thank you. Real talk.

ZS: It's awesome! It really allows the hardcore listener to tap into the lives of their favorite bands, which makes the bond between the two stronger! I'll support anything that makes fan-to-band connection easier. And the background music is pretty badass too!

DM: The internet needs more sites like yours. It's an excellent way for you and local bands to benefit off one another. It gets their name out as well as yours, and I thank you for that.

15. Something to add?

AS: If you have glasses take them off...

ZS: If you're ever asked what 9 plus 10 is, don't answer 21. You'll look stupid.

DM: But 9 plus 10 is 19 though...why would you say 21...? Nope nevermind, not even going to have a part in this one.