Interviews: Fires Of Freya

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Fires Of Freya from UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Cheryl: Norse Mythology. Freya is the Norse Goddess of Love, Death, War etc. and is pretty bad ass! I love anything to do with mythology and ancient religions etc. it’s fascinating, so the name derives from there. “Fires” sounded good with it and fitting as she is the God of War. We used to be called “Break the Silence” but quickly found out the name was not so unique and would make us hart to find, especially online.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Cheryl: I’ve always preferred Rock music to any other, probably my dad’s influence who always played the likes of; Rainbow, Deep Purple, Rush, Pink Floyd, Bon Jovi, Roxette in the house or car and I picked up a love of such bands from there. I remember having the making of Slippery When Wet VHS tape when younger and watched it on repeat, jumping about my room to “Wild in the Streets”. I had a Roxette VHS tape as well and I just loved Marie Fredriksson, her voice amazed me! When I got older, I got into more modern rock bands such as Alter Bridge, HIM, Shinedown, Black Stone Cherry and Halestorm - Lzzy Hale is my absolute Idol! Her voice sends shivers up my spine it’s so powerful! Those are all my influences and so there was never any doubt what kind of music I wold write if in a band.

Dan: From when I was younger, I have always been more attracted to rock music and old pop punk, as it was what my mates and I listened to mostly when we got together. Over the years as I’ve gotten older my taste in music has broadened a lot from studying music at University. I listened to other people’s interests and studied different genres; however, I have always enjoyed playing along with what I first enjoyed – and it helps to be creating music with people with the same interests.

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

Cheryl: No, the beauty of music is it pulls strangers together all with a common interest and love in mind and so you have something instantly in common! We all met through me finding people on Join my Band in 2017. I put an add up looking for members, they came, we jammed, and we created the band as it is today, eventually after a few member changes!

4. Each band member favorite band? 

Cheryl: It’s hard to pick one, I love Bon Jovi, Roxette and HIM but I’d probably say Halestorm is my favourite at the moment.

Dan: It’s the same for me, to pick one is very hard. There are so many bands I enjoy listening to but if I had to narrow it down I would say Linkin Park, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Shinedown and Sum 41 are up there!

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Cheryl: Emotion inspires me to write songs. Some people write their feelings in a diary (I used to back before being in bands), lock them away and never let anyone read them. Writing real lyrics from real experiences and feelings is what I tend to do and it’s an emotional outlet as well as allowing me to be creative with it. Other influences can be sporadic, I maybe hear a song and think, oohh I want to write something like that! Or hear a certain structure and think, I have a bank of lyrics that would fit that structure etc. Sometimes just simply jamming it out is also an inspiration to write impressive songs!

6. Where was your last gig? 

Cheryl: INDEPENDENT in Sunderland – Great venue and sound and brilliant crowd was in!

7. Where would you like to perform? 

Cheryl: We played the O2 Academy in June this year, it was part of a competition, so we only got about 15 minutes on the stage, but it was amazing! I want back on that stage and big stages like it! The judges on the night said we suited a larger stage and worked the whole thing! Would love to eventually get onto some good festivals as well, I can’t imagine anything better than playing in front of thousands of fans at some big rock festival while everyone’s watching, and listening, having a ball in the sun with a cold beer!

Dan: Completely agree with Cheryl here!

8. Whom would you like to perform with? 

Cheryl: Alter Bridge, Myles Kennedys voice is stunning! And they do not have a bad song! I would have said Lzzy Hale but my god she would well outshine me! Haha

9. Whom not? 

Cheryl: Lots of bands! I never enjoy a gig where we are sharing the night with other bands that are totally different from us like techno or death metal or R&B.

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

Cheryl: Yes, I didn’t perform in front of anyone until I was 27 years old! I used to get so nervous, even standing to do public speaking, that my knees would shake and so my whole body and voice would quiver! My dad used to sneak my name into Karaoke’s on nights out to try and encourage me and it was pure horror! It was horrible! Something changed in my head after a huge heart break a couple of years ago. I think the numbing of going through such a horrible time, losing someone I loved that much, made me realise that I can’t live my life to make others happy and I can’t stay still and do nothing. My life was no longer revolving around another, my objectives where not to make someone else happy anymore. I’m not sure why I don’t get nervous anymore, I just don’t. I’m doing something I love and always wanted to do and there is nothing and no one stopping me anymore. No-one to miss if I’m out all the time, and no-one’s judgement to care about, so it’s me time to enjoy my hobby and passion and make new and interesting friends with common interests.

Dan: I did a bit when I first started, but I think what helped me the most was to play with other people and then in front of family and friends to get used to it. Once you feel more confident start trying to get out and playing gigs. Plus, I would say that it also helps if you are enjoying yourself and playing the music you are passionate about.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?  

Cheryl: As above really; Bon Jovi, Roxette, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry, HIM, Alter Bridge, Shinedown, Stone Sour , Evanescence to name just a few of my favourites!

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

Cheryl: I suppose a date? Not that weird I guess if your standing serenading people for a half hour I suppose but weird when you don’t know the person!

Dan: Well, unfortunately for Cheryl, she gets the brunt of it as lead singer! As far as I’m aware no-one has ever asked one of us 3 lads for a date! Haha!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Cheryl: We are pretty small still, so the word “fans” maybe stretching it slightly, it sometimes feels like our fans are our mums, dads and friends but I know that’s not strictly true! We have lots of support from local radio presenters to prompters to other bands as well as our own fans who we have picked up over the last year and a half. We often get approached and told how much people enjoyed our set. We had a guy come up and say we were his favourite band once, and the guy wasn’t my dad! That was pretty cool! More of that people!

14. What do you think of our site? 

Cheryl: It’s Ace! It’s well put together and so many awesome bands on there to discover! I love that it’s split into genres and sub genres so easy to find what you may like and a free music section and recommended music! Ideal for fans!

Dan: The site’s great, I like how it is well organised – there’s so much to look through and keep you busy on there. There’s lots of useful information to help bands gain more fans and promote their music – it’s really helpful!

15. Something to add?

Cheryl: We’ve just finished recording our 2 nd single “Complicated” which we plan to release the end of this year/beginning of next year, so keep an eye out for that! Our debut single is available on all major streaming sights and music stores “Take a Bow” so do check this out to hear our sound and if you like it, follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) so we can keep you up to date with all things FoF!