Up North - Interview

In this new occasion we have the great opportunity to interview the Melodic Hardcore band Up North from Germany, here we will let you their FACEBOOK PAGE to give them a like and follow them.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?

Getting our name fixed was quite a big task for us. At the beginning we planned to call this band „Landmarks“.But then after a while we realised that there were at least 3 other „Landmarks“ worldwide, one oft them being a pretty big Djent-band from France. So we spend ages discussing all possible band names. After a while someone came up with „Up North“. What a relief!

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

We all played music before. Going from Punkrock to Metal to Metalcore to Deathcore, we realised that many bands in these genres sound the same. We wanted to play the music we like the most. It took us some time to realise that you dont have to detune your guitar to the lowest tunings or squeal like a pig to sound heavy or aggressive in order to express your feelings.

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

We knew each other for quite some time. Markus and Niko have Bern friends for a long time, Sebastian and Michael played in a band together. And Miguel blends in perfectly (laughs).

4. Each band member favourite band?  

Michael: The Dillinger Escape Plan

Markus: Wu Tang Clan

Niko: Architects

Sebastian: Counterparts

Miguel: Defeater

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The daily life, bands we're enjoying or just a melody stuck in our heads. Sometimes it’s super easy to write and finish a song. With others it’s a struggle and you have to dig hard to finish that song the way you want it.

6. Where was your last gig?  

At the AZ Cologne. It was our first gig ever as „Up North“ and we had a blast sharing the stage with Earl Grey, Hopes and Skywalker.

7. Where would you like to act?  

We would love to see as much of the world as somehow possible. Let’s hope that playing the music we love is a great vehicle for that (laughs). We don’t care if it’s a small youthy or a big festival stage.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?  

Wow, thats a tough question. Sam from Architects, Ben Weinmann from Dillinger Escape Plan, there are so many great musicians.

9. Whom not?

Nothing to answer.

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

Since we all are quite experienced in playing music live, stage freight isn’t that much of a problem anymore. But a little excitement is important to stay focused. The most important tip is to get your gear ready: Prepare everything, be sure that everything works as it should. You don’t wanna wreck your nerves with technical difficulties. That does not mean that you have to have the most expensive gear, just treat it with love and take care of it and it probably won’t bite back (laughs). That means get rid of cheap guitar leads, put a new battery in your effects and belt pack before a show and stuff like that.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?  

I guess Counterparts, Hundredth, Have Heart and Killing The Dream.

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

I can only tell you that the weiredest thing we have ever asked people is to stay in front oft he stage for 30 minutes in order to listen to our set (laughs).

13. What do you think of your fans?

There is nothing better than getting great feedback after a show. It means a lot. Every like, every „well done“ and every kind word counts! Thanks a lot!!!

14. What do you think of our site?

A great site ran by some true music lovers! Keep it up! Thats what keeps a scene alive!

15. Something to add?

Go download or first EP „Recovery“ for free at www.bandcamp.com/upnorthhardcore !!! Check our website www.upnorthhardcore.de